Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Care
It is hard work being little! Development happens at a rapid pace during the first 5 years of life. Neural connections are being made and strengthened at astonishing speeds during this time. We know that these early years are laying the foundation for your child’s future physical and mental health.
We also know that parenting during this time can be very challenging! Your child keeps having tantrums. You are sleep-deprived. Daycare called again because your kiddo bit another child. You’re just not sure if you’re doing this parenting thing right.
At SBCC, we want to support you in laying the foundation for your child. Nobody should need to be alone on this journey and we are happy to be part of yours!
Attachment and Behavioral Catch-up (ABC): For infants and toddlers
ABC is a 10-session home visiting program for infants age 6-24 months, and toddlers age 24-48 months, and their attachment figures. ABC targets attachment in infancy and early childhood for those families who have had stressful early life experiences.
ABC includes three primary components:
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- Helps parents provide nurturing care when infants and young children are distressed.
- Helps parents respond to and delight in their infants and children.
- Provides parents with strategies for calming their infants and young children, using tools that develop greater behavioral, emotional, and physiological control
This 10-session program is conducted weekly in families’ homes. The sessions last approximately 60 minutes and are scheduled at times when infants and children are at home and can participate in the sessions. Other individuals in the home (e.g., other caregivers, partners, siblings) are welcome to join in the sessions. Sessions are video recorded, both for playback to families, and for supervision.
Meet Your ABC Provider
Victoria Soltis, MS LMFT
Clinical Director
Therapist in Northfield & via Telehealth
What are the key components of infant and early childhood mental health care?
- Fosters secure attachments between children and caregivers
- Teaches emotional regulation skills to children
- Supports and coaches caregivers
- Prevents more intense mental health difficulties later in life
Who would benefit from infant and early childhood mental health care?
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Children who have experienced disruptions in caregiving (i.e. foster care, adoption, separation from parent due to incarceration, death of caregiver, etc)
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Children engaging in disruptive behaviors that are overwhelming their parents and caregivers
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Children who are experiencing mental health symptoms that are getting in the way of their daily functioning or disrupting attachments between caregivers and the child
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Children who have experienced significant trauma
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Parents of infants who are experiencing post-partum depression or are struggling with attachment and bonding
What does this treatment look like?
- Attachment-centered
- Family-centered
- Involves all caregivers when possible
- Play-based
- Strengths-based and culturally responsive
Services offered for infants and young children at SBCC:
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Diagnostic assessment specifically designed for 0-5 year olds (DC 0-5 assessment)
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Family therapy and parent coaching
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Trauma-focused therapy
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Group therapy and psychoeducation for parents
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Group therapy or group skills for children as appropriate for age
Get In Touch
To Get Started With Services, Fill Out The Intake Form
Locations
Telehealth
Anywhere in the state of Minnesota
Farmington Therapy Office
Farmington, MN. 55024
New Prague Therapy Office
New Prague, MN. 56071
Northfield Therapy Office
Northfield, MN. 55057