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Disaster Behavioral Health Information Series Resource Center
The SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center (DTAC) provides various resources and useful information for those in the disaster behavioral health field.
All resources for which links are provided are in the public domain or have been authorized for noncommercial use. Hardcopies of some materials may be ordered. If you use content from resources in this collection in program materials, you should acknowledge the source of the materials.
Did you know you can download your search results? Simply apply search filters and then click on the Download Filtered Resources link to obtain a .csv file with the resources you have found, including each resource’s name, description, date, URL, and source.
TF-CBT Web is a web-based training course for learning Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. It includes streaming video demonstrations, clinical scripts, cultural considerations, clinical challenges and other learning resources related to TF-CBT.
The NCTSN describes tornadoes and the effects they commonly have on children and families. This part of the NCTSN’s website includes information and links to resources about how parents can prepare their families for tornadoes and help their children cope with the effects of a tornado.
This website provides a support network, resources, information, a 24-hour hotline, and more for the surviving families of those who have died in service to America.
This online fact sheet discusses some treatments shown to be effective for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including forms of talk therapy as well as medication. The fact sheet notes which treatments have strong research support and which have less support from research and features links to additional information about treatment of PTSD.
The Salvation Army provides several basic disaster services, such as disaster response training, food service, donations management, and recovery. The organization responds to disasters across the United States and around the world.
This web page provides information on how to figure out if you may have posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and what you should do if you think that you do. It includes information regarding why help for PTSD is necessary and treatments that are available.
Provided through Prepare Iowa, a collaboration of the Iowa Department of Health and the Institute for Public Health Practice at the University of Iowa, this 15-minute course is designed to make emergency responders aware of the stress they may experience during disaster response and to equip them with ways to manage stress. The course presents symptoms of traumatic stress and techniques for managing stress during and after disaster response.
This website offers independent study courses to help health providers better serve their veteran patients. Course topics include posttraumatic stress disorder, military sexual trauma, and traumatic brain injury.
TRICARE is the U.S. Department of Defense healthcare program for members of the uniformed services and their families. This website provides information about general health, services, and benefits.
This website allows military personnel and their families to find a community-based Vet Center near them (there are 207 nationwide). Vet Centers provide free readjustment counseling and outreach services to veterans who served in a combat zone and to military family members dealing with military-related issues.
A ministry of The United Methodist Church, UMCOR provides disaster relief, disaster response training, supplies, physical and behavioral health support, and other services in the United States and around the world.
This part of NCTSN’s website is designed to assist parents and families before, during, and after a wildfire. A definition of wildfires is provided, along with a discussion of their effects, and information and links are presented to help parents and families support children in staying safe and coping. Materials related to wildfires can also be accessed at this part of the website.
This article highlights the issues of women and their vulnerability in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. These issues include race, class, age, and disability, in addition to the importance of preparedness and response resources and the best practices that should be followed when attending to the needs of women. [Author: Enarson, E.]
Zero to Three is an organization that supports the healthy development and well-being of infants and toddlers and their families. Their military-specific website includes flyers, articles, activity books, and other helpful materials geared specifically toward helping military parents to support their young children.
Zello is an app that adds a walkie-talkie feature to smartphones, tablets, and personal computers. Using Zello, people can communicate with friends and teams over Wi-Fi or cellular networks by adding contacts or creating a channel. Different groups have created channels to communicate after disasters. Zello can run on iOS, Android, and BlackBerry devices.
This resource was developed to provide guidance to local and national governments on how to effectively communicate with communities in the recovery phase after a disaster or other crisis. It explains principles for effective communication and provides templates to help governments develop communications plans.
This online article reviews how family members can be affected by having a loved one with posttraumatic stress disorder. It discusses common reactions family members will have to a loved one’s traumatic experience and what professionals can do to help these families. [Authors: Carlson, E. B., & Ruzek, J.]
This online article introduces the concept of spirituality, explains how spirituality relates to trauma, identifies aspects of trauma most likely to affect spirituality, and suggests ways for spiritual and religious leaders and mental health care practitioners to support people with trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Links to additional information about PTSD are provided.
This guide for public officials presents the basic components of effective communication during a crisis. Topics covered include guidance for communicating complex, scientific, or technical information; working with mainstream and social media; and presenting information to the public.
The PTSD Coach app can be used by individuals who believe they may be suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as their families. It provides users with resources they can trust, including PTSD treatments that work. Features also include tools for tracking symptoms, tools for handling stress, and direct links to support and help.
This website provides links to information on suicide prevention that is tailored for specific settings, such as the workplace, faith communities, schools, colleges and universities, and foster care. Each link goes to a page offering guidance and resources for a specific setting.
The Suicide Prevention Resource Center offers technical assistance, training, and materials to increase the knowledge and expertise of suicide prevention practitioners and other professionals serving people at risk for suicide. Resources include information on school-based prevention programs, a best practices registry, and state information.
Veterans and their loved ones can reach the Veterans Crisis Line for free, confidential support even if they are not registered with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or enrolled in VA health care. The VA is partnering with SAMHSA to operate the national helpline.