Project ABC is designed to create a system of care for young children who are in need of mental health services in the Los Angeles area. Our goal is ensure that children birth to five years have access to mental health services that are family-centered, strength-based, and culturally competent. Families are the focus of our efforts and are key partners in everything we do. Parents are responsible for ensuring the family voice is the driving force in the treatment of children with emotional and behavioral problems. Family voice and choice is essential to obtaining the best care for our children.

Project ABC uses the personal strengths of the family to both plan and deliver services. It also involves families as full partners on teams that plan services and make decisions about services for their own children and to help others improve services for other children and families in their community.

All parents want what is best for their children. Sometimes, behaviors in very young children or family experiences require specialized help. Such help is available through infant/early childhood mental health treatment programs.

What is Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health?

Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health is a comprehensive approach that refers to the social and emotional well being of very young children under the age of six. Positive relationships between young children and adults lay the foundation for healthy social and emotional development. This foundation allows children to:

  • Experience a range of emotions, cope with frustrations, and regulate their behaviors;
  • Safely explore and learn from their environments;
  • Feel protected in the context of their families, neighborhoods, and cultures.

When should an infant or young child be referred for an evaluation?

Some of the emotional and behavioral signs that may indicate a need for evaluation and/or treatment for infant/early childhood mental health services include repeated patterns of:

  • Sleeping or feeding problems
  • Excessive fussiness or irritability
  • Incessant crying with little ability to be consoled
  • Extreme upset when left with another adult
  • Indifference to caregivers or willingness to go home with anyone
  • Inability to adapt to new situations
  • Easily startled or alarmed by routine events
  • Inability to establish relationships with other children or adults
  • Excessive hitting, biting and pushing of other children or very withdrawn behavior
  • No response to consequences or overly compliant
  • Other behaviors that cause concerns in the caregivers

Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health Services May Include:

  • Parent-Infant/Child Therapy (Dyadic Therapy)
  • Dyadic education with videotaped feedback
  • Family therapy
  • Assessment services
  • Parent support groups
  • Therapeutic preschool programs
  • Relationship-based therapeutic interventions
  • Home visiting
  • Coordination with schools, other service agencies, and professionals
  • Training and consultation for parents and professionals