Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation: Policies and Practices to Foster the Social-Emotional Development of Young Children

The new ZERO TO THREE publication, “Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation: Policies and Practices to Foster the Social-Emotional Development of Young Children” provides an overview of early childhood mental health consultation (ECMHC), current issues in the field, and possible future directions. The paper also provides a snapshot of current programs across the nation and highlights some of the challenges and innovations that are shaping the field. Thirteen states are profiled, underscoring the variability of how ECMHC programs are funded, managed, implemented and staffed. A list of guiding questions are provided for states to consider in designing and creating their ECMHC program.