Mental Health

Behavioral health encompasses the emotional, psychological and social well-being of individuals, influencing how they think, act and feel. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “1 in 7 children ages 3 to 17 have a current, diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition.” Early intervention, particularly during infancy and early childhood, is vital as it lays the groundwork for healthy development and coping mechanisms throughout life. In VCU’s Infant Mental Health and Play Therapy training programs, you’ll learn skills that will enhance your professional practice and understanding of early social and emotional development, allowing you to better communicate with and treat young clients.

Courses happening soon

View More Courses

About


Infant Mental Health

Infant mental health focuses on the social and emotional well-being of children from birth through age six. This period is critical as early experiences shape brain development and future health outcomes. VCU’s Infant Mental Health program offers professional development opportunities that emphasize relationship-based practices and attachment principles. Students engage in a 28-hour training that includes 18 hours of instructor-led sessions and 10 hours of required work, culminating in a Certificate of Completion from VCU Continuing and Professional Education and the Early Childhood Mental Health Virginia Initiative. This training aligns with the competencies required for the Virginia Association for Infant Mental Health Endorsement for Culturally Sensitive, Relationship-Focused Practices Promoting Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health.

Learn More


Play Therapy Training Program

Play therapy is a therapeutic approach that uses play to help children express feelings, process experiences, and develop coping skills. VCU Continuing and Professional Education offers workshops designed for professionals in behavioral health, counseling, psychology, and school-based mental health settings who want to strengthen their clinical skills when working with children. Workshops are offered in both in-person and live webinar formats with hands-on activities, case examples, and guided discussion; participants gain practical techniques that can be incorporated into their work with children. VCU Continuing and Professional Education is an Association for Play Therapy (APT) Approved Provider 15-397.

Learn More

Upcoming Opportunities