Infant-early childhood mental health services

Overview

About 1 in 5 young children have a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. When identified early, these conditions can be treated.

IECMH services:

• Help children return to healthy development
• Strengthen the caregiver-child relationship
• Are cost effective – every $1 invested returns $8-$15 in long-term savings

Apple Health (Medicaid) covers IECMH services for children from birth through age 5 and their families.

HCA and partners provide tools, guidance, and connection opportunities to support providers in this work.

Office hours

Stay tuned for upcoming office hours. Subscribe to notifications to be the first to know.

Past office hours

• IECMH at HCA (July 2025) slides | recording
• MHAYC Provider spotlight series
  • IECMH intake forms
  • Assessments in Natural Settings
  • Screenings, Collateral Information, and Referrals
  • Structuring Sessions and Cultural Considerations
  • Workflows, Staffing, Electronic Health Records

IECMH tool hub

HCA has released Infant Early Childhood Mental Health (IECMH) tools to support early identification, referrals, and cross-system navigation. Some tools stand alone; others are designed to be used together.

IECMH toolkit

HCA created the IECMH toolkit to help providers get started with IECMH treatment services, including core elements of care, Apple Health billing guidance, licensure pathways, and additional resources.

The toolkit was recently updated to reflect alignment with new Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance on behavioral health and EPSDT.

View the toolkit.

Early Childhood referral guide

Quick reference to help identify referral partners based on a child’s functioning and well-being. Includes examples of provider types, not a comprehensive directory. Discuss family preferences and obtain consent before referrals.

View the guide

Early Childhood cross-system matrix

System navigation tool showing how early childhood systems connect, from universal entry points to specialized and high-intensity services.

View the matrix

Provider how-to guides

Role-specific steps for referrals and warm handoffs for pediatric primary care providers, home visitors, early learning providers, child welfare staff, and community navigators.

View the provider how-to guides

Mental Health Assessment for Young Children (MHAYC)

IECMH services start with a mental health assessment. For children birth through age five, providers should provide multi-session assessments, assess in natural settings, and use the DC:0-5. HCA and the IECMH Workforce Collaborative offer billing guidance, free trainings, and more.

Visit the Mental Health Assessment for Young Children webpage

Provider resources

Find other resources that can support you in providing infant-early childhood mental health services.

Evidence-based practices

Evidence-based practices (EBPs) are a key part of IECMH treatment. HCA and the EBP Initiative (EBPI) provide guidance on how to track and document evidence-based treatment.

View the EBP Reporting Guide.

WISe Birth through Five (B-5)

Apple Health providers can offer intensive services, including WISe (Wraparound with Intensive Services), to children birth through age five and their families. HCA and the WISe Workforce Collaborative offer resources and training about providing WISe to young children.

Visit the WISe Birth-Five webpage.

Emotional Health of Babies and Toddlers flyers

These printable flyers explain the basics about emotional health for babies and toddlers. Versions are tailored for different provider types.

Download the flyers

• Behavioral health providers: digital | printable
• Child welfare providers: digital | printable
• Early learning providers: digital | printable
• Health care providers: digital | printable

B-5 at BHAs presentation

Slides from HCA’s 2023 Washington Behavioral Health Conference offer insights for agencies starting IECMH work.

Download the presentation.

Pregnant and parenting women residential treatment and IECMH

Some parents or caregivers in residential treatment may have children living with them. HCA’s PPW-IECMH billing guidance explains how to provide and bill IECMH services in these settings.

View the guidance.

Reports and data

HCA uses data to guide and improve IECMH services. We share what we learn with communities, providers, and families.

Visit the IECMH data and reports webpage.

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(Updated March 15, 2026)