What is IECMH Endorsement?

IECMH Endorsement is a way to show that you have the skills and knowledge to work with pregnant women, infants, young children, and their families. It is a standardized process that involves documenting competency-based training, specialized work experiences, reflective supervision / consultation (RSC), and sometimes an exam. Endorsed professionals must also provide professional references and sign a Code of Ethics.

Endorsement is available in many different categories, allowing you to pursue an Endorsement for each category that aligns with your qualifications.

What is NCIMHA’s role?

NCIMHA is the only organization authorized to confer an Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement (IECMH-E) in North Carolina.

Who is IECMH Endorsement for?

The Competency Guidelines for Endorsement for Culturally Sensitive, Relationship-Focused Practice Promoting Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health® (Endorsement) are internationally recognized credentials established by the Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health. It is designed to support the development and proficiency of professionals who work with (or on behalf of) pregnant women, children from birth to 6-years old, and their families. As its name implies, it is based on a framework of culturally sensitive, relationship focused practice within the fields of infant mental health and early childhood mental health.

Working with our youngest citizens requires specialized training and experience, and IECMH-E® ensures professionals have attained a certain level of expertise with young children and their families. IECMH-E® is relevant for professionals across disciplines including early care and education, prevention and early intervention, home visitation, medicine, child welfare, mental health, policy, academia, and others.

What credentials are available?

Endorsement is available across multiple practice specialties spanning the continuum of care. Individuals should apply for the Endorsement categories that best match their scope of practice. An add-on credential for Endorsed Reflective Supervisor (ERS) is also available for qualified professionals with a Family Specialist or Mental Health Specialist Endorsement. Click any link below to download a flier to learn more about that category.

Why pursue Endorsement?

For Yourself: Endorsement enhances your professional credibility and your confidence in working with pregnant people, infants, young children and their families.

For Children and Families: Endorsement supports the provision of high quality, culturally informed, reflective, and relationship based services to pregnant people, infants, toddlers and their families across a variety of disciplines, systems, and early childhood workforce sectors.

For Communities: Endorsement provides assurance to families, agencies, employers and the public at large that the endorsed professional meets high standards of care.

For Employers: Endorsement signifies that professionals have attained a specified level of functioning and understanding about the promotion of IMH and relationship-based approaches.

For the Field: Endorsement supports professional development and career planning within an organized framework and creates a supported, competent, high quality workforce that is better equipped to create positive outcomes for the pregnant people, infants, toddlers and families they serve.