Field Manual for Mental Health and Human Service Workers in Major Disasters

• NCJ Number: 191818
• Author(s): Deborah J. DeWolfe Ph.D.
• Editor(s): Diana Nordboe M.Ed.
• Date Published: 2000
• Length: 39 pages
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admin (SAMHSA)
• Publication Format: Document
• Publication Type: Policy/Procedure Handbook/Manual
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This Field Manual was intended for mental health workers and other human service providers who assist survivors following a disaster. This pocket reference provides the basics of disaster mental health, with numerous specific and practical suggestions for workers.

Abstract

The Field Manual condenses and focuses material contained in the Training Manual for Mental Health and Human Service Workers in Major Disasters. Essential information in this manual includes: (1) the key concepts of disaster mental health; (2) survivors’ needs and reactions; (3) disaster counseling skills, which includes sections on establishing rapport, active listening, some do’s and don’ts, problem solving, a word of caution, and confidentiality; 4) when to refer for mental health services; 5) potential risk groups, which included sections on age groups, cultural and ethnic groups, people with serious and persistent mental illness; and human and disaster relief workers; and (6) stress prevention and management, which includes organizational and individual approaches. Most people coping with the aftermath of a disaster are normal, well-functioning people who are struggling with the disruption and loss caused by the disaster. They do not see themselves as needing mental health services and are unlikely to request them. This is why disaster mental health workers must go to the survivors, not wait and expect the survivors to come to them. Most importantly, survivors of disaster respond to genuine concern, a listening ear, and help with immediate problem solving. Survivors find brochures and information about “normal reactions to disaster stress” and “how to cope” to be extremely helpful. Disaster mental health services must fit the disaster-affected community. This requires workers who are culturally sensitive, provide information in the language spoken, and work with local, trusted organizations, and community leaders to better understand survivors’ needs.