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The newest and fastest growing area of mental health treatment today is infant and toddler mental health. From 1990 to 1995, the number of preschool-age children receiving psychopharmacological treatment tripled and the numbers are still growing. Young children are presenting with severe behaviors and emotional disturbances that significantly impact their social-emotional development, school readiness, and long-term mental health. Families, schools, and state-funded childcare systems are seeking mental health consultation and intervention at unprecedented rates. In fact, pre-K students are three times more likely to be expelled than K-12 students. Unfortunately, very few mental health providers are sufficiently trained to treat this special population, and the economic and social ramifications of this epidemic are long-lasting and can be devastating.
The good news is that children at this age are very resilient; therefore, effective, early interventions can have more profound and long-lasting results than with any other age group. This comprehensive, educational offering focuses on understanding the factors affecting infant and toddler mental health, including physical co-morbid conditions, developmental concerns, family interaction and buy-in, systems communication, advocating for multi-system support, and resources to supplement treatment. Specific attention to diagnosing and working with families, as well as health care and school professionals, is an aspect of this offering. Participants will leave with practical tools to use with their youngest clients in the clinic or at school the following day!
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