Online Selective Mutism Training Institute for Caregivers 2025
April 26 @ 9:00 am – April 27 @ 3:30 pm EDT
More Information and Registration
The Selective Mutism Training Institute for Caregivers (SMTI-Caregivers) is an online 2 day training designed for caregivers of children ages 3 – 17 diagnosed with selective mutism. This workshop is skills-based with the goal of increasing caregiver competence in applying treatment strategies with their child who has SM.
The Selective Mutism Training Institute for Caregivers (SMTI-Caregivers) is an in-depth 2-day training course for caregivers of children/youth (ages 3 – 17) diagnosed with selective mutism (SM). The workshop is intensive and skills-based with the goal of increasing caregiver competence in utilizing empirically-supported treatment strategies for SM. We maintain a low instructor-to-participant ratio to ensure adequate time for modeling and video role-play of the skills. Registration will be capped at 30 participants.
This is a unique opportunity for caregivers of children with selective mutism to learn cutting-edge, innovative techniques to effectively address SM. Small group, video consultation with the course instructors following the 2-day training is included in the cost. This will allow participants to further apply the skills in their own unique way. Please note this consultation does not provide individualized treatment.
This course is taught by leading experts, researchers, and authors in the field of Selective Mutism:
Brittany Bice-Urbach, Ph.D.
Dr. Bice-Urbach is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the Medical College of Wisconsin and has been working as a clinical psychologist at the Child Development Center, a developmental clinic through Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, in the School Performance Program. She completed her graduate training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School Psychology Program, her internship at Illinois State University’s Psychological Services Center, and her Post-Doctoral fellowship at Connections Day School, a therapeutic day school in Illinois. Dr. Bice-Urbach has a specialty in best practices in providing telebehavioral health services. She was involved with a team of providers in developing training materials for the recent and rapid transition to telebehavioral health at Children’s Wisconsin in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has contributed a book chapter regarding practical considerations in providing teleconsultation services. Dr. Bice-Urbach also has a clinical specialty in treating children and adolescents with anxiety disorders through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with a primary focus on treating children with Selective Mutism. At the Child Development Center, she has been offering assessment, individual therapy, and family/school consultation and training to support children with Selective Mutism. She has participated in the Selective Mutism Training Institute and given several national presentations at the National Association for School Psychologists Annual Convention on the topic of addressing symptoms of Selective Mutism in a school setting. She also has prioritized trainings for medical facilities and pediatricians on detecting symptoms of Selective Mutism and supporting children and their families through the journey in finding appropriate resources. Dr. Bice-Urbach is excited to be joining the board of SMA and collaborating to continue to increase awareness and access to evidence-based resources on SM for children, families, and treating professionals.
Jami Furr, Ph.D.
Dr. Jami Furr is a Clinical Associate Professor and Senior Psychologist in the Mental Health Interventions and Technology (MINT) Program, and Developer of the Selective Mutism Program at Florida International University Center for Children and Families (CCF). She is the Past-President of the Selective Mutism Association and has served on their Board of Directors for the last 6 years. Dr. Furr has extensive clinical expertise and research interests in cognitive and behavioral treatments of childhood anxiety and disruptive behavior disorders, with a particular focus on preschool mental health. Dr. Furr currently serves as a Trainer and Clinical Supervisor on two exciting clinical projects in the MINT Program: (a) a SAMHSA-funded program providing largescale training and consultation in disaster mental health to youth-serving professionals in disaster-hit regions and disaster-prone regions—i.e., Network for Expanding Child Wellness in Disaster-Affected Youth (NEW DAY), and (b) a Donor-funded Clinical Program, Virtual House Calls for Families in Need: The Free Family Telehealth Program. In addition, Dr. Furr has served as the Clinical Director of several federally funded randomized trials evaluating the acceptability and utility of telehealth strategies for expanding the scope and reach of mental health care; and provides training and supervision for clinical services for anxiety, OCD, and/or disruptive behavior problems in the MINT Program that have reached over 100 children and adolescents each year. Dr. Furr fostered the first randomized controlled trial on an intensive group behavioral treatment for youth with selective mutism, published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology. Her selective mutism program has been featured in the media, including The New York Times. In 2019, Dr. Furr was the recipient of the Anne Marie Albano Early Career Award for the Integration of Science and Practice from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) and the Florida International University College of Arts, Sciences, and Education Award for Research.
Katelyn Reed, M.S., LLP
Katelyn Reed, M.S. is a Limited Licensed Psychologist at Thriving Minds Family Services, located in Chelsea, MI. She completed her Master’s degree in Clinical Behavioral Psychology at Eastern Michigan University where she focused on evidence-based behavioral and cognitive behavioral interventions for children and adolescents. Through her work at Thriving Minds, Katelyn specializes in treating children with Selective Mutism via traditional weekly therapy, intensive therapy (i.e., 15-20 hours of treatment in one week), and group therapy models. Through an exposure therapy model, children with Selective Mutism are encouraged to be brave in talking with new people and in new settings. Katelyn emphasizes collaborative care and frequently works in partnership with parents and schools to best assist clients and to promote growth through education on appropriate goals and interventions. Katelyn is also the Assistant Director for Confident Kids Camp, an intensive week-long treatment program for children with Selective Mutism. In addition to her work with children with Selective Mutism, Katelyn provides evidenced-based therapy for children with other anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and disruptive behavior disorders.
Katelyn has been a professional member of the Selective Mutism Association since 2013 and joined the Board of Directors in 2017. Currently she serves as the President of SMA. She is passionate about spreading awareness about Selective Mutism and about effective treatment techniques and is excited to contribute to the mission of SMA through her involvement on the Board of Directors.
Program Objectives – Participants will be able to
- Describe ways in which SM develops and appropriate timing for medical consultation
- State empirically-supported behavioral and cognitive treatment strategies, including PCIT-SM (Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Selective Mutism) techniques for SM in school, home, and public (social) settings
- List 3 strategies to effectively engage school personnel and educational staff when implementing relevant treatment strategies specific to youth with SM
- List various forms of caregiver self-care when supporting children with SM
Participants who will benefit from this training include all caregivers of children with selective mutism.
Other participants will be considered on a case-by-case basis and are encouraged to email info@selectivemutism.org with their particulars to discuss if this training is appropriate.
Prior Experience: The SMTI course is primarily intended for those with beginner and intermediate knowledge of SM.
Couple Information: For those interested in registering at the couple rate, please consider the following information. The couple rate is designed for spouses/partners who are caregivers of a child with SM who live in the same houeshold. When registering as a couple, each person must have access to a device and both people who are registered should be in separate rooms during the training to prevent feedback/technological interference. It is necessary to register both members of a couple to allow for appropriate ratios for practice.
Only those with paid registrations will be able to participate in the practice sessions which are a significant portion of the training. If family members would like to listen in the background to the teaching part of the training and NOT participate in the practice sessions, they do not need to register. Only one entrance into the training will be allowed per individual registered. Two entrances to the training will be allowed per couple registration.
Cancellation: Any cancellations made prior to April 11, 2025 will receive a full refund less a $40 processing fee. No refunds will be given after April 11, 2025.
*Please note that this training is offered in English. If you need any special accommodations, please email Dr. Lisa Kovac at info@selectivemutism.org prior to registering.
