What Is a Mental Health Consultant? 

Posted in Intervention

Mental health consultants work with early childhood providers and families to address the social-emotional needs of young children. Rather than delivering direct therapy, they collaborate with professionals and caregivers to build capacity, promote positive behavior, and prevent expulsions or suspensions from early education settings (Duran et al., 2009). As said by Lauren Rabinovitz, MPH, MSW, LCSW-C (Project Director at the Georgetown Center for Child and Human Development, Early Childhood Division), “They serve as third-party support systems to ‘help the helpers,’ often guiding teams through challenging behavioral or emotional concerns with children.” Early intervention (EI) services play a crucial role in addressing developmental delays and concerns in young children. Recently, the inclusion of early childhood mental health consultants (ECMHCs) has gained attention for its impact on improving child outcomes and supporting families and professionals within EI programs.

How They Differ from Mental Health Therapists  

Unlike therapists who provide direct treatment, ECMHCs function more as coaches and collaborators. They observe, consult, and suggest strategies tailored to a child’s environment and developmental level (Cohen & Kaufmann, 2005). Their goal is to embed mental health promotion into everyday routines, improving the overall caregiving environment.  

Current Settings and Implementation Models  

ECMHCs typically work in settings such as Head Start, Early Head Start, state-run EI programs, and preschool classrooms. For example, states like Alabama and Oregon have adopted integrated ECMHC models. These include: Consultation Model Type 1 involves mental health consultants being embedded directly within the EI team. In this model, consultants offer ongoing coaching and support to providers, helping to enhance their capacity to address social-emotional development and behavioral challenges. Consultation Model Type 2 takes a more direct approach, with consultants working hands-on with children and families. They observe the child’s home and educational environments and then collaborate with the broader EI team to develop and implement cohesive, family-centered strategies (Davis et al., 2020). Head Start performance standards now require access to mental health consultation as part of program quality improvements (Office of Head Start, 2016).  

Education and Experience Requirements  

Since the role is relatively new, qualifications vary by state. Typically, consultants have a background in social work, psychology, or counseling, with additional experience in early childhood settings. Many receive job-specific training after hiring, especially when working in multidisciplinary EI teams (Hoover et al., 2012).  

Benefits of Mental Health Consultation in EI  

Research consistently shows that ECMHCs have a powerful impact in early learning settings. It has been shown to reduce preschool expulsion and suspension rates (Gilliam, 2005), improve providers’ confidence in managing challenging behaviors, enhance family engagement and resilience, and promote children’s self-regulation and emotional development. In Alabama, integrated ECMHC programs have further demonstrated success, leading to noticeable improvements in team collaboration and increased family satisfaction with services (Davis et al., 2020).  

Tips for Maximizing the Impact of ECMHCs in EI  

To maximize the impact of ECMHCs in Early Intervention, it’s important to approach them as collaborative partners rather than evaluators. When introducing the idea to families, use strength-based language to foster openness and trust. If your program doesn’t currently have access to an ECMHC, consider advocating for one to be included. Finally, frame the consultant’s role as providing support around everyday concerns such as behavior, routines, or transitions, rather than labeling their services strictly as mental health “interventions.” 

Final Thoughts  

Mental health consultants are a valuable yet often underutilized resource in Early Intervention, in part because many providers are unaware of the role that ECMHC can play in supporting children, families, and teams. By collaborating with EI teams, they foster environments where children can thrive emotionally and developmentally. If your program doesn’t yet include ECMHCs, now is the time to advocate for change.  

References  

Cohen, E., & Kaufmann, R. K. (2005). Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation. Center for Mental Health Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.  

Davis, A. E., Perry, D. F., & Gouze, K. R. (2020). The Role of Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation in Early Intervention Programs.  Infants & Young Children, 33(1), 3–17.  

Duran, F., Hepburn, K., Irvine, M., Kaufmann, R., Anthony, B., Horen, N., & Perry, D. (2009). What Works? A Study of Effective Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Programs. Georgetown University Center for Child and Human Development.  

Gilliam, W. S. (2005). Prekindergarteners left behind: Expulsion rates in state prekindergarten systems. Yale Child Study Center. 

Hoover, S. A., Kubicek, L. F., Rosenberg, S. A., Zundel, T., & Gurka, M. J. (2012). Training needs of early intervention personnel: A national survey. Infants & Young Children, 25(1), 16–30. Office of Head Start. (2016). Head Start Program Performance Standards. 

Skylar Adams, DPT, Rakiatu Bangura, SLP, Ilicia Moran-Ramos, SLP, and Sydney Flambaum, SLP   (GUCEI’25)