State-wide dissemination and implementation of parent–child interaction therapy (PCIT): Application of theory

Parent–Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an effective evidence-based psychotherapy for reducing behavioral problems in young children. However, few attempts to disseminate and implement this treatment have utilized dissemination and implementation theory to describe successful system of care implementation. This paper depicts the recursive planning, training and implementation, and evaluation phases of a state-wide effort to implement PCIT, and provides descriptive data to highlight key features of the initiative. Outcomes suggest the importance of collaboration in identifying community needs, matching needs to an intervention, ongoing clinician training and consultation, and persistent evaluation throughout the dissemination process. The initiative is discussed within the context of exploring important considerations in the complex process of Evidence-Based Psychotherapy implementation.