Selective Mutism
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Navigate Selective Mutism with Compassionate, Licensed Therapists
Some children are naturally shy, but selective mutism goes beyond being quiet. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder in which a child is able to speak comfortably in certain settings, such as at home with family, but consistently struggles to speak in other environments like school, extracurricular activities, or around unfamiliar people. This can make everyday interactions stressful and affect a child’s academic, social, and emotional development.
You may notice your child speaking freely at home but remaining silent at school, avoiding conversations with peers or adults, or becoming visibly anxious when expected to speak. At Genesis Counseling, we provide Selective Mutism therapy that helps children gradually build confidence, reduce anxiety, and develop communication skills in a supportive, individualized environment.
We offer therapy in Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, and Wellington, as well as virtual therapy throughout Florida.
OUR MISSION IS SIMPLE
to help you heal, therapy designed around you.
Signs You May Benefit from Selective Mutism Therapy
Selective mutism affects children differently, but the common thread is persistent difficulty speaking in specific social situations despite being able to communicate comfortably elsewhere.
You may notice:
- Speaking comfortably at home but not at school or in public
- Difficulty answering questions from teachers or other adults
- Avoiding conversations with peers
- Freezing or appearing anxious when expected to speak
- Using gestures, nodding, or pointing instead of talking
- Fear of being the center of attention
- Difficulty participating in classroom activities
- Anxiety surrounding social situations
These challenges are not intentional. They are often driven by significant anxiety that can improve with the right support.
When It May Be Time to Seek Support
Therapy can help when communication difficulties begin affecting your child’s education, friendships, confidence, or emotional well-being. Early intervention often leads to better long-term outcomes by helping children build confidence while reducing anxiety in social settings.
Support may be helpful if:
- Your child consistently refuses or is unable to speak in certain settings
- Anxiety interferes with communication at school or in the community
- Social interactions are becoming increasingly difficult
- Communication challenges are affecting academic or emotional development
What to Expect from Selective Mutism Therapy
Therapy focuses on helping children feel safe, supported, and confident while gradually reducing the anxiety associated with speaking. Sessions move at the child’s pace and are designed to build trust before introducing communication challenges.
Depending on your child’s needs, therapy may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), gradual exposure strategies, play-based interventions, anxiety management techniques, and parent coaching. Because selective mutism is closely connected to anxiety, many children also benefit from our Anxiety Treatment services. Children working to build friendships and communication confidence may also benefit from our Social Skills therapy.
Parents are an important part of treatment. Therapists collaborate with families and, when appropriate, schools to create consistent strategies that support communication across different environments.
FOR CLIENTS OF ALL AGES
WHY GENESIS COUNSELING
At Genesis Counseling, we provide a nonjudgmental, supportive environment where you can explore your experiences openly and work toward meaningful change.
Offering Psychiatry and Medication Management
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We Accept Insurance
At Genesis Counseling, we want to make getting mental health care affordable. Most of our clinicians are in network with the following insurance panels: United Healthcare, Cigna, Optum, Aetna, Florida Blue, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Lucet, Humana, Medicare, Quest, and TriCare. We also offer private pay options and can help you understand your benefits before getting started.
Convenient Therapy Locations + Florida Telehealth
With locations in Boca Raton, Coral Springs, Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, and Wellington, along with virtual sessions across Florida, we make it easier to access consistent support.
GET STARTED ON YOUR JOURNEY
Now accepting new clients with avaliable appointments from 8AM to 8PM. We accept most major insurances.
LOOKING FOR ANSWERS?
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I choose the right therapist?
Finding the right therapist is essential for a successful therapy experience. At Genesis Counseling, our Intake Team carefully matches clients with a therapist based on their presenting concerns, goals, and preferences. Our therapists have diverse specialties, credentials, and training to ensure personalized care for children, teens, adults, couples, and families. We offer therapy at our Coral Springs, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Palm Aire Pompano and Wellington locations, as well as virtual therapy across Florida. With flexible appointment times from 8 AM to 8 PM, we strive to accommodate your schedule.
What should I expect in my first therapy session?
Your first session at Genesis Counseling is an intake appointment, where your therapist will gather important background information to better understand your needs. Whether you’re seeking therapy for yourself, your child, or your family, this session will focus on:
1. Discussing your history and what led you to seek therapy.
2. Identifying your concerns and goals for treatment.
3. Developing a personalized treatment plan to guide your progress.
4. Confirming scheduling and session frequency moving forward.
Our therapists create a safe, supportive environment to help you feel comfortable sharing your experiences.
Does Genesis offer virtual therapy or telehealth sessions?
Yes! Genesis Counseling offers HIPAA-compliant virtual therapy for children, teens, adults, couples, and families across Florida. All of our licensed therapists provide secure and confidential telehealth sessions, allowing you to receive high-quality mental health care from the comfort of your home.
During your intake scheduling, our team will provide all the necessary information on how to access virtual sessions. Telehealth is a convenient option for those with busy schedules, transportation challenges, or a preference for remote care.
Does Genesis provide sliding-scale payment options?
We understand that financial circumstances vary. Select providers within our practice may offer reduced-fee or sliding scale counseling services based on availability and individual circumstances.
If cost is a concern, please contact our office to discuss available options. We are committed to helping clients access the mental health support they need.
Is selective mutism the same as being shy?
Will my child be forced to speak during therapy?
Can selective mutism improve with therapy?
Does Genesis Counseling accept insurance?
Genesis Counseling accepts many major insurance plans to help make therapy and mental health services more accessible. Insurance participation may vary by provider and service type, so we encourage you to contact our office to verify coverage before your first appointment. Learn more on our Fees and Insurance page.