Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health
The first years of life are a time of incredible growth and sensitivity. Even before they can speak, infants and young children are forming beliefs about safety, trust, and connection. When challenges arise, whether due to stress, trauma, developmental concerns, or emotional distress, infant and early childhood counseling can help nurture a healthy path forward.
At the heart of this work is the relationship between the child and their caregiver.
What is Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health?
Infant mental health counseling (birth–3 years) supports early bonding, attachment, and emotional regulation between children and caregivers.
Early childhood counseling (birth–5 years) continues this support through the preschool years, addressing behavior struggles, stress or trauma, and developmental concerns.
Both approaches focus on strengthening relationships and laying the foundation for your child’s long-term emotional and social well-being.
How it works:
Free initial 15 minute phone call – We’ll talk briefly about your child’s needs and your goals for counseling. This helps us decide together if my services are the right fit for your family.
1-hour parent/caregiver intake – Our first session is focused on understanding your child’s background, strengths, and current challenges. This meeting can take place in person at my office or through telehealth.
Collaborative treatment plan – Based on what we discuss, I’ll create a personalized plan with clear goals and strategies. We’ll also decide together on the frequency of sessions (weekly or bi-weekly).
Ongoing sessions – Depending on your family’s needs, sessions may be structured a variety of ways. Sessions with children take place in the office, while parent coaching or progress reviews can happen either in person or via telehealth.
Areas of expertise:
Attachment and bonding – difficulties connecting, soothing, or building secure relationships with a caregiver
Emotional regulation – frequent or intense crying, tantrums, or challenges calming down
Early stress and trauma – experiences such as medical procedures, foster/adoption/relative caregiving relationships, NICU stays, birth trauma, or grief that affect young children and families
Developmental concerns – delays in communication, play, or social interaction, as well as caregiver worries about milestones or diagnoses
Daily routines – struggles with sleep, feeding, or adapting to changes
Parent and caregiver support – feeling overwhelmed, uncertain, or stressed in caring for your child