Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health

California’s commitment to healthy families requires a robust investment in infant and early childhood mental health.

Infants and young children can—and do—suffer from mental and behavioral health challenges. The need for intervention and services is often overlooked, and it can be difficult for providers to identify and address concerns because infants and toddlers handle emotional experiences and traumatic events differently from adults and older children. It is especially critical to address trauma, mental, and behavioral health concerns in early childhood when 90% of a child’s brain development occurs before age 5.

IECMH services range from promotion to prevention, to developmentally appropriate assessment and diagnosis, treatment and maintenance. IECMH interventions rely on a two-generational approach, helping caregivers to provide a nurturing relationship that promotes children’s social-emotional growth. Services occur with families in the home or in community settings, and include facilitated playgroups, parenting support classes, or IECMH consultation, among others.

Publications

Featured Brief

Addressing infant and early childhood mental health needs: opportunities for community solutions

Oct 13, 2021

This moment in history could be pivotal in the landscape of California’s early childhood mental health. Conditions created by the pandemic, such as isolation, economic stress, and community trauma, are all proven to negatively impact a child’s ability to thrive. It is vitally important that young children and their parents and caregivers receive the interventions necessary to support their mental health during this critical time.

Brief

The Impact of California's Mental Health Service Provider Shortage: Inequitable Access to Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Services

Aug 4, 2024

The first five years of life mark a critical time for early childhood development. Early experiences and relationships with caregivers shape the architecture of a developing brain and lay the foundation for mental health across an individual’s life.

Brief

Proposal for an Early Childhood Health Services Initiative in California: An Opportunity to Expand Preventive Supports for Young Children

Sep 8, 2022

This concept paper explores California’s opportunity to improve the health and development of young children by leveraging the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) Health Services Initiatives (HSIs).

Brief

Parent Mental Health Concerns and the Impact on Young Children

Apr 26, 2021

This brief describes the impacts of parent emotional health concerns on infants and toddlers, the programs that can support new parents, and recommendations on how the State can increase access.

Blog Posts

California Must Do More to Support Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health and Its Workforce

Aug 22, 2024

As Childhood Poverty Rises, the Child Tax Credit Remains a Crucial Benefit for California’s Youngest Children

Mar 11, 2024

FDA approval of the first postpartum depression pill and what it means for infant and toddler health and development

Aug 30, 2023

New Children’s Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Benefits 101: Family Therapy and Dyadic Services

Nov 10, 2022

Dyadic Therapy Changes Lives

Sep 8, 2021

California will invest in dyadic care – and show its commitment to family wellness

Jul 19, 2021

More

© 2025 First 5 Center for Children’s Policy. All rights reserved.

About Us
Our Work
Newsroom Contact Us Search