Infant Mental Health (IMH) is a multi-disciplinary field that is focused on the optimal development of infants and young children within the context of complex emotions and secure and nurturing relationships. Infant mental health specialists work in a variety of settings and represent a variety of disciplines, such as social work, psychology, early childhood education, special education, nursing, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, social policy and physical therapy.
The Infant Mental Health (IMH) Program at MPSI seeks to promote optimal social and emotional development of infants and young children by providing training in infant mental health practice and research. Specialized training in Infant Mental Health is available to students who are pursuing graduate education in social work, psychology, education, counseling, nursing, occupational therapy, or other fields that provide services to families and their young children. The Graduate Certificate Program in Infant Mental Health is also open to clinicians and educators who have earned at least a masters degree and want additional training in Infant Mental Health. In addition to the IMH Certificate Program a professional development training series, Explorations in Infancy, is co-sponsored with the Metro Detroit Association for Infant Mental Health.
Consistent with the mission of Wayne State University and MPSI, students and faculty affiliated with the IMH program conduct research related to the well-being of children and families. IMH students interested in research careers have opportunities to participate in evaluations of community programs and applied research related to parenting and infant and toddler development.
Professional Development Series Page
Explorations in Infancy
Explorations in Infancy is a yearly professional development training series focused on issues relevant to educators, clinicians, and others who provide services to families and their young children.
2010 series – planning for this years series is underway
2009 – Parental Chemical Addiction: Implications for Child Development and the Treatment Process
2008 – From Secure Bases to Reflective Spaces: Assessing Parent Infant Relationships
2007 – Watch us Grow