Competency Guidelines

Endorsement® for Culturally Sensitive, Relationship-Focused Practice Promoting Infant Mental Health is an internationally recognized credential that supports and recognizes the development and proficiency of professionals who work with or on behalf of pregnant women, infants and young children, birth up to 3-years old, and their families. The ITMHCA Infant Mental Health Endorsement® (IMH-E®) is based on a set of competencies designed to support and enhance culturally-sensitive, relationship focused practice within the framework of infant mental health. An Endorsement® applicant demonstrates acquisition of these competencies through education, work, specialized training, and reflective supervision experiences.

Each of the five Endorsement® categories have unique competency requirements within eight core areas, including:

• Theoretical Foundations
• Law, Regulation, & Agency
• Systems Expertise
• Direct Service Skills
• Working with Others
• Communicating
• Thinking
• Reflection