Disaster Behavioral Health: Clinical Principles, Interventions, and Recovery

Disaster Behavioral Health: Clinical Principles, Interventions, and Recovery CE Course (PDF document) – Online CE Course

Disaster Behavioral Health: Clinical Principles, Interventions, and Recovery CE Course objectives, description, and outline

Course Objectives:

• Describe at least two common behavioral health reactions across the disaster lifecycle and distinguish normative stress responses from indicators requiring additional clinical intervention.
• Discuss at least two evidence-informed disaster behavioral health interventions, including Psychological First Aid and Skills for Psychological Recovery, based on the phase of disaster response and recovery.
• Apply at least two trauma-informed and culturally responsive principles into clinical disaster behavioral health practice to promote resilience and equitable recovery outcomes.

Course Introduction:

This easy-to-use guide provides a framework for stress management strategies for responders and their leadership. It also presents a brief orientation to the signs and symptoms of stress. The strategies in this guide are broad enough that individuals and groups can tailor the information to fit their needs and situations. The guide focuses on general principles of stress management and offers simple, practical strategies that can be incorporated into the daily routines of managers and responders. It is essential for responders to learn about and practice stress management strategies before a disaster, as part of their general personal preparedness, so they can respond effectively and sustain their own physical and mental health throughout their response.

Course Outline:

1. 1. Introduction
   2. Understanding The Stress Cycle
   3. Promoting a Positive Workplace Environment
   4. Organizational Stress Management Before, During, and After an Event
      1. Pre-event Planning
      2. During the Crisis – At the Scene
      3. After the Crisis
   5. Managing Personal Crises/Risk of Suicide
   6. Self-Care for Professionals
      1. Self=monitor for Signs of Stress
         1. Before the Crisis: Preparation Begins at Home
         2. During the Crisis
         3. After the Crisis
   7. Summary

Instructors: Nicole Hiltibran, MA, LMFT; Julie Campbell, Phd

Author: SAMHSA

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA’s mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.

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