Telehealth across Florida

Child behavior help for Sarasota families

Behavioral parent training by telehealth for Sarasota parents of children ages 4–10, led by licensed clinical child psychologist Dr. Emily Gault, PhD.

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Help without the drive

Center for Child Behavior opened in Sarasota in 2023, and Dr. Emily has worked with families across Sarasota County since then, from downtown Sarasota to Osprey, Siesta Key, and Venice.

Many Sarasota parents come to Dr. Emily after trying other supports, such as occupational therapy, speech therapy, or general parenting advice, without seeing the behavior change they need. The Parent Steps Program gives parents a clear, step-by-step plan, delivered by telehealth so it fits around school and work.

What we help with

The Parent Steps Program is a behavioral parent training program for families of children ages 4–10. Parents learn research-backed skills in a specific order, starting with connection and ending with discipline. It helps with:

  • Meltdowns that escalate quickly and are hard to bring back down
  • Hitting, kicking, or other physical aggression
  • Defiance and not following directions
  • Attention and focus challenges, including ADHD
  • Morning, homework, and bedtime routines that fall apart
  • Behavior challenges showing up at school or daycare

See how The Parent Steps Program works

Working with Dr. Emily

Dr. Emily Gault, PhD, is a licensed clinical child psychologist and PCIT-trained clinician with about 40 peer-reviewed publications. Families meet with her for two 1-on-1 sessions and two office-hours sessions each month, with email support between appointments. Read Dr. Emily's story.

Common questions

Questions from Sarasota parents

Is this available if we live outside the city of Sarasota?

Yes. Services are delivered by telehealth to families anywhere in Florida, so it doesn't matter where in Sarasota County you live.

Can we use Step Up Scholarship funds?

Superbills and receipts are provided for Step Up Scholarship reimbursement, and families can also use superbills to submit to their insurance.

What if we're on a waitlist somewhere else?

Dr. Emily writes a free weekly newsletter that teaches the same framework step by step. It's written especially for families waiting for therapy.

Ready to feel calm and confident as a parent?

Enrollment is limited to ensure each family receives thoughtful, individualized support. Applications take about 2 minutes.

Apply to the Parent Steps Program