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(Twenty-four hours later, after a massive advocacy effort across the country, the cuts were rescinded).
The first person we reached out to was Dr. Sunny Patel, who offered what he always offers: a measured, insight-rich analysis of what was happening. Not panic, but clear-eyed assessment and a framework for understanding. People like Sunny, who understand both clinical realities and the political machinery shaping what care is possible, are invaluable right now. (If you haven't read our Health Affairs piece on federal cuts and children's behavioral health systems, it provides more context).
Sunny describes the current environment with two words: "chaos" and "uncertainty." But amidst all challenges, he also sees an opportunity for paradigm shifts in how we support family mental health and a chance to be innovative and entrepreneurial.
When I asked where he finds hope, his answer was immediate: young people. "They are sophisticated and thoughtful and loud and present. They're asking us for the kinds of care that they need."
Listen to my conversation with Sunny for more insights about what's happening now, why it's happening, and how to operate in this environment.
Building Something New
Which brings me back to that morning. Forbes magazine recently wrote about our center and mission of innovating for society's youngest members. On that day in January 13, we were working an on innovation designed to support the youngest of the young.
Let’s start with the data: Four-in-five early childhood educators report serious work stress and one-in-three leave each year. Children's challenging behavior cited as the top reason. Meanwhile, 250+ preschoolers are suspended or expelled every day.
Infant and early childhood mental health consultation is effective in reducing these outcomes. But there's no standard of competence or quality for the field. Many childcare programs want to "grow" consultants from within their ranks, but there's no scalable and affordable pathway for that. This is what we're working to address.
Our team of Dr. Neal Horen, Lauren Rabinovitz, Julia Sayles, Amy Hunter, Amittia Parker, Kelli McDermott, Dr Celene Domitrovich, and Dr Deb Perry are not just defining the consultation competencies, they're building a platform to train and certify the next generation of consultants. We believe this program can maximize the reach and efficacy of an intervention that’s mandated or at least supported for childcare systems serving approximately 3.3 million children.
If you work with or for a childcare organization, we'd love to talk. Please email us at thrivecenter@georgetown.edu
In partnership,
Matt Biel
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