Disaster Mental Health Interventions
Core Principles and Practices
2nd Edition
Will be published approx. on 4. September 2026
260 pages
E-Book
978-1-040-57452-2 (ISBN)
Description
Disaster Mental Health Interventions: Core Principles and Practices, Second Edition is a comprehensive overview of disasters' physical and psychological impact, and of current best practices for addressing survivors' reactions. This revised edition includes updated research and expanded lessons to help advance disaster mental health interventions in response to acute events like hurricanes and mass shootings, as well as chronic threats like climate change and pandemics. Case studies and anecdotes from experienced professionals add an additional level of depth and interest for readers.
Written in an approachable style, the text combines theory and practice in a practical and engaging field guide for disaster responders. Topics covered include how disaster characteristics tend to influence reactions; how to differentiate expectable post-disaster stress responses from extreme reactions like PTSD; what makes certain populations more susceptible to more negative outcomes and how to help these high-needs groups; and how to support all survivors through Psychological First Aid and other early interventions. Cultural impacts are addressed throughout the book. Occupational hazards for disaster mental responders and the need for self-care are also addressed.
Disaster response professionals and students across the fields of mental health counseling, social work, school counseling, psychology, health care, spiritual care, and emergency management will appreciate the accessible tone, level of detail, and emphasis on practice
Written in an approachable style, the text combines theory and practice in a practical and engaging field guide for disaster responders. Topics covered include how disaster characteristics tend to influence reactions; how to differentiate expectable post-disaster stress responses from extreme reactions like PTSD; what makes certain populations more susceptible to more negative outcomes and how to help these high-needs groups; and how to support all survivors through Psychological First Aid and other early interventions. Cultural impacts are addressed throughout the book. Occupational hazards for disaster mental responders and the need for self-care are also addressed.
Disaster response professionals and students across the fields of mental health counseling, social work, school counseling, psychology, health care, spiritual care, and emergency management will appreciate the accessible tone, level of detail, and emphasis on practice
Reviews / Votes
"This is an essential text for any mental health professional who wishes to serve communities ethically and effectively in the aftermath of a disaster. The authors skillfully weave together case studies, practical examples, and current research in a way that easily engages the reader. The book sensitively covers grief, loss, the needs of different community members, and taking care of ourselves as helpers. I use it in my teaching!"Erika Felix, Ph.D., Professor, University of California, Santa Barbara
"In the second edition of Disaster Mental Health Interventions: Core Principles and Practices, James Halpern and Karla Vermeulen update their landmark publication with a broad focus that allows a reader to find the best and most recent thinking on disaster mental health in one volume. This book is a primary reference book for all professionals who may be confronted with disasters in their communities, while also written in a style that invites reader engagement."
Richard G. Tedeschi, Ph.D., Executive Director, Boulder Crest Institute for Posttraumatic Growth
More details
Edition
2nd edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
3 Tables, black and white
ISBN-13
978-1-040-57452-2 (9781040574522)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
Book
approx. 09/2026
2nd Edition
Routledge
€56.00
Not yet published
Book
approx. 09/2026
2nd Edition
Routledge
€173.50
Not yet published
Persons
James Halpern, PhD, is Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Counseling and Founding Director of the Institute for Disaster Mental Health at The State University of New York at New Paltz. He has given numerous scholarly and training presentations on trauma and disaster mental health throughout the US and abroad. He has consulted for the United Nations on Assisting Victims of Terror. He received the Lifetime Mission Leader award from the American Red Cross.
Karla Vermeulen, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the State University of New York at New Paltz, where she formerly served as the Deputy Director of the Institute for Disaster Mental Health. She has developed multiple training curricula for organizations including the American Red Cross, USAID, the United Nations, and New York State agencies including the Office of Mental Health, Department of Health, and Division of Emergency Services, and she has trained professionals including healthcare providers, funeral directors, judges, and librarians, as well as mental health professionals.
Karla Vermeulen, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the State University of New York at New Paltz, where she formerly served as the Deputy Director of the Institute for Disaster Mental Health. She has developed multiple training curricula for organizations including the American Red Cross, USAID, the United Nations, and New York State agencies including the Office of Mental Health, Department of Health, and Division of Emergency Services, and she has trained professionals including healthcare providers, funeral directors, judges, and librarians, as well as mental health professionals.
Content
Introduction. Chapter 1 What Is Disaster Mental Health? Chapter 2. Describing Disasters. Chapter 3. Typical Reactions. Chapter 4. Early Interventions: Psychological First Aid. Chapter 5. Early Interventions: Other Actions. Chapter 6. Disaster Loss and Grief. Chapter 7. Disaster's Impact: Extreme Reactions. Chapter 8. Children and Families. Chapter 9. High-Needs Populations. Chapter 10. Cultural Considerations. Chapter 11. Practical Considerations and Self-Care for the Responder. Chapter 12. Conclusions and New Directions. Index.
