Training at CIMHD

***NEW Graduate Certificate Program in Infant Mental Health Fall 2008***

Beginning in Fall 2008, we are pleased to announce we will launch a revised version of the Graduate Certificate Program in Infant Mental Health for community professionals as well as advanced graduate students.  This is a seven-quarter, part-time, interdisciplinary graduate certificate program with its academic home in the School of Nursing and its physical home in the Center for Human Development and Disability (CHDD).  Trainees will develop a knowledge base in infant mental health through coursework as well as complete an intensive clinical/capstone training year in community-based direct service and consultation. 

The first year of training consists of five courses.  Interested applicants may register for these courses “a la carte” before officially enrolling the program.  The ideal sequence is listed below (please note that some courses do have prerequisites).

• Introduction to Infant Mental Health (Fall)
• Infancy in Context (Winter)
• Infant Development and Psychopathology (Spring; Prerequisite: Intro to IMH or Infancy in Context)
• Assessment and Diagnostics for Children under 3 (Summer; Prerequisite: Infant Development and Psychopathology)
• Using Infant Mental Health in Practice Settings (Summer)

In addition, students must complete Infant Observation in the community prior to, or concurrently with, their training in our program.  Two local organizations, COR Northwest Family Development Center and Family Services offer infant observation courses.

Trainees then officially apply to the Certificate Program prior to beginning the second year of clinical training.  Acceptance and enrollment will be contingent on finishing the first year of coursework.  Applicants must be committed to working with young children and families and possess a graduate degree (or have graduate student standing). 

When applying for the second year, applicants may select one of two training pathways:

Infant Mental Health Specialist Pathway. For graduate students and professionals from multiple disciplines who seek training in infant mental health consultation, reflective practice, and provision of relationship-based services to families.

Infant Mental Health Psychotherapist Pathway. For graduate students in mental health fields and licensed (or licence-eligible) mental health professionals from the community who plan to do intensive therapeutic work and assessment with young children and families.

Training Program History