NCJ Number
218522
Journal
Journal of Trauma Practice Volume: 5 Issue: 4 Dated: 2006 Pages: 1-28
Date Published
2006
Length
28 pages
Annotation
This article presents basic considerations and recommendations prepared by a working group on individual post-disaster interventions and outreach strategies in the areas of mental health and substance abuse.
Abstract
Some basic considerations regarding individual interventions following a disaster include: goals of individual intervention, primacy of education and support, matching survivors to services, the need to encourage utilization of individual interventions, timing of interventions, and descriptions of psychosocial interventions. An overview of the research evidence, the role of mental health providers, and recommendations are presented concerning interventions for different time periods: immediate (0-14 days), early (2 weeks-3months) and later (3 months onward). In August 2003, an international expert panel was convened by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to discuss outreach and intervention for behavioral health needs following disasters and mass violence. This article is the outgrowth of a paper prepared by the working group on individual interventions that was formed at the roundtable. The basic considerations regarding individual post-disaster interventions and outreach strategies are discussed, as well as brief overviews of the research base and recommendations for interventions. Notes, references