Interventions Following Mass Violence and Disasters

This state-of-the-art volume is extremely relevant to practitioners and researchers in all areas of mental health. Psychologists, social workers, physicians, nurses, and counselors will gain insight into the complexities of treatment for survivors of mass violence and disasters. The most important contributors in the field provide practical guidance on a wide range of topics, including early intervention, contextual factors, organizational consultation, and interventions with children. Chapters address what we know--and what we don’t know--in this comprehensive examination of a new and growing literature. Controversial issues regarding treatment are dealt with in a thoughtful manner. This text is essential reading for anyone doing trauma-related work.--Victoria Follette, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Reno

A fabulous and timely addition to the psychological and behavioral health toolkit. This insightful and unique exploration of interventions after mass violence and disaster is a jewel that should be required reading for all those working in, teaching about, or preparing for work in disaster response.--CDR Dori B. Reissman, MD, MPH, U.S. Public Health Service and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The struggle to develop optimal ways of managing the psychological effects of war and disaster has always been at the forefront of theory and practice in mental health. This book is a chapter in this struggle, prompted by the changed horizon since September 11. The authors explore the challenge of how to manage the effects of psychological trauma in the light of constantly emerging knowledge. The book masterfully balances the need for careful scientific skepticism with the need to take action to provide the best help possible to trauma survivors. This is essential reading for researchers and practitioners alike.--Alexander C. McFarlane, MD, Centre for Military and Veterans' Health, University of Adelaide, Australia

This is absolutely the new definitive text on the acute treatment of mass trauma effects. Edited and written by leaders in the field, this volume addresses almost every conceivable aspect of mental health response to disasters and mass violence. The practical information on assessment, treatment, and training and consultation--let alone the comprehensive literature reviews--make this book a 'must have.' Highly recommended!--John Briere, PhD, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, LAC-USC Medical Center and Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California
- This well-written, interesting, and educational volume grows out of an international conference and evidence-based psychological intervention for victims and survivors of mass violence....I congratulate this distinguished group of authors on their well-written, understandable, and clear attempt to describe our current state of knowledge and to develop a research map leading to future important directions. --Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic, 6/27/2007ƒƒ Through the use of extensive citations and a compendious index, readers will be able to navigate the text easily, while they have their knowledge base expanded and their clinical assumptions potentially challenged. This is a book that will undoubtedly be called upon again and again as the field of disaster mental health becomes more cohesive and as the treating community develops its agendas for preparedness, training, and treatment. --Psychiatry, 6/27/2007ƒƒ This book is a must read for practitioners who are likely to be first responders (regardless of discipline or practice focus) or minimally, service providers following a disaster, whether man-made or natural; community leaders who hold responsibility (either formal or informal) for safeguarding community members; and government officials and agencies (both public and private) to whom victims of disasters will turn immediately following such disasters. The content provided in the book provides a conceptual understanding of the disaster crisis reaction with implications for individuals, families, communities, and community agencies or infrastructures; theoretical underpinnings for disaster intervention for all of the aforementioned; intervention models that have been proven to support natural coping as well as mediate post traumatic stress disorder symptomatology; practical and doable guidelines for disaster planning for communities and agencies; and highlights how mental health professionals can utilize their expertise in consulting with agencies and communities needing assistance with disaster recovery planning. Educators, trainers, and students/trainees will find the book to be a powerhouse of information for knowledge and skill enhancement. Contributors to the book span the interdisciplinary realm, making the content appropriate for consumption and use by social workers, psychiatrists, physicians, psychologists, community organizers/activists, school teachers, social workers, staff and guidance counselors, nurses, family therapists, agency directors, etc....The information contained in the book is easy to read and understand. --Families in Society, 6/27/2007ƒƒ Places the response to concerns about mental health within the fragmented environment that follows a catastrophe....Contains useful advice on practical mental health interventions. --The New England Journal of Medicine, 6/27/2007ƒƒ This book would be a welcome addition to the bookcase, desk, or library of any clinician involved in treating survivors of disaster and trauma. It provides a sound synopsis and analysis of intervention techniques and strategies at different stages [of] post-disaster, brings attention to organizational and programmatic challenges, and highlights the importance of working from an evidence-based approach when possible....Will easily function as one of the important texts in the area until further advances in the field are made. --PsycCRITIQUES, 6/27/2007