Children with Selective Mutism struggle to speak in environments like school or extracurricular activities, but can communicate at home with close family. Thriving Mind’s highly trained and specialized therapists offer several models of research-supported treatment for Selective Mutism.
While each child's treatment plan is individualized, our approach typically incorporates evidence-based strategies such as Exposure/Stimulus Fading, Positive Reinforcement for Speech, Parent Training, School Consultations, and Developing Special Education Plans.
Exposure/Stimulus Fading is the foundation of effective Selective Mutism treatment. Exposure therapy helps children gradually face the fear of speaking and communicating, while stimulus fading slowly introduces new people, settings, or communication demands at a pace that allows anxiety to decrease and confidence to grow.
Throughout treatment, Positive Reinforcement for Speech is used to encourage brave communication attempts and celebrate progress. Therapists work closely with parents to develop strategies that reward speech and participation in challenging situations.
As children become more comfortable speaking, therapists create opportunities for Brave Practices both in and outside of sessions, helping children generalize their communication skills to real-world situations. Because progress occurs most rapidly when treatment strategies are practiced beyond weekly sessions, Parent Training is a key component of our programs. Parents learn how to facilitate brave practices, support stimulus fading, and create opportunities for success in everyday life.
For many children, school is one of the most challenging environments affected by Selective Mutism. Through School Consultations, our clinicians collaborate with teachers and school staff to ensure that treatment strategies are implemented consistently across settings. When appropriate, we also assist with Developing Special Education Plans by providing recommendations, reports, and consultation to support the development of 504 Plans or Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), helping children access the educational support they need to succeed.
Unique models of treatment offered at Thriving Minds
Individual (Weekly) Therapy
Grow your child’s brave voice through weekly sessions with one of our expert therapists using behaviorally-based intervention techniques. Sessions will also incorporate community exposures or peer practices. Your therapist will also consult with your child’s school.
In person therapy is available for Michigan-based families.
Limited virtual slots are available for families in PsyPact-participating states. Learn about how PsyPact makes it easier for families across the country to access specialized treatment for Selective Mutism (SM).
Intensive Therapy
What is Intensive Therapy for Selective Mutism?
Intensive therapy for Selective Mutism is a structured treatment model designed to accelerate progress by providing several hours of therapy per day over a series of consecutive days. This concentrated approach allows children to practice communication skills in real-world settings, helping them build confidence faster than traditional weekly sessions, while still using the same evidence-based methods for treating Selective Mutism.
In-Clinic Intensive: Build momentum and capitalize on treatment gains with the intensive model (15-25 hours over 3-5 consecutive days). Address communication goals in the community setting alongside your child so that you feel confident with the intervention techniques when you return home. Watch Thriving Minds Director of Selective Mutism, Katelyn Reed, discuss intensive therapy here. Highlights of the in-clinic program include:
Individualized intervention to meet your child’s specific needs and goals
Offered year-round
Takes place in our Chelsea, Michigan office with additional practice in the community
In-School Intensive: Our SM expert will travel to you and work with your child to grow their brave voice in his/her school! Your therapist will also help your child’s teachers and school staff to understand and use the evidence-based behavioral techniques. For detailed information click here to learn more or click here to watch a video. Key features of the in-school intensive include:
Individualized intervention to meet your child’s specific needs and goals
Offered during the school year
Takes place in Michigan
For families outside of Michigan, we have limited openings for our SM expert to travel to your home, school or community
Trying to decide between an in-clinic or in-school intensive for your child?
Watch our SM experts break down both options to help you choose the best fit for your child's needs.
Confident Kids Camps
Confident Kids Camp: For over 10 years, we’ve offered this interactive 5-day group intensive each July, focusing on both school and community communication goals. Students are placed in a "classroom" with approximately 8 age-matched peers and are individually partnered with a counselor to help them set and achieve brave talking goals across various settings. Learn more. Some highlights of the in-clinic program include:
School-Style Group Intensive for Selective Mutism
Offered once per year (generally the last week in July)
Takes place in Brighton, Michigan with spots filling up typically by the spring each year.
Confident Kids Advanced Camp: We are excited to introduce the Confident Kids Advanced Camp (CKAC), a new 3-day group intensive program launched in 2025! This advanced camp is ideal for children who have previously participated in Selective Mutism programs or camps and are ready to take their communication skills to the next level with more challenging, high-level goals. Registration opens in January 2026. Watch a brief video about the camp here or download this for more information. Key features include:
School-Style Group Intensive for Selective Mutism
Offered once per year (generally the second to last week in July)
Takes place in Brighton, Michigan
Selective Mutism Consultations
And Parent Support
School or Community Consultations: It’s essential for schools, family members, coaches, and other adults to understand Selective Mutism and use effective strategies when interacting with children who have SM. Our therapists offer expert Zoom or phone consultations to train adults on well-established methods to help children with SM communicate. We provide guidance on how to become supportive "brave coaches" and assist in developing personalized plans for success in school or community settings.
Parent Consultations: For parents seeking expert advice on managing their child's Selective Mutism, we offer one-time or continuing consultation sessions tailored to your needs. Whether you're just starting your SM treatment journey, looking for guidance on next steps, or already have a therapist and need additional support, our experienced specialists are here to help. These consultations are perfect for parents who need professional insights on effective strategies, treatment options, and how to best support their child's communication progress.
Consultations are available for individuals and professionals both within and outside of Michigan.
Learn effective tools for helping children find their brave voice
Whether you’re a parent seeking support or a professional in need of a “crash course” in treating selective mutism, join Thriving Minds' owner and psychologist Aimee Kotrba, Ph.D., as she shares her 5-hour workshop. Dr. Kotrba provides participants with an engaging seminar packed full of practical tips that can be put into action right away. Help your child or student reach their full potential.
Dr. Kotrba offers consultation to professionals and parents about the following topics:
Treatment for selective mutism
Supporting children with SM in schools (providing consultation to school-based professionals)
Starting a group or solo private practice
Creating an intensive offering, such as Confident Kids Camp.
Schedule a one-hour professional consultation with Dr. Kotrba using the form below.
Want to learn more about helping your child, student, or client with Selective Mutism?
Click here to find out about upcoming child groups, parent workshops, and professional trainings
Click here to read articles about Selective Mutism—updated monthly.
Click here for a list of Selective Mutism resources.