What are Infant Mental Health Services?

Infant Mental Health Services are designed to optimize the social, emotional, and cognitive development of infants at risk for abuse, neglect, or psychosocial problems. New parents are encouraged to use available health care services to facilitate the physical development of their child. Services include evaluation and diagnosis, individual and family counseling, crisis intervention, and case management. Infant Mental Health services occur through regular home visits.

Who can benefit from Infant Mental Health Services?

Infant Mental Health Services are designed for pregnant mothers and first-time parents. They may be having difficulties because of emotional stresses resulting from single parenthood or other family problems. They may also be experiencing physical problems from premature births, eating and sleeping difficulties, postpartum depression, mental illness or developmental delays.

How do Infant Mental Health Services help an individual or family?

Infant Mental Health Services can help parents increase their knowledge and understanding of such parenting issues as infant health and safety, feeding, and child development. The service will help them to form appropriate and realistic expectations about infant behavior, and develop a positive attachment with their infant.

How can you access Infant Mental Health Services?

You may call (989) 895-2300 or 1-800 327-4693 for additional information about this program. To request a service or make a referral, call the Access Alliance of Michigan (a division of Bay-Arenac Behavioral Health) at 1-800-448-5498.