"Through the use of extensive citations and a compendious index, readers will be able to navigate the text easily, while they have their knowledge base expanded and their clinical assumptions potentially challenged. This is a book that will undoubtedly be called upon again and again as the field of disaster mental health becomes more cohesive and as the treating community develops its agendas for preparedness, training, and treatment."--Psychiatry "This book is a must read for practitioners who are likely to be first responders (regardless of discipline or practice focus) or minimally, service providers following a disaster, whether man-made or natural; community leaders who hold responsibility (either formal or informal) for safeguarding community members; and government officials and agencies (both public and private) to whom victims of disasters will turn immediately following such disasters. The content provided in the book provides a conceptual understanding of the disaster crisis reaction with implications for individuals, families, communities, and community agencies or infrastructures; theoretical underpinnings for disaster intervention for all of the aforementioned; intervention models that have been proven to support natural coping as well as mediate post traumatic stress disorder symptomotology; practical and doable guidelines for disaster planning for communities and agencies; and highlights how mental health professionals can utilize their expertise in consulting with agencies and communities needing assistance with disaster recovery planning. Educators, trainers, and students/trainees will find the book to be a powerhouse of information for knowledge and skill enhancement. Contributors to the book span the interdisciplinary realm, making the content appropriate for consumption and use by social workers, psychiatrists, physicians, psychologists, community organizers/activists, school teachers, social workers, staff and guidance counselors, nurses, family therapists, agency directors, etc....The information contained in the book is easy to read and understand."--Families in Society "This book would be a welcome addition to the bookcase, desk, or library of any clinician involved in treating survivors of disaster and trauma. It provides a sound synopsis and analysis of intervention techniques and strategies at different stages [of] postdisaster, brings attention to organizational and programmatic challenges, and highlights the importance of working from an evidence-based approach when possible....Will easily function as one of the important texts in the area until further advances in the field are made"--APA PsycCRITIQUES "Places the response to concerns about mental health within the fragmented environment that follows a catastrophe....Contains useful advice on practical mental health interventions."--The New England Journal of Medicine

Grounded in the best science available, this essential volume presents practical guidelines for effective clinical intervention in the immediate, intermediate, and long-term aftermath of large-scale traumatic events. Vital lessons learned from a variety of mass traumas and natural disasters are incorporated into the book's thorough review of strategies for helping specific victim and survivor populations. The editors and authors include over 40 leading experts in disaster mental health. Of crucial importance, they clearly summarize the empirical evidence supporting each intervention and provide other guidance based on experience and consensus recommendations.

I. Introduction
1. Overview,Matthew J. Friedman, Elspeth Cameron Ritchie,andPatricia J. Watson
2. Models of Early Intervention Following Mass Violence and Other Trauma,Josef I. Ruzek II. Preparation, Training, and Needs Assessment
3. Improving Resilience Trajectories Following Mass Violence and Disaster,Patricia J. Watson, Elspeth Cameron Ritchie, James Demer, Paul Bartone,andBetty J. Pfefferbaum
4. Disaster Mental Health Training: Guidelines, Considerations, and Recommendations,Bruce H. Young, Josef I. Ruzek, Marlene Wong, Mark S. Salzer,andApril J. Naturale
5. Immediate Needs Assessment Following Catastrophic Disaster Incidents,Anthony H. Speier

III. Mental Health Interventions
6. Interventions for Traumatic Stress: Theoretical Basis,Arieh Y. Shalev
7. The Context of Providing Immediate Postevent Intervention,Roderick J. Orner, Adrian T. Kent, Betty J. Pfefferbaum, Beverley Raphael,andPatricia J. Watson
8. The Immediate Response to Disaster: Guidelines for Adult Psychological First Aid,Bruce H. Young
9. Intermediate Interventions,Richard A. BryantandBrett T. Litz
10. Longer-Term Mental Health Interventions for Adults Following Disasters and Mass Violence,Beverley RaphaelandSally Wooding
11. Consultation to Groups, Organizations, and Communities,James E. McCarrollandRobert J. Ursano
12. On a Road Paved with Good Intentions, You Still Need a Compass: Monitoring and Evaluating Disaster Mental Health Services,Craig S. Rosen, Helena E. Young,andFran H. Norris

IV. Specific Situations and Populations
13. Interventions for Children and Adolescents Following Disasters,Judith A. Cohen, Anthony P. Mannarino, Laura E. Gibson, Stephen J. Cozza,Melissa J. Brymer,andLaura Murray
14. Rapid Development of Family Assistance Centers: Lessons Learned Following the September 11 Terrorist Attacks,Gregory A. Leskin, William J. Huleatt, Jack Herrmann, Lisa R. LaDue,andFred D. Gusman
15. Psychiatric Intervention for Medical and Surgical Patients Following Traumatic Injuries,Harold J. Wain, Geoffrey G. Grammer, John Stasinos,andCatherine M. DeBoer
16. Mitigation of Psychological Effects of Weapons of Mass Destruction,Ross H. PastelandElspeth Cameron Ritchie
17. Promoting Disaster Recovery in Ethnic-Minority Individuals and Communities,Fran H. NorrisandMargarita Alegria
18. Toward Understanding and Creating Systems of Postdisaster Care: A Case Study of New York's Response to the World Trade Center Disaster,Fran H. Norris, Jessica L. Hamblen, Patricia J. Watson, Josef I. Ruzek, Laura E. Gibson, Betty J. Pfefferbaum, Jennifer L. Price, Susan P. Stevens, Bruce H. Young,andMatthew J. Friedman
19. Outreach Strategies: An Experiential Description of the Outreach Methodologies Used in the September 11 Disaster Response in New York,April J. Naturale

V. Creating an Agenda for the Future
20. Conducting Research on Mental Health Interventions,Brett T. LitzandLaura E. Gibson
21. Mental Health and Behavioral Interventions for Victims of Disasters and Mass Violence: Caring, Planning, and Needs,Robert J. UrsanoandMatthew J. Friedman