Early Childhood Mental Health Program

The Early Childhood Mental Health Program at UCEDD/CHLA uses an interdisciplinary approach to provide a comprehensive array of mental health services to children ages 0 – 5 and their families. All our services are based in a relationship-based approach that recognizes the essential role of the parents/caregivers in the nurturing of attachment relationships and healthy child development. Our team approach to assessment and treatment involves integrated services by psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, and case managers, with additional support and consultation from speech and language therapists, nutritionists, and pediatricians.

Specialized services include:

• Interdisciplinary assessment of babies (ages 0 – 2) with high risk medical conditions or developmental concerns.
• Interdisciplinary assessment of young children (ages 3 – 5) with a variety of presenting concerns, including assessment of developmental disabilities and pervasive developmental disorders, as well as behavioral and language difficulties.
• Mental health interventions for children ages 0 – 5 and their families, primarily using dyadic therapy models that help parents and children to strengthen their attachment bonds and enjoyment of one another.
• Therapeutic preschool services, including a comprehensive self-contained therapeutic classroom on a Head Start campus, and therapeutic services provided in regular preschool classrooms to help children remain in regular school settings and enhance their development and family relationships.
• Home visiting program for young children with high risk medical conditions, with trained mental health caseworkers and therapists providing in-home support, linkages with resources, and psychotherapy services.