Training Infant Mental Health Therapists: Characteristics Related to Outcomes

This study was an outcome evaluation of a professional continuing education program for licensed mental health professionals in Florida. Each academic year beginning in 2002-2003 through 2007-2008, the Florida State University (FSU) Harris Institute for Infant Mental Health (IMH) Training trained seven cohorts of approximately 12 to 30 licensed mental health professionals in IMH principles and therapy. Participants were licensed clinical social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists, and psychologists. In total, 117 professionals completed approximately 140 hours of training provided in monthly weekend seminars over the course of ten months. Seventeen of these graduates also participated in an additional 40 hours of less structured advanced training where clinicians brought clinical cases with which they were working for discussion to support their implementation of IMH practice. This study measures program graduates’ self-reported outcomes. Fifty-nine (50%) of all FSU Harris program graduates completed an online survey. Respondents made retrospective self-assessments of their baseline IMH knowledge, skills, and attitudes as well as use of recommended IMH practices. This retrospective baseline was compared to respondents’ retrospective self-assessment of knowledge, skills, and attitudes as well as recommended IMH practices after training. Respondents rated themselves significantly higher in all IMH competency areas after training as compared to before training. Further they reported significantly greater use of IMH practices after training. Ninety percent of the sample reported increased service provision to children under 6 years of age. Several program and participant variables were measured to assess potential links to outcome. Only one variable, therapists completing the advanced training, was linked to significantly greater changes in outcome measures.