Disaster Mental Health

A disaster, whether large or small, can produce significant psychological consequences not only for the individuals in its path, but for the general community where it strikes and the disaster relief personnel who come to their aid. Responding to the mental health consequences of disaster requires a thoughtful and planful approach.

The Department of Psychiatry and the Center for Disaster Medicine and Emergency Preparedness at the University of Rochester Medical Center understands the importance of having a well-formulated plan to respond to the psychological aftermath of disaster. The University of Rochester Disaster Mental Health program provides consultation and technical resources and assistance to public and private agencies in mental health disaster planning, response, and training.

• Disaster Mental Health Training for Community Settings
• Disaster Mental Health Training for Healthcare Settings
• Disaster Mental Health Planning Consultation

This self-study program on Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Workforce Resilience provides participants with critical information about how to provide support to survivors, their families, and disaster responders in the immediate aftermath of human- and natural-caused tragedies.  Individuals affected by a disaster experience a range of emotions and reactions, some of which can result in significant personal, family, and work life challenges. This 75-minute educational program for public health professionals, healthcare workers, first responders, and potential disaster response personnel emphasizes the key components of PFA and the methods for providing emotional and practical support to disaster-affected populations. Additional topics addressed include: the consequences of overlooking mental health needs during disaster, the importance of practicing self-care, and the necessity of building workforce resilience in people whose jobs support effective disaster response.