Find any upcoming Selective Mutism events below:
At Thriving Minds Behavioral Health, we specialize in evidence-based therapy for children with co-occurring Selective Mutism (SM) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our treatment approach helps children reduce anxiety, improve communication, and succeed in both home and school settings.
Selective Mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder characterized by an ‘inability’ to speak in various social settings. These children can speak at home and in settings where they are comfortable. However, this anxiety significantly impacts the ability of the child to participate in both social and academic activities in the school environment.
Early identification and intervention is key in the treatment of Selective Mutism. This workshop is based on scientifically supported techniques of behavior intervention led by Dr. Aimee Kotrba, Licensed Psychologist and expert in the field of Selective Mutism.
Join Dr. Andrea Roth, author of The Essential Guide to Children’s Sleep, for a parent workshop full of practical, research-based tools to help your anxious child—and your whole family—get the rest you need.
Past Events
Join Katelyn Reed, Director of the Selective Mutism Program at Thriving Minds, along with experts from the Selective Mutism Training Institute, for a hands-on, 2-day caregiver training, April 26-27, 2025. This immersive workshop is designed for parents and caregivers of children with Selective Mutism. Visit the website to learn more and register today!
It’s not too late to make the rest of the school year count and make demonstrable gains in bravery! Join this webinar by Dr. Aimee Kotrba, as she provides 10 steps for making the most of the remainder of the school year.
Reward systems are a widely used behavioral intervention strategy to encourage children with Selective Mutism (SM) to speak in new settings and with unfamiliar people. In fact, reward systems are incorporated into SM treatment plans far more frequently than other behavioral interventions like shaping, hierarchical exposure, and stimulus fading.
Many schools use a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework to match the needs of students with SM and implement effective reward systems. Learn how to design and implement these systems to encourage positive communication behaviors in students with SM.
Don't Miss This Free Event!
Join us on November 14, 2024, from 12:00 -1:00 PM for a comprehensive, free webinar on effectively using reward systems to support students with Selective Mutism. Whether you're a school professional or a parent, you'll gain valuable insights and practical tools.
Does your child with selective mutism need extra practice before Halloween trick-or-treating? Join us in Livonia for treats, costumes and parenting tips to help make Halloween a success!
Selective Mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder characterized by an ‘inability’ to speak in various social settings. These children can speak at home and in settings where they are comfortable. However, this anxiety significantly impacts the ability of the child to participate in both social and academic activities in the school environment.
Early identification and intervention is key in the treatment of Selective Mutism. This workshop is based on scientifically supported techniques of behavior intervention led by Dr. Aimee Kotrba, Licensed Psychologist and expert in the field of Selective Mutism.
As a caregiver of a child with Selective Mutism, ensuring a smooth back-to-school transition can be challenging. Our 5-week course is designed to equip you with crucial information and tools to make this transition as positive as possible. Our expert clinicians will cover key topics like how to promote speech with teachers, access necessary school supports, and create appropriate goals. We also provide Q&A time to ensure you feel confident in conquering the new school year. Join us and make the upcoming academic year a success for your child.
This group will be run by two of our Selective Mutism specialists: Hannah Hamilton, LLMSW and Jennifer Garcia, M.A., T/LLP. It will be centered around your child practicing being brave with other children and having fun!
Thriving Minds is thrilled to offer a 2024 winter Selective Mutism (SM) playdate series. Our exciting, therapeutic playdates not only enhance your child's communication skills, but also foster confidence gained through one-on-one peer interactions. Children will have opportunities to practice their brave voice with peers, while parents learn how to facilitate playdates outside of the office.
Have a school refusing child? Our 4-week parenting workshop with Director of School Refusal Program, Molly Schofield can help. Learn the skills and strategies to understand your child's needs and get them back to school after holiday breaks, while connecting with other parents managing the same challenges.
Does your child with selective mutism need extra practice before Halloween trick-or-treating? Join us in Livonia for treats, costumes and parenting tips to help make Halloween a success!
Join Dr. Taylor Hicks-Hoste and Dr. Jami Furr on Instagram Live as they discuss best practices for supporting students who have selective mutism in the school. Get valuable information about the types of school-based supports available for children with selective mutism.
When: Wednesday, October 18, at 1:00 PM EST
Where: Instagram live (follow @thrivingmindsbh on Instagram to watch)
Cost: Free!
Selective Mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder characterized by an ‘inability’ to speak in various social settings. These children can speak at home and in settings where they are comfortable. However, this anxiety significantly impacts the ability of the child to participate in both social and academic activities in the school environment.
Early identification and intervention is key in the treatment of Selective Mutism. This workshop is based on scientifically supported techniques of behavior intervention led by Dr. Aimee Kotrba, Licensed Psychologist and expert in the field of Selective Mutism.
Understanding Selective Mutism: All-Day Intensive For Professionals
Thriving Minds offers expert training in Selective Mutism, which includes not only training in treatment but hands-on experience. Training packages can be individualized to the needs of the clinician and available scheduled treatment sessions but will likely include the combination of:
Pre-intervention consultation and provision of training resources
Participation in behavioral assessment procedures, individual treatment sessions, individual intensive treatment sessions, parent psychoeducational sessions, school consultation sessions, and/or group therapy sessions for children with Selective Mutism
Coaching and assistance from the lead clinician on intervention skills
One hour debriefing and psychoeducational session with the lead clinician
Two 30-minute follow-up case consultation sessions on the SM-related topic or case of your choice.

During intervention sessions, advanced training participants will learn through the expert clinician's modeling of treatment techniques as well as the participants' own direct application of treatment techniques. Participants will serve as a novel communication partner for stimulus-fading sessions, facilitate community exposures, participate in parent psychoeducational sessions, and collaborate with the lead clinician and parents about the next brave talking goals for the child in treatment.
Clinicians will also receive a copy of Selective Mutism: An Assessment and Intervention Guide for Therapists, Educators, & Parents by Dr. Aimee Kotrba to assist in preparation for participation in the training and as a continued resource in their clinical practice
Package is priced at $850 per clinician. Group rates are also available. Participants should expect additional expenses including travel to and from community exposures, individual entrance fees to museums/fairs/events (when necessary for community exposures), and meals.
For more information or to register, please call (734) 433-5100 or email Katelyn Reed at kreed@thrivingminds.info
What people say about our talks:
“Dr. Kotrba offered practical strategies that could be immediately implemented! This gives us the starting point we have been needing for so long!” — parent of a child with Selective Mutism
“This is by far the best workshop I’ve attended. Dr. Kotrba is an excellent and engaging speaker.” — educator
As a person who tends to get awfully fidgety during all-day conference sessions (especially on beautiful fall days), it is a pleasure to say I was completely captivated throughout the whole presentation. Your presentation has motivated me to continue brainstorming supports for the students on my caseload and in the rest of my school district – we have a general lack of support/knowledge around this disability in our district and in our state – who have SM. I will be consulting with my fellow SLPs and sharing what I’ve learned.” — Amanda, Workshop Participant