Children or teens who struggle with selective mutism (SM) and/or social anxiety experience significant discomfort around many social situations. While they may be talkative at home, they may fall silent or appear frozen in public settings or with certain individuals. Given the current circumstances of COVID-19, some of those kids or teens with these difficulties are feeling more at ease given that many of these social interactions are no longer readily available. Others, who may have been forming social connections in-person, are struggling to connect with teachers and classmates now that the demand has switched to web-based services.

The following child, teen, and parent groups are virtual and specially focused on navigating Selective Mutism and other anxieties in the midst of the challenging COVID-19 circumstances. 

Our group intervention at Kurtz Psychology incorporates evidence-based approaches with engaging and relevant activities to target your child’s increased verbalizations and interactions with adults and peers within a virtual format. Children will have an opportunity to meet other children with similar difficulties and participate in weekly lessons simulating an online classroom. Over the course of the group, each child will provide one presentation to the group. Registration is open to all families, new and current!

Areas of focus: Responding to and asking questions, interacting virtually with peers, participating in a virtual classroom, presenting to a group, etc.

Location: Online

Costs: $150/session. Sessions will be billed weekly for the 4-week time commitment.

• Current families receive quick warm-up call with Dr. Mayer to ensure child is able engage in this virtual group, no charge if under 15 mins.
• New families will need to complete a $100 screener to assess that your child is an appropriate fit for group.

Register: Call 212. 658. 0110 ext. 122 or email smgroup@kurtzpsychology.com.

• All children required to respond verbally to Dr. Mayer via an individual session prior to registration.
• Individual sessions available beforehand, if clinically indicated. Sessions billed separately.
• Parents must be familiar with the PCIT-SM approach to support group interactions and available to participate, if the clinician sees a need.
• Registration will be capped at 6 participants.
• All families are required to commit to the full month to promote consistency and relationship-building.