How will I know if intensive therapy will work?

We all wish therapy could come with a guarantee—but it can’t. Every child is different. Progress depends on many things, including your child’s personality, their environment, timing, and the support they receive both in and outside of therapy.

The good news is that research shows cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) works very well for many children with selective mutism. CBT helps reduce anxiety and increase speaking in different places and with different people.

Research on intensive group programs is especially encouraging. In one study of our Confident Kids Camp:

  • 36% of children showed major improvement right after treatment

  • 64% showed major improvement three months later

In another study:

  • 7% of children no longer met criteria for selective mutism right after intensive treatment

  • By the start of the next school year, 46% no longer met criteria

Many children also report feeling more confident overall after therapy—even though building confidence isn’t the main goal of treatment.

While we can’t promise specific results, the research gives us strong reasons to feel hopeful. As specialists in this treatment, we have many tools and strategies we can adjust or pivot to so your child gets the support they truly need. If we ever feel that this model isn’t the right fit for your child right now, we will be open and honest with you and help guide you toward the best next step.

There are not yet studies on the typical outcomes of one-to-one intensive intervention, but we actually collect that data as part of our intensive offerings. Keep an eye out for that data!

One of the most valuable ways to understand the potential impact is by hearing directly from families who have participated. Here are a few stories, shared by parents about their child’s experience:

“At school she is talking to familiar peers in different settings outside the classroom: playground, hallway, small group setting in various locations. Her social worker is introducing new adults into her session and she is opening up and initiating conversation. I am so happy she has some places at school where she can be herself. I know she will continue to grow and am hopeful that she will get to that tipping point where she just talks freely.”

“For two years, we would worry about our son not being able to ask for water, help with the bathroom, or being able to ask for more food. It was the first time he was able to ask for something he needed….When our son was receiving the treatment, I told him Katelyn was a Superhero that was going to help him find his brave voice, and she did just that. [Since treatment,] our son has stopped coming into our bed at night (this was a frequent occurrence), he is not fighting with his sister as much, and he has not given us an excuse to not go to school…He asked his teacher to please give us all of his friends' phone numbers because he wanted everyone to come to his [birthday] party. Thank you so much to Katelyn, and the staff at Thriving Minds. We can never say thank you enough for the way you have changed our son’s life.”

“I am still in complete and total awe of the work you do and it's impact in such a short time. Since Thursday, [child] has gone to the library where he asked for help all on his own (more than once), went to Meijer where he returned a shirt and asked for help finding items, and ordered his own lunch and ice cream (plus thank you's)!! I never could have dreamt it would be such an amazing result. He also tells me he's going to use his brave voice and talk to [his teacher] at school. We'll see tonight at meet the teacher, but I'm optimistic. Saying "thank you" isn't enough, but from the depths of my heart, THANK YOU!!”

“[Child] is doing great, talked with 3 cousins for the first time on Sunday, and with [teacher] today! Thanks also for sending the report, I really appreciate the detailed instructions.”

“You gave something to [Child] 6 years ago that has changed the trajectory of her life!  She's hit bumps, been bruised, and sometimes struggles to find that footing/ struggles with how to use her voice in situations at times (no different than any other 11 year old), [but]  she continues to grow and challenge herself…I know she wouldn't be this far without you”