Disaster Mental Health Case Studies is a riveting collection of case studies by master clinicians that reveal how disaster mental health interventions must be tailored to meet the needs of survivors. Each unique case study is structured to give the reader an introduction to the community affected pre-disaster; a glimpse into the thought processes of the disaster mental health responders pre- and post-disaster; and a reflective selection of lessons learned as a result of the experiences. The 17 case studies offer the reader:

• Guidance on how to develop an empathic approach to disaster mental health response;
• Exposure to a diverse sample of disaster contexts, including naturally-occurring disasters, human-caused disasters, and disasters which occurred in an international setting;
• An understanding of the strategic approaches needed for disaster mental health service response, as well as an appreciation of the need for self-care when responding;
• A grounded and accessible writing style, bookended by chapters from the editors which thematically link and analyze the case studies.

Offering a rare and compelling view into the challenges, tragedies, pain, frustrations, and grief at the heart of disaster mental health work, this must-have collection is tailored to appeal to students of mental health and counseling, psychology, and social work; and working mental health professionals who would like to learn directly from experienced responders.

About the Author

James Halpern, PhD, is Professor Emeritus and Founding Director of the Institute for Disaster Mental Health at the State University of New York at New Paltz. He is co-author of Disaster Mental Health Interventions: Core Principles and Practices and Disaster Mental Health: Theory and Practice.

Amy Nitza, PhD, is the Director of the Institute for Disaster Mental Health at the State University of New York at New Paltz.

Karla Vermeulen, PhD, is the Deputy Director of the Institute for Disaster Mental Health and an Associate Professor at the State University of New York at New Paltz. She is co-author of Disaster Mental Health Interventions: Core Principles and Practices.

Reviews

"This much-needed volume will help all disaster workers and emergency responders, whether they are trainees or seasoned professionals, to better understand and navigate the real-world processes of disaster mental health response. It offers a unique description of the helping experiences, personal feelings, and reflections on lessons learned of individuals deployed in a comprehensive range of 17 natural and human-caused disasters, both domestic and international. This book is an invaluable training tool and deserves a place in the library of every emergency helper."-Josef I. Ruzek, PhD, former director, National Center for PTSD Dissemination and Training Division, adjunct professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University

"The editors of this book are leading experts in the field of disaster response. They have assembled a series of compelling case studies on the human effects of various kinds of disasters. It is remarkable that they have included so many of the major disasters the world has seen in the past thirty years; with these case studies, readers can be reminded of what may have been forgotten and what can be learned from these experiences. Disaster Mental Health Case Studies is a great service to those who study disaster, as it takes a vast literature and in one place presents the recent history of disaster."-Richard G. Tedeschi, PhD, coauthor of Posttraumatic Growth: Theory, Research, and Applications

"The experience of reading Disaster Mental Health Case Studies is like peering into each contributor's personal journal while also getting useful instruction on what works and what doesn't in providing disaster mental health services. The diverse array of case studies shared in this well-organized, easy-to-follow compilation move the reader through a journey of understanding the impacts of disasters on individuals, families, and communities (and on ourselves) that's on a human, accessible level, which will make disaster mental health providers all the more effective in supporting survivors and responders."-Christian Burgess, MSW, director, Disaster Distress Helpline for Vibrant Emotional Health

Book Information
ISBN 9781138559196
Author James Halpern
Format Paperback
Page Count 202
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 526g