Defining and Understanding Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health

With Alli Lowe-Fotos (MSW, LCSW, I/ECMH-C) From Start Early and Sarah Martinez (MA, M.Ed., LCPC, I/ECMH-C) From Erikson Institute

August 20, 2025, 7:00 PM Central Time

Description:

Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health (I/ECMH) is the developing capacity of the child aged birth to 5 to form close and secure relationships; experience, manage, and express a full range of emotions; and explore the environment and learn—all in the context of family, community, and culture. It is often misunderstood in a field that can overlook or miss the mental health of infants and young children. This presentation is designed for mental health practitioners and will define I/ECMH and guiding principles, discuss early childhood trauma, discuss approaches and practices for attending to I/ECMH, and introduce the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood (DC:0–5™).

Objectives:

1. Understand and define I/ECMH and guiding principles
2. Discuss the importance of observing and noticing behavior changes in young children and be introduced to the diagnostic process
3. Discuss and describe the I/ECMH approach and practices

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