Washington’s Association for Infant Mental Health
The Center for Early Relational Health serves as Washington’s Association for Infant Mental Health (AIMH). In that role, we are the professional home for anyone in Washington who works with or on behalf of babies, toddlers, young children, and the families who love them.
We carry forward the legacy of Washington’s original AIMH (formerly WA-AIMH), while expanding our reach, deepening our equity commitments, and building toward a Washington where every child has the nurturing relationships they need to thrive.
Part of a Global Network
As Washington’s AIMH, CERH is proud to be connected to a rich ecosystem of organizations advancing infant and early childhood mental health at the national and global level.
The Alliance for the Advancement of Infant Mental Health
The Alliance is a global network of professionals in 36 U.S. states and associations in Ireland and Australia, dedicated to supporting the mental health of infants and young children. Through the Alliance, members promote the adoption of the Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement (IECMH-E®) as the standard for excellence in the field and foster reflective supervision and consultation as a critical tool for supporting professionals’ growth, resilience, and effectiveness in working with families and young children. Washington endorsees join this internationally recognized community of practice, and their credentials are honored across all member states and countries.
AIMHiUSA
AIMHiUSA is a national network for professional organizations supporting the infant and early childhood mental health workforce, a professional home to be inspired, find connection, cultivate collaboration, and magnify impact. AIMHiUSA serves as a unified national body representing voices across all states, creating new opportunities for shared resources, innovative partnerships, and a stronger collective voice for babies and families. CERH’s membership means Washington has a seat at the national table.
The World Association for Infant Mental Health (WAIMH)
WAIMH’s mission promotes education, research, and study of the effects of mental, emotional, and social development during infancy on later development, through international and interdisciplinary cooperation, publications, affiliate associations, and biennial congresses devoted to scientific, educational, and clinical work with infants and their caregivers. As a WAIMH affiliate, CERH connects Washington’s IECMH community to the leading edge of global research, practice, and policy, ensuring that what we know and how we work reflects the best of what the international field has to offer.
What We Do as Washington’s AIMH
Build a skilled, reflective workforce.
We offer training, communities of practice, reflective supervision support, and the nationally recognized Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health Endorsement (IECMH-E®), the credential that recognizes specialized knowledge and expertise across sectors. Whether you’re a home visitor, pediatric nurse, early interventionist, mental health clinician, or childcare provider, we are here to support your growth.
Connect professionals across Washington.
No one does this work alone. CERH builds community across the full spectrum of disciplines and regions that serve young children and families, creating shared language, shared standards, and shared commitment.
Advocate for babies, children, and families.
We bring an Early Relational Health lens to policy conversations, elevating the voices of the professionals and families closest to this work. We partner with state agencies, health systems, educators, and legislators to ensure Washington’s youngest children are seen, heard, and resourced.
Join Us
When you become a member, you join a network of like-minded professionals who share your passion for early relational health. This isn’t just about professional development; it’s about coming together around a shared commitment to families and the healing power of relationships.
Membership in CERH means investing in your practice, your community, and the future of Washington’s youngest children.
A Note on WA-AIMH
In 2024, WA-AIMH joined the Center for Early Relational Health, reflecting our expanded vision, our whole-community approach, and our deep belief that early relationships are the foundation for everything that follows. We are still Washington’s AIMH. We are still your professional home. And we are more committed than ever to the work.
