Infant Mental Health Training Brochure
"What Our Graduates Say About The Program"
Description
The Graduate Certificate Program is designed to prepare graduate students and professionals from a variety of disciplines to work with infants, toddlers, parents and caregivers in social service agencies, community mental health programs, clinics, hospitals, early childhood programs and other settings. The IMH Graduate Certificate Program follows the guidelines outlined by the Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health and provides coursework, field work experiences, and reflective supervision so that graduates of the program possess the skills that have been identified essential and are of particular importance to people entering the infant mental health field.
Students who earn a certificate in infant mental health from Wayne State University are uniquely qualified to work with families and young children in a variety of settings. The curriculum is designed to provide students with particular skills related to the practice of infant mental health. The goals of the IMH Graduate Certificate Program are:
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To increase the understanding of infant behavior and development within the context of family, community and culture.
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To enhance the understanding of early relationship development and the complexity of early parenthood.
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To provide an interdisciplinary framework for graduate students and professionals to recognize and strengthen family capacities and to identify and reduce family risks.
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To integrate IMH principles into all practices with families.
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To enhance IMH practice through structured observations, the use of infant and family assessment instruments, skillful listening, and empathic response.
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To offer opportunities for reflection through supervisory and collegial relationships.
Upon completion of the certificate program, students who earn a certificate in infant mental health from Wayne State University possess the following abilities:
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Synthesize knowledge about theories and research relevant to infant mental health practice, including pregnancy and early parenting, infant development, relationship based practice, attachment and disorders of infancy and early childhood.
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Demonstrate expertise related to the infant mental health service delivery model and its utilization in clinical and classroom-based intervention and research.
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Provide evidence-based practice interventions to families and their infants who are experiencing complex risk factors.
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Demonstrate expertise in observation and assessment of infants/young children, parents, and parent-infant/young child relationships to identify capacities, risks, and relationship disturbances.
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Demonstrate competence in research design and methods relevant to the field of infant mental health (for students in track 3). (top of page)
In 1988 Deborah Weatherston, from the The Merrill Palmer Institute established a Graduate Certificate in Infant Mental Health, which has been offered in conjunction with the Colleges of Education, Science (Department of Psychology), Nursing and Social Work. The program is designed to prepare graduate students and professionals from a variety of disciplines to conduct research and/or work with infants, toddlers, parents and caregivers in social service agencies, community mental health programs, clinics, hospitals, early childhood programs and other settings. Over the past 20 years more than 100 people have earned their certificate in Infant Mental Health from Wayne State University; many of these students now hold leadership positions within the state and have influenced policy related to the well-being of very young children and families. (top of page)
Because infant mental health is an interdisciplinary field, students in the program will choose one of three curriculum tracks for training. Separate tracks allow for an individualized training experience so that the clinical and educational needs of students from a variety of disciplines are met. (top of page)
Track One is designed for students who have completed or who are pursuing a masters degree in a field of mental health (e.g.: clinical psychology, social work, psychiatric nursing). Students are required to take:
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7 credits of core coursework
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3 credits of developmental assessment
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At least 3 credits of coursework on family issues/development
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At least 1 credit of an elective relevant to IMH and their major
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Field work required by their major plus 1 credit each semester for the IMH seminar
Track Two is designed for students who have completed or who are in the process of completing their master’s degree in an allied health profession, nursing, or education. Students in track two are required to take:
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7 credits of core coursework
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3 credits of developmental assessment
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At least 3 credits of coursework on family issues/development
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At least 1 credit of an elective relevant to IMH and their major
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Field placement consistent with their department requirements plus 1 credit each semester for the IMH seminar
Track Three is designed for students who are completing a doctoral degree and intend to become researchers who specialize in infant, toddler, and preschooler social-emotional development. Students are required to take:
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7 credits of core coursework
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3 credits of developmental assessment
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At least 3 credits of coursework on family issues/development
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At least 1 credit of an elective relevant to IMH and their major
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Participate in research related to early child social-emotional development resulting in a thesis or dissertation that meets the requirements of the department in which they are pursuing their advanced degree plus 1 credit each semester for the IMH seminar
Students in each of the three tracks are required to take 3 core courses. These courses provide a foundation in infant development and infant mental health. As a result of taking these courses students will learn (1) theories of the relationship between early parent-infant interaction and subsequent development, (2) consequences of failures or disruptions of the attachment process for both parent and child, (3) strategies for effective intervention to strengthen early attachment, (4) parent-infant/toddler observation skills and (5) transference and counter-transference issues pertinent to infant mental health work. Core courses include the following:
1) Introduction to Infant Mental Health, ELE 6090 Cr. 3
2) Infant Behavior and Development, PSY 7425 Cr. 3
3) Intervention: Infant Mental Health, SW 7010 Cr. 1
Assessment Courses
Students in each track are required to learn about infant and toddler assessment. Students in tracks 1 and 3 are required to take Developmental Assessment of Infants and Toddlers (PSY 7430) and students in track 2 are encouraged to take this course. Students in track two may choose to take an assessment course that is related to their discipline. Acceptable/required assessment courses include the following:
1) Developmental Assessment: Infants and Toddlers, PSY 7430 Cr. 3
2) Advanced Nursing Assessment, NUR 7030 Cr. 4-5
3) Dynamic Assessment in Early Childhood Special Education, SED 7030 Cr. 3
4) Assessment of Young Children in Educational Settings, ELE 6030 Cr. 3
Family Issues/Development Courses
Infant development occurs in the context of family relationships. To be successful working with infants and toddlers, practitioners must have knowledge of family relationships. As a result, students in each track must take at least 3 credits related to family development or family issues. Students should choose at least one of the following courses:
1) Family Centered Collaboration in Early Childhood Intervention and Special Education, ELE6010 (O T 6150)(PSY 6010) (S W 6010) Cr. 3-4.
2) Introduction to Marriage and Family Therapy, EDP 7190 Cr. 4
3) The Family, SOC 5400 Cr. 3
4) Marriage and Family Problems, SOC 5410 Cr. 3
5) Family Theories and Research, SOC 6400 Cr. 3
6) Advanced Theories of Diverse Families, SW 8780 Cr. 2
7) Advanced Practice with Diverse Families, SW 8790 Cr. 2
8) Advanced Interpersonal Practice with Families, SW 8610 Cr. 2
9) Interpersonal Practice with Couples, SW 8620 Cr. 2
10) Family Theory, SW 8540 Cr. 2
11) Dynamics and Intervention in Family Violence, SW 8570 Cr. 3
Special Topics
As the field of infant mental health grows specialized training in new areas becomes essential. Students are required to take one credit of a special topics course. Students in tracks one and three are required to take the NUR 7890 course, which currently covers the topic of Perinatal Depression. Students in Track 2 are strongly encouraged to take the course in Perinatal depression, but under special circumstances, when another course is more appropriate they may choose to take a different course. The following courses are required/optional special topics courses:
1) Special Topics in Nursing Perinatal Depression, Family Relationships and Infant Mental Health, NUR 7890 Cr. 1.
2) Attachment Relationships Across the Lifespan, PSY 7420 Cr. 3
3) Introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorder, (ASD) SED 6021 Cr. 3
Required Infant Mental Health Seminar/Practicum
The infant mental health clinical practicum is completed during a 9-month fieldwork placement within the student’s primary discipline. The clinical practicum provides students with supervised experiences in relationship-focused observation, assessment, intervention and research with infants, toddlers and their families. All placements are arranged through the Merrill-Palmer Institute, in cooperation with the Wayne State University School of Social Work and the Colleges of Education, Liberal Arts and Science and Nursing. Students in track 3 will not be required to complete fieldwork, instead they will complete a thesis or dissertation for which they receive credit in their primary discipline. The thesis or dissertation will be based upon research related to early child social-emotional development. (top of page)
Students who are enrolled in a graduate program at Wayne State University must submit an application for acceptance in to the IMH program, three letters of recommendation which highlight the student’s ability to work with young children and families and a personal statement to the Director of the certificate program. Students who have completed a master’s degree or who are earning a graduate degree from another university must also submit an application to the Graduate School. (top of page)
GPA Requirement
Students who apply for and are admitted to the IMH certificate program may already have a master’s degree in a related field or may be concurrently enrolled in a graduate degree program. Students can be admitted to the IMH certificate program in two ways. First, students who are pursuing a masters or doctoral degree must meet the criteria to be admitted to the particular college (e.g., social work, nursing, liberal arts and sciences, or education) in which they are pursuing their degree. Students who have not earned a 2.8 in their undergraduate education will not be admitted to the program unless they have earned a 3.2 in their graduate courses. Second, students who apply to the certificate program after earning a master’s degree will be admitted to the Graduate School as certificate only students, in order to distinguish them from students concurrently enrolled in an advanced graduate degree program. These students will be required to have a graduate GPA of at least a 3.2.
Application (click on icon to download)
Students wishing to apply to the program should download and complete the application or contact Dr. Ann Stacks for an application packet at amstacks@wayne.edu. Questions regarding the program should also be directed to Dr. Stacks. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.
Professional Development
There are many opportunities afforded to students who are interested in infant mental health. Students are encouraged to become involved in the Michigan Association for Infant Mental Health (MI-AIMH).
MI-AIMH offers reduced student rates for membership in their state organization. Membership in MI-AIMH provides you access to their website and reduced rates for MI-AIMH sponsored trainings, including their bi-enniel state-wide conference. MI-AIMH also supports a scholarship fund to members for attendance at trainings related to the practice and research of infant mental health.
MI-AIMH has a commitment to mentoring students and has student liaison positions on their board of directors. A position on the MI-AIMH board of directors would provide a student with many opportunities, such as learning about the workings of the organization, and an opportunity to network with and learn from professionals around the state.
Required PDF Documents for Infant Mental Health Training
Sy and Loretta Ziegleman Fund
We are very pleased to invite applications from graduates who have earned their MSW or are currently enrolled in the MSW Program at Wayne State University's School of Social Work and are enrolled in the Graduate Certificate Program in Infant Mental Health. This scholarship is available through the generous support of Sy and Loretta Ziegelman who established the endowed fund to encourage social work students to pursue specialization in infant mental health. All applicants should briefly describe their interest in the field of infant mental health and state their reason for requesting scholarship support. (top of page)
Please direct your letter of inquiry to:
Ann Stacks, Ph.D.
Merrill-Palmer Institute
71 East Ferry
Detroit, MI 48202 ]
For additional information please call (313) 872-1790 or FAX (313) 875-0947
University Sources of Information
The Graduate School - Scholarships and Fellowships Office
4012 Faculty/Administration Building
Wayne State University
Detroit, MI 48202
Telephone (313) 577-2172. FAX: (313) 577-2903
http://www.gradschool.wayne.edu/index.asp and http://www.gradschool.wayne.edu/Current/finaid.asp
Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid (OSFA)
Welcome Center, 42 West Warren, Detroit, MI 48202
Telephone: (313) 577-3378
http://www.financialaid.wayne.edu
Marjorie Beeghly, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Psychology
beeghly@wayne.edu
Mark Larson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, College of Education
markjlarson@wayne.edu
Judith Fry McComish, Ph.D., IMH-E IV
Associate Professor, School of Medicine
jfmccomish@wayne.edu
Ann Stacks, LMFT Ph.D., IMH-E IV (2008)
Director, Infant Mental Health Graduate Certificate Program
Assistant Professor, Psychology
amstacks@wayne.edu
Part-Time Faculty
Kathleen Baltman, M.A.
IMH Mentor, E-IV (2004)
Director, Center for Early Childhood
The Guidance Center
kbaltman@iamtgc.net
Carla Barron, MSW, LMSW
IMH Specialist, E-III (2003)
Infant Mental Health Specialist
Macomb County Community Mental Health
cbarron1@comcast.net
Faculty Advisory Board
College of Education
Paula Wood, Ph.D.
Dean
Navaz Bhavnagri, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Sharon Elliott, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Mark Larson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Social Work
Loren Hoffman, Ph.D.
Assistant Clinical Professor and Special Assistant to the Dean
Nursing
Judith Fry McComish, Ph.D. RN IMH-E IV
Assistant Professor, Nursing
Psychology
Melissa Kaplan-Estrin, Ph.D. IMH-E IV (2003)
Associate Department Chair
Ann Stacks, Ph.D. IMH-E (2008)
Director, Infant Mental Health Program and Assistant Professor, Psychology
Marjorie Beeghly, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Psychology
"What Our Graduates Say About The Program"
- “I am not doing traditional IMH work now, but I think that the [IMH] training and background make me a better school social worker.”
- “The program was exemplary. It provided a deep personal and professional understanding of very young children and their families and has fueled me to continue to learn and grow and support others in their learning.”
- “The faculty model the relationship focus they teach. They connect practical experience with intellectual ideas and are supportive and available.”
1) How long does it take to earn a certificate?
The certificate program takes two to three years, depending on how many courses are taken each semester. Students who are concurrently enrolled in a graduate program can finish the certificate program while they are working on their graduate degree and typically take 3 to 4 credits of IMH coursework in their first year and then enroll in the practicum during their second year. Students choosing to take fewer credits per semester take longer to complete the certificate program.
2) Can I begin taking classes before I am accepted into the program?
Yes. If you are a current graduate student you may register for any of the IMH courses, some of which may count toward your degree. If you are not currently admitted to Wayne State University and have earned a graduate degree you may take courses for one semester before being admitted into a program. The credits that you earn (up to 12) can apply toward your IMH Certificate.
3) I am a working professional do you offer evening or on-line courses?
All of our courses are offered in the evenings or on Saturdays. We do not have an on-line program at this time.
4) If I am a student at another university can I enroll in the certificate program?
The Michigan Intercollegiate Graduate Studies Program enables graduate students of Michigan public institutions to take advantage of educational opportunities at other Michigan public institutions offering graduate degrees. For more information please go to the following website http://www.bulletins.wayne.edu/gbk-output/gbk-08-10-wb-01-06.html#wp22366.
5) How much does the program cost?
The cost of the program depends on the current cost of tuition .