Selective Mutism Group

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Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder in which a child who is more talkative at home or when comfortable does not speak in other settings, such as school.

This group helps children with selective mutism face their fears of speaking in front of peers and adults in various settings. Parents and caregivers also learn strategies for helping their child increase their speaking behaviors and new ways of interacting with and supporting their child.

Who should attend?

We offer 2 groups:

1 group for children ages 3 to 7
1 group for children ages 8 to 12

Group sessions will involve you and your child.

How long is the group and what does it cover?

The group includes 8 weekly visits. Each session lasts 90 minutes.

Week 1: We will meet with parents and caregivers only.
Weeks 2 through 8: We will meet with parents and caregivers alone for 45 minutes. We will meet with parents, caregivers and youth together for 45 minutes.

During the sessions:

You will learn about what causes selective mutism, why symptoms continue and strategies to help your child speak more in settings outside of the home.
We will help your child practice gradually facing the fears and worries that keep them from speaking outside of their home environment. This is called “exposures.” Your child will practice gradually increasing how much they speak with therapists and other group members.

Where does the group take place?

This is a group-based program. That means other parents, caregivers and youth will attend.

Visits will be by telehealth (video). You must be physically in the state of Washington at the time of each session. Let our team know if you do not have access to technology for the video sessions. Please find a quiet, private space to participate.

How much does it cost?

Your insurance will be billed for each group session that you attend. Check with your insurance company to see if the visits are covered. We contract with most insurance plans, including Apple Health (Medicaid) and their managed care plans (Molina, Coordinated Care, CHPW, Wellpoint and United Community). This is the procedure code for when you call your insurance provider:

Parent and caregiver group: 90849 multiple family group psychotherapy

How do we get a referral to participate in the group?

If you are interested in this group, please contact your child’s primary care or mental health provider. Ask them to send a referral to Seattle Children’s Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine for the “Selective Mutism Group.”

If your child is a current patient with Seattle Children’s, ask your Seattle Children’s provider for a referral.

If we receive a referral from your provider and we have an opening, we will call you to schedule a consultation. This will help you decide whether the group is a good fit for you and your child.

To Learn More

Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine
206-987-2164
Ask your child’s healthcare provider
seattlechildrens.org/patient-education

Free Interpreter Services

In the hospital, ask your nurse.
From outside the hospital, call the toll-free Family Interpreting Line, 1-866-583-1527. Tell the interpreter the name or extension you need.

Seattle Children’s offers free interpreter services for patients, family members and legal representatives who are deaf or hard of hearing or speak a language other than English. Seattle Children’s will make this information available in alternate formats upon request. Call the Family Resource Center at 206-987-2201. This handout has been reviewed by clinical staff at Seattle Children’s. However, your needs are unique. Before you act or rely upon this information, please talk with your healthcare provider.

08/01/2026

PE2671