Welcome to The Harris Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Training Institute. One of just 17 in the nation, and the only one in the Southwest, The Harris Institute is operated by Southwest Human Development in collaboration with Arizona State University.  

Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health: A Dynamic, Rapidly Growing Field

Several decades of research have clearly demonstrated the importance of a child’s earliest years. Most importantly, the relationships formed with parents and caregivers during this time establish the foundation for all future development – intellectual, social, emotional, physical, and behavioral.

Research has also shown that behavioral and mental health problems can emerge in infants, toddlers and preschoolers. If left undiagnosed and untreated, resulting problems can include school failure, child abuse, delinquency, and mental illness.

The increased recognition of young children’s critical and unique needs has revealed a severe shortage of professionals knowledgeable in this field. As one of a handful of prestigious Harris programs in the country, and the only one in the Southwest, the Harris Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Training Institute seeks to fill this knowledge gap through state-of-the-art training programs.

The Harris Institute consists of three levels of training programs, an infant mental health clinic and a consultation program. Fellowships and stipends are available on a competitive basis.

Two-Year Infant/Family Clinical Practice Certificate

One-Year Infant/Family Studies Certificate

Seminars and Short Courses

Consultation

A Distinguished Faculty

The Harris Institute faculty is recognized for its expertise in infant and early childhood mental health, bringing a wealth of academic, training and direct practice experience to the Institute.

View Faculty Biographies

Download Brochure (in Adobe PDF format)

For additional information, contact:
HarrisInstitute@swhd.org or (602) 200-0434 x4085

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