Parent Perceptions of Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Care

Abstract

This study used a modified consensual qualitative research design to explore the perspective of parents living in the United States about the barriers to accessing parent training programs for better supporting the mental health of infants and young children. Participants (N=20) responded to open-ended questions to share their perceptions. The results suggest that factors related to parental awareness, accessibility, support, and predicted benefit should be considered. Additionally, there is a need for increased parental awareness of infant and early childhood mental health and for consistent screening and assessment practices, potentially within integrated service models. The mental health care of future generations is a global imperative.

Keywords

• infant
• early childhood
• mental health
• early intervention
• parent training