Concluded Project - October 2008

Attributes of Effective Head Start Mental Health Consultants

Contact: Mary Dallas Allen, P.I.

Early childhood mental health consultation (ECMHC) is the primary strategy implemented by Head Start programs to address the social and emotional needs of children and their families, but little is known about the attributes of early childhood mental health consultants (MHCs) that contribute to consultants’ relationships with Head Start staff and to consultation outcomes. The present study examined how attributes of MHCs contribute to positive relationships between the MHCs and Head Start staff and to improved consultation outcomes. This qualitative study conducted telephone focus groups with 26 rural and urban MHCs who worked with Head Start programs in Alaska and Oregon. Qualitative results indicated that effective MHCs share a mutual understanding of their role with the Head Start staff and provide culturally sensitive services. In addition, the focus groups provided specific information about how MHCs develop relationships with Head Start staff and families and about MHCs’ need for need for training, support, and supervision. Finally, the focus groups revealed that MHCs who provide services in rural areas must understand the role of relationships in rural communities, respect the rural lifestyle, and overcome the challenge of isolation. The findings of this study provide valuable information about the nature of relationships between MHCs, Head Start staff, and families and have implications for ECMHC practice, policy, and research.