This is Part I of a two-part series. While it is encouraged participants attend both sessions, it is not required for participants to attend one session in order to be eligible to attend the other. To register for Part II, please click here.

This two-part training is designed for early childhood mental health providers seeking to deepen their understanding of adult mental health and its impact on young children (ages 0–5) and family systems. While participants are expected to have foundational knowledge of common adult mental health conditions, this training focuses on the role of severe mental illness (e.g., bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders) and personality-related patterns in parenting contexts.

Session 1 provides a biopsychosocial and trauma-informed framework for understanding adult mental health, with particular attention to intergenerational transmission and the impact of caregiver mental health on early childhood development. The session also addresses historical misconceptions in the field and highlights research on resilience and recovery among children and families affected by mental health challenges.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Describe the development of adult mental health using a biopsychoscial and trauma-informed framework.
• Identify key features of severe mental illness and personality-related patterns and their potential impact on parenting.
• Explain mechanisms of intergenerational transmission of mental health challenges within families.
• Identify core resilience factors that support positive outcomes for children and caregivers.