The Infant Toddler Mental Health Coalition of Arizona
The Infant Toddler Mental Health Coalition of Arizona
In young children, mental health means healthy social and emotional development, defined as "the developing capacity of the young child to experience, regulate, and express emotions; form close and secure interpersonal relationships; and explore the environment and learn, in the context of a caregiving environment that includes family, community, and cultural expectations for young children."
Zero to Three
Infant Mental Health
Steering Committee.
Join ITMHCA and help shape professional education in Arizona, the annual Institute, and public awareness actions on this critical period of life. Network with others in Arizona, around the US and the world who want to ensure every child has the optimal environment in which to grow and succeed. Work toward your own professional Infant Mental Health Endorsement® and help others reach this professional development milestone.
Click here to learn more about the benefits of ITMHCA Membership
Endorsement® by the Infant/Toddler Mental Health Coalition of Arizona (ITMHCA) verifies that an applicant has attained a level of education as specified, participated in specialized in-service trainings, engaged in professional work related to infants and toddlers, obtained reflective supervision/ consultation from mentors or supervisors, and acquired knowledge to promote the delivery of high quality, culturally sensitive, relationship-based services to infants, toddlers, parents, other caregivers and families.
Click here to learn more about the benefits of Endorsement
October 13, 2023
9:00AM – Noon
Valley of the Sun United Way
How Children Move Matters:
Promoting Healthy Relationships During Placement Transitions in Child Welfare
Presented by Monica T. McDonough, LMSW, IMH-E®
Lorna Sedillos, LCSW, IMH-E®
Each time a child moves, whether it be a removal from an unsafe situation or a move from one place to another, it has an impact on the child's sense of belonging, sense of self and can be a source of trauma. No matter the age or developmental stage of the child, the move is experienced as a separation or loss. In this presentation we will learn how to incorporate the child's perspective, including cultural influences, when there is a move. We will discuss options for planned andemergency transitions as well as the importance of post placement connections. Read more and register!
November 17, 2023
9:00AM – Noon
Virtual via ZOOM
Understanding and Responding to Difficult Parent-Infant Relationships
Presented by Julie Ribaudo, LMSW, IMH-E®-Mentor
What is it about some infant-parent interactions that are so inherently and often intensely uncomfortable to watch? This workshop will describe and show patterns of engagement that are unsettling and contribute to the formation of disorganized/disoriented attachment. It will help practitioners understand how using observations and internal reactions can inform our intervention. Read more and register!
December 1, 2023
In person and Virtual via ZOOM
Reflective Supervision
Presented by Heather Bonitz Moore ATR-BC, LPC, IECMH-E
Details coming soon.
ITMHCA is a member of the Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health using the Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health Endorsement® system. The Alliance consists of 19 states (as of March 2015) and growing (see map). Arizona was an early adopter of the Infant Mental Health Endorsement® (IMHE®) system and met with other early adopters in September 2007 to agree to reciprocity among our states. Reciprocity means that IMHE earned in one Alliance state is recognized in another. Reciprocity also means all Alliance states must meet regularly to agree to the standards and processes involved in granting endorsement. Quarterly conference calls are held among Alliance leaders; with additional conference calls for subcommittees discussing Research, Training, Policy, and Endorsement® coordination. An Annual Retreat provides a wonderful opportunity for Alliance members from all States to meet face to face to conduct business and develop the warm relationships that facilitate the rich dialogue possible on conference calls and in emails. The Alliance communicates on a secure listserv. People from Alliance states frequently request assistance with referrals for I/T and families, for applicable research to support grants, for policy language to address incorporating IMHE into state programs and policies, and much, much more. Participation in the Alliance is advantageous to ITMHCA members!