AUTHOR=Pitzen Jerrica , Rice Danielle , Durán Barbara , Jester Jennifer , Riggs Jessica , Julian Megan , Appold Brendan , Muzik Maria , Rosenblum Katherine ,  Michigan Collaborative for Infant Mental Health , Alfafara Emily , Barron Carla , Brophy-Herb Holly E. , Erickson Nora L. , Fitzgerald Hiram E. , Huth-Bocks Alissa C. , Issa Meriam , Jester Jennifer M. , Julian Megan M. , Lawler Jamie M. , Menke Rena , Meuwissen Alyssa S. , Miller Alison L. , Muzik Maria , Niec Larissa N. , Pitzen Jerrica , Ribaudo Julie , Riggs Jessica , Rosenblum Katherine L. , Shea Sarah E. , Spicer Paul , Stacks Ann M. , Torres Chioma , Van Egeren Laurie , Waddell Rachel , Watson Christopher L. , Weatherston Deborah J. , VanDahm Kristyn 

TITLE=The Michigan Model of Infant Mental Health Home Visiting increases preventative services while decreasing emergency services for children

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychology

VOLUME=Volume 16 - 2025

YEAR=2025

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1549246

DOI=10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1549246

ISSN=1664-1078

ABSTRACT=ObjectiveThis study examined the impact of a relationship-based intervention, the Michigan Model of Infant Mental Health Home Visiting (IMH-HV), on infant/child referrals and receipt of physical health services.MethodUsing a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, participants included community-recruited mother-infant/toddler dyads who were randomized to treatment (IMH-HV) or control. Participant-reported healthcare, related service referrals received, and number of medical visits attended at baseline, 6-, and 12-month were examined.ResultsFamilies assigned to IMH-HV were more likely to receive (OR = 13.6, p = 0.001) and follow up on referrals (OR = 7.1, p = 0.00), and found them more helpful than the control group (OR = 3.9, p = 0.03). Children in the treatment group received services in the emergency department (ED; 14.7%) less often compared to control group (34.4%). At 12 months, control group children were more likely to miss well-child visits compared to the IMH-HV group.ConclusionThese results demonstrate that families who receive IMH-HV services increase their access to and utilization of resources to reduce the impact of some of the most harmful social determinants of poor health, developmental, and relational outcomes. Unique components of IMH-HV that might explain this include attending to concrete needs, referrals for medical care, and providing developmental guidance.