Mental Health Consultation

Photograph by permission of friends & whānau

Mental Health Consultation

Definition:

Mental health consultation is a capacity-building and problem solving intervention implemented in early childhood settings. A professional consultant with infant/early childhood mental health expertise develops a collaborative and reflective relationship with one or more consultees (e.g., an early care and education (ECE) provider, service provider). Mental health consultation focuses on enhancing the quality of young children’s social and emotional affective environments, as well as the needs of individual children. (Deb Perry, 2014)

Process:

Mental Health Consultation is an indirect intervention that pairs experienced mental health professionals who have experience, knowledge and skills in Infant Mental Health and childhood trauma with other providers. The aim is to promote and, where need be, improve the social, emotional, behavioural and relational health of the child, as well as prevent escalation of challenging behaviours. The goal is to improve outcomes for children, parents and staff through Mental Health Consultation. This may include assisting the staff to make referrals for additional assessments and services, if needed. This partnership aims at building the capacity of the preschool staff.

Photograph by permission of friends & whānau

The consultations will focus on:

  • Classroom observation

  • Strategies for prosocial environment  

  • Healthy social emotional development of children

  • Promote greater developmentally appropriate practices

  • Focus on a general program or classroom issue that impacts the mental health of staff, children and/or families

  • Consulting on behaviour challenges

  • Consulting on Sensory Processing challenges

  • Trauma informed practice

  • Improving the experience of all individuals in the classroom

  • Support for reflective practices

  • Helping to identify attitudes, beliefs, practices and conditions that may be undermining the quality relationships between teachers and children

  • Promoting staff wellness

  • Promoting team building

  • Facilitating parent-centre interactions

The Mental Health Consultation is NOT:

  • Formal diagnostic evaluations

  • Therapeutic play groups

  • Individual therapy

  • Family therapy

  • Staff therapy

  • Family support groups

What participants have shared with us . . .

  • “Great to have ongoing support and reflections regularly with Sarah and Heidi.  Very knowledgeable and informative facilitators.” Early Childhood Teacher

  • “The cool, calm nature of Sarah and Heidi and their ongoing support has been extremely rewarding.  Allowing us the time to reflect with sets of open ears that are ready to listen and support.  Thank you.” Early Childhood Teacher

  • “It was so great to have our work seen from another perspective and to have it validated.” Early Childhood Teacher

  • “ Fantastic reflection for growth in the profession.” Early Childhood Teacher

  • “It was great to have face to face meetings with Heidi and Sarah to help us with our children.” Early Childhood Teacher

 Service Delivery

Mental Health Consultation can be offered virtually or in person (depending on location)

We have worked with organisations in remote areas of New Zealand via video link - so location is not a problem.

How much does it cost?

We tailor Mental Health Consultation to your organisation’s needs and price accordingly

Let’s talk . . .

The people we serve are experts by experience

Photograph by permission of friends & whānau