Infant Mental Health: An Attuned Developmental, Clinical, and Relational Service in Accordance with the Fraiberg Model

This chapter explores infant mental health, an attuned developmental, clinical, and relational service on behalf of an infant or young child identified as at high risk for social or emotional disturbances and their caregiving parent(s). After providing a brief overview of the origins of Fraiberg’s infant mental health model, firmly rooted in psychoanalytic and developmental understanding, the authors review research specific to infant mental health practices; introduce core principles and practices, clinical concerns that contribute to caregiving difficulties and disturbances of infancy; and provide an overview of intensive therapeutic responses. One case story illustrates ways in which infant risks may be reduced and parental competencies enhanced through Fraiberg’s unique and complex model of service.