ABSTRACT

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.

chapter 1|10 pages

Introduction

section Section I|2 pages

Natural Disasters in the United States

chapter 3|9 pages

2014 Mudslides in Oso, WA

chapter 6|8 pages

2016 Floods in Mississippi

chapter 7|9 pages

2011 Tornado in Joplin, MO

section Section II|2 pages

Human-Caused Disasters in the United States

chapter 13|9 pages

2012 Shooting in Webster, NY

chapter 14|8 pages

2014 Mass Murder in Isla Vista, CA

section Section III|2 pages

International Disasters

chapter 18|9 pages

2010 Earthquake in Haiti

chapter 21|9 pages

2014 Ebola Outbreak in Guinea

chapter 22|9 pages

Conclusion