Selective Mutism
Therapy for Selective Mutism
Selective Mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder characterized by an inability to speak in specific settings, despite being able to speak in others. Rockville Therapy Center provides therapy for Selective Mutism and other Selective Mutism treatments to help children, teens, and adults with Selective Mutism “get better” faster.
What is Selective Mutism?
Rockville Therapy Center can help with Selective Mutism in Children, Teens, and Adults
Selective Mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder characterized by an inability to speak in various settings. School environments are often the most anxiety-inducing. While children with this disorder are typically able to speak comfortably at home or in familiar, secure environments, the intense anxiety they experience in other settings significantly impairs their ability to engage in social and academic environments.
Diagnosing Selective Mutism in Children
If several of the symptoms describe your child, you may consider a diagnosis of Selective Mutism
To help a child with Selective Mutism, first we must diagnose them. If left untreated, Selective Mutism can lead to increased social anxiety, school refusal, loneliness, and depression. Selective Mutism therapy is very effective – get help today!
- Does the child have difficulty talking to new people?
- Does the child avoid speaking with familiar adults or peers, even when they are well-liked?
- Does this silence continue despite a “warm-up” period?
- Does the mutism get in the way of classroom participation, such as raising hand to answer questions, giving presentations, and asking for help?
- Does it appear as if there are two sides to your child – the outgoing child when comfortable and the frozen, anxious child in public/at school?
- Have these issues continued past the first month of school?
Comprehensive Selective Mutism Therapy Services
Therapy Services for Selective Mutism in Children, Teens, and Adults to “get better” faster
Individualized Therapy
Tailored support to help each child thrive by addressing their unique needs, building communication skills, and boosting confidence.Peer Playdates
Supportive playdates where kids with Selective Mutism practice using their brave voice with peers in a safe and fun environment.Community Speaking
Helping kids gain confidence in speaking to new adults in real-world settings like stores, restaurants, and other community spaces.School Visits
Providing on-site support to help children and school teams build speech and communication skills in the classroom and school environment.Fast-Track Progress
Fast-track progress with Intense Therapy. Engage in several hours of therapy each week to build confidence and communication skills more quickly.Our 4-Step Evaluation Process
The First Step to Selective Mutism Treatment is Evaluation and Diagnosis
Virtual Intake Evaluation
The first session involves a virtual 55-minute meeting with all parents and/or legal guardians without the child present. This session aims to gather background information and identify treatment goals.
90791 (95) Psychiatric Diagnostic Evaluation
Virtual PCIT-SM Skills Training
The second virtual session involves a 55-minute meeting with all parents and/or legal guardians without the child present. The session aims to review all PCIT-SM skills needed to prepare for the third session with the child patient.
90846 (95) Family Psychotherapy without Patient Present
In-Person Session
The third in-person session involves a 55-minute meeting with a parent and/or legal guardian and the child. This "fade-in" is designed to help the child speak in font of, and directly to, the therapist.
90837 Psychotherapy Session
Virtual Feedback
The fourth virtual session involves a 55-minute meeting with all parents and/or legal guardians only - no child - to discuss the results of the evaluation and to develop an initial treatment plan.
90846 (95) Family Psychotherapy without Patient Present
"This ... has been a very important step in our child’s SM journey. We saw immediate improvements. Dr. Scharfstein and her team are incredible"
Selective Mutism Resources
Selective Mutism Resources
Caregiver Training and Other Events via Selective Mutism Association
Facebook groups:
Parents of Children with Selective Mutism
Parents of Teens with Selective Mutism
Teachers of Children with Selective Mutism
-
Confident Kids Camp
An intensive day camp for children with Selective Mutism, helping them apply their speech skills beyond the clinic to real-world settings.