Disaster Behavioral Health: A Critical Response

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

The course provides essential preparation for mental health and other helping professionals employed in a variety of settings during the aftermath of disasters and emergencies.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

Psychologists, psychiatrists, and other licensed mental health professionals
Emergency medical personnel and first responders
Public health professionals
Individuals who may aid and/or be called upon in times of disasters and emergencies

OBJECTIVES

After successfully completing this program, participants will understand:

Key phrases of disaster preparedness, response, and recovery and the roles assumed by mental health professionals along this continuum.
Psychological, psychosocial, and psychospiritual reactions that individuals experience in the aftermath of a disaster or other public health emergencies.
Key interventions and activities in respondingto the psychological, psychosocial, and psychospiritual reactions of disaster survivors and responders.
Key mechanisms of self-care and transitioning from a disaster response or relief operation.

COURSE STRUCTURE

The two-day workshop will be presented in eight (8) modules:

Module 1 – Facing Disaster: Are You Prepared?
Module 2 – Disaster Planning, Preparedness, and Response in Healthcare Settings
Module 3 – Characteristics and Attributes of Natural and Human-caused Disasters
Module 4 – Reactions to Disaster: The Human Response
Module 5 – Acts of Terrorism, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and Public Health Emergencies: Special Issues and Considerations
Module 6 – The Disaster Mental Health and Spiritual Care Team Response
Module 7 – Early Intervention and Other Disaster Mental Health and Spiritual Care Activities
Module 8 – Self-care and Disengaging from a Disaster Assignment

*Participants must attend both days of this two-day workshop to receive the Certificate of Completion.