Infant-Early Childhood Mental Health

HCA uses data to improve mental health services for Washington’s youngest children and their families. By collecting and sharing information about infant-early childhood mental health (IECMH), we can identify strengths, uncover challenges, inform policymaking, and promote equity in care.

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Want to read our latest report?

Check out the MHAYC Evaluation report

IECMH at HCA brief

The voices of providers, best practice evidence, and research from the field informed the development of HCA’s IECMH priorities. The IECMH at HCA brief provides an overview of HCA’s progress towards these priorities to date.

HCA IECMH reports

HCA partners with communities, providers, and families to collect data and share stories that move us closer to a strong IECMH system in Washington State.

MHAYC outcomes evaluation report

Mental Health Assessment for Young Children (MHAYC) helps providers use best practices for assessing mental health conditions for young children. In partnership with the Department of Social and Health Services, we used medical claims data to look at the impact of MHAYC policies on assessment practices.

Key findings:

  • Multi-session assessments became more common for young children after MHAYC went into effect.
  • Some changes were seen in diagnostic patterns for young children during the study period, including a decrease in diagnoses of Disruptive Behavior Disorders.

Explore the report and materials:

IECMH Statewide tour report

In 2023, HCA’s IECMH team hosted 10 listening sessions with 96 behavioral health providers across Washington. We asked about barriers and solutions to improving access to IECMH services. Providers raised seven key themes:

  • Workforce development
  • Mental health assessment for young children
  • Treatment for young children
  • Home and community-based services
  • Caregiver engagement
  • Collaboration with allied professionals
  • Financing of services

Their insights helped shape our IECMH priorities and action steps.

Explore the report and materials:

Mental Health Assessment for Young Children Implementation Report

Mental Health Assessment for Young Children (MHAYC) helps providers use best practices for assessing mental health conditions for young children. In 2022, 20 providers completed a survey about implementing MHAYC.

Key findings:

  • Moderate use of MHAYC policies
  • Easier billing for IECMH services
  • Increased provider confidence
  • Improved access to developmentally appropriate care

Read the MHAYC survey report.

Behavioral Health Agencies Serving Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

This report uses Behavioral Health Provider Survey data to captures information about how community behavioral health agencies provide IECMH services

Key findings (2022):
  • 1 in 3 agencies serve children under age 6
  • Fewer than 10% serve children under age 3
  • Most use the DC:0-5 diagnostic tool
  • Less than half offer dyadic family therapy

Read the 2022 BHPS report.

IECMH Workforce Collaborative reports

The IECMH Workforce Collaborative coordinates training and professional development supports for mental health assessment for young children, including DC:0-5 training. 

Key findings (March 2022-June 2025):

  • 745 mental health professionals trained
  • 550 allied professionals trained
  • Participants reported greater readiness to use DC:0-5

Visit the IECMH-WC Reports webpage.

Additional HCA IECMH data

WISe CANS data

WISe (Wraparound with Intensive Services) helps children and families access coordinated care. HCA uses the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) tool to track needs and outcomes.

Key findings (2024):

  • Average needs dropped from 11 to 9 after 3 months of WISe services
  • Needs decreased from issues like tantrums, aggression and impulse control

See CANS data for children birth – age five

Visit the WISe Reports webpage.

Children's Behavioral Health Access Report

HCA publishes an annual report on behavioral health access for children, youth, and young adults enrolled in Apple Health.

Key findings (2023):

  • 11% of young children (ages 0-5) had an identified mental health need
  • Only 60% of young children with an identified mental health need received care

Read the full report

Children's Behavioral Health Dashboard Report

Published by RDA, this dashboard tracks mental health needs and outcomes for children enrolled in Apple Health.

Key findings (2021):

  • 5% of young children ages 0-4 had an identified mental health need
  • Needs ranged from 4% to 7% in different regions
  • 20% of foster care children ages 0-4 had a mental health need

Review the dashboard report

Publications featuring HCA’s IECMH work

HCA’s innovative IECMH work has been featured in national publications that highlight Washington’s commitment to early, equitable mental health care.

IECMH data from our partners

HCA also uses data and research from sister agencies, local governments, and national experts to guide our work. Please note that the list below is not comprehensive, and these reports do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of HCA.

(Updated October 2025)

Contact

Email: Kimberly “Kiki” Fabian, M. Ed
Infant and early childhood mental health systems analyst

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