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About Early Childhood Mental Health at the South Southwest MHTTC

The field of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) has emerged from the understanding that early childhood presents a crucial opportunity to promote cognitive, social, and emotional well-being while preventing or addressing mental health issues. IECMH encompasses the development of children from birth to 5 years old, emphasizing their ability to form secure relationships, manage emotions, explore their environment, and learn within the context of their family, community, and culture.

During early childhood, the brain undergoes significant development, laying the foundation for cognitive, social, and emotional growth throughout a child's life. The quality of caregiving relationships plays a pivotal role in the development of infants and young children. However, certain risk factors, such as prematurity, low birth weight, genetic disorders, substance exposure, violence, abuse, chronic stress, and adversity, can negatively impact these relationships and hinder children's social and emotional well-being.

Many mental health professionals lack exposure to IECMH and the specific skills required to identify mental health challenges in young children. They may also struggle with assessing the various biological, environmental, and developmental factors involved, developing and implementing evidence-based treatment plans, and collaborating effectively with early childhood systems. Unfortunately, intervention often occurs only after mental health problems have worsened, despite research demonstrating the effectiveness of early intervention.

To address these gaps, the South Southwest MHTTC is actively working on developing resources and tools to support professionals working with young children. This includes the creation of online learning modules designed to enhance the skills of licensed mental health providers who wish to work with young children and their families.

Additionally, the MHTTC is assisting early childhood caregivers in utilizing evidence-based screening tools to identify social-emotional challenges. They have also established a learning collaborative to introduce the Incredible Years parenting program into the public mental health system. Furthermore, the MHTTC is collaborating with stakeholders in Texas to develop a consensus-based definition and core competencies for early childhood mental health consultation, which will serve as a foundation for additional training resources.

Through these initiatives, the South Southwest MHTTC aims to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to support the mental health needs of young children effectively. By promoting early identification and intervention, they strive to improve outcomes for children and families, ensuring that mental health challenges are addressed in a timely and comprehensive manner.

 

Upcoming Events

June 14

An Introduction to the ASQ-3(TM) & ASQ:SE-2(TM)

This event is an excellent opportunity for professionals in the early childhood mental and behavioral health field to learn about ASQ-3™ and ASQ:SE-2™. 

LEARN MORE


july19An Introduction to the ASQ-3(TM) & ASQ:SE-2(TM)

This event is an excellent opportunity for professionals in the early childhood mental and behavioral health field to learn about ASQ-3™ and ASQ:SE-2™.

LEARN MORE


Aug 09An Introduction to the ASQ-3(TM) & ASQ:SE-2(TM)

This event is an excellent opportunity for professionals in the early childhood mental and behavioral health field to learn about ASQ-3™ and ASQ:SE-2™.

LEARN MORE

Resources

Past Events

August 2022 Hosted DC:0-5 Clinical Training of Trainers

June 2022 Provided Training “An Introduction to the Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-3, ASQ:SE-2).

May 2022 Hosted two EBP training series: “The Incredible Years – School Age”

January 2022 Hosted DC:0-5 Clinical Training

July 2021 Hosted “Incredible Years Refresher Training”

May 2021 Provided Training “Youth Mental Health First Aid”

April 2021 Hosted Reflective Supervision Training Series

March 2021 Provided Training “Youth Mental Health First Aid”

Sept. 2019 -Aug 2020 Hosted quarterly Incredible Years Community of Learners
 


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