​​​​​Mission Statement: PA-AIMH is committed to promoting optimal infant and early childhood mental health by supporting professionals who work with or on behalf of infants, young children, and their families.

PA-AIMH is a non-profit professional organization dedicated to promoting optimal infant and early childhood mental health. We support professionals who work with or on behalf of infants, young children, and their families in the following ways:
  • Promoting healthy social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development through supportive and nurturing relationships for children from conception to five years of age throughout Pennsylvania.
  • Facilitating interdisciplinary cooperation among individuals focused on creating conditions for the optimal development of infants and infant-caregiver relationships.
  • Encouraging the recognition that infancy is a sensitive period in the psychosocial development of individuals.
  • Promoting education, research, and study on the effects of mental development during infancy on later normal and psychopathological development.
  • Supporting education, research, and study on the mental health of parents, families, and other caregivers of infants.
  • Developing scientifically based and informed programs for the care, intervention, and prevention of mental impairment in infancy.

History of PA-AIMH

Since its founding in 2011, PA-AIMH has evolved significantly to better support the mental health of infants and young children across Pennsylvania. Here are some key developments:

Expansion of Services: PA-AIMH has broadened its scope to include more comprehensive support for professionals working with infants and young children. This includes training, reflective practice opportunities, and advocacy efforts.

Interdisciplinary Cooperation: The organization has strengthened interdisciplinary cooperation among professionals from various fields, fostering a collaborative approach to infant mental health.

Educational Initiatives: PA-AIMH has increased its focus on education and research, promoting studies on the effects of mental development during infancy and the mental health of caregivers.

Policy Influence: The association has become more active in shaping policies and practices that impact infant mental health, ensuring that infants have a voice in these processes.

Program Development: PA-AIMH has developed scientifically based and informed programs for care, intervention, and prevention of mental impairment in infancy[3]. These efforts have helped PA-AIMH become a pivotal organization in promoting optimal infant and early childhood mental health throughout Pennsylvania.