Disaster Mental Health Interventions

James Halpern, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus and Founding Director of the Institute for Disaster Mental Health at the State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz. He is the recipient of numerous state and federal grants to develop and deliver trainings in the U.S. and abroad. He received the Lifetime Mission Leader Award from the American Red Cross.Karla Vermeulen, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Psychology at SUNY New Paltz. In addition to training disaster responders and trauma workers, she teaches courses on disaster mental health and grief counseling, and researches the impact of disasters and other stressors on emerging adults.

• Introduction. Chapter 1 What Is Disaster Mental Health? Chapter 2. Describing Disasters. Chapter 3. Typical Reactions. Chapter 4. Early Interventions: Psychological First Aid. Chapter 5. Early Interventions: Other Actions. Chapter 6. Disaster Loss and Grief. Chapter 7. Disaster’s Impact: Extreme Reactions. Chapter 8. Children and Families. Chapter 9. High-Needs Populations. Chapter 10. Cultural Considerations. Chapter 11. Practical Considerations and Self-Care for the Responder. Chapter 12. Conclusions and New Directions. Index.

"In the second edition of Disaster Mental Health Interventions: Core Principles and Practices, James Halpern and Karla Vermeulen update their landmark publication with a broad focus that allows a reader to find the best and most recent thinking on disaster mental health in one volume. This book is a primary reference book for all professionals who may be confronted with disasters in their communities, while also written in a style that invites reader engagement."Richard G. Tedeschi, Ph.D., Executive Director, Boulder Crest Institute for Posttraumatic Growth"This is an essential text for any mental health professional who wishes to serve communities ethically and effectively in the aftermath of a disaster. The authors skillfully weave together case studies, practical examples, and current research in a way that easily engages the reader. The book sensitively covers grief, loss, the needs of different community members, and taking care of ourselves as helpers. I use it in my teaching!"Erika Felix, Ph.D., Professor, University of California, Santa Barbara