On Barriers to Provision of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health: Analysis by Zero to Three

From "Babies, Brains & Relationships" presentation by Sheri Hill

 

Barriers in Brief

 

A. The evidence base for I-ECMH is not reflected in public policy for mental health, early learning and development, or health care reform (including Medicaid and managed care).

B. Systemic reimbursement issues hinder the ability to pay for I-ECMH.

C. Eligibility determination and diagnosis impede appropriate I-ECMH services.

D. There are not enough providers with training in I-ECMH.

E. The broader system that serves young children does not adequately incorporate I-ECMH services.

 

The bottom line is that states and communities don’t have the I-ECMH services that infants and young children need, don’t have the people to provide them, and don’t have a system that will pay for them. These issues need to be taken up by federal and state decision-makers so that the early foundational development of all infants and young children will enable them to realize their full potential.

 

http://www.zerotothree.org/public-policy/federal-policy/early-child-mental-health-final-singles.pdf

 

This monograph by Zero to Three puts forth the argument for policy-makers to beef up support for infant and early childhood mental health. -gw