Center for Disaster Mental Health
Overview
The Center for Disaster Mental Health (CDMH) is a collaborative effort by The Family & Children's Society, Binghamton University, in partnership with the American Red Cross, to provide disaster mental health training and education to professionals, paraprofessionals and the community.
MISSION: To provide a restorative approach to early preparedness and effective management, while nurturing the coping skills of the community.
When a disaster occurs, its impact
- whether an act of nature or terrorism
- touches both the individual and the community
- causes normal reactions of stress and grief in abnormal situation
Most people do not see themselves as needing mental health assistance following a disaster
- they will not seek out services
- this often leads to intensification of symptoms
- there is a possibility of long-term pathology
By providing education and support at the time of the disaster, these reactions may be lessened.
Disaster Mental Health training provides the mental health professional with
- tools to assist clients experiencing the psychological impact of the disaster and
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trauma
- teaches appropriate intervention for the phase of impact and recovery
- teaches them to work with a diverse population including specific needs of children, families, the elderly and pets, including spirituality
- helps them to realize the importance of coping with “compassion fatigue” and developing resiliency
- multi-faceted approach helps provide comprehensive services to individual clients
The Center's goals include:
- a Certificate in Disaster Mental Health offered to licensed mental health professionals with trainings on the response, support, treatment and recovery of individuals and communities during and after traumatic events
- a Certificate in Disaster Work offered to volunteers, paraprofessionals, first responders and community organizations interested in providing support in a disaster
- a yearly conference focusing on the mental health needs of the professional and community
- a resource in the area of research and practice in the field of disaster studies
The Instructors are licensed mental health professionals
- currently active in providing disaster mental health service to individuals, groups and organizations
- work on local and national disasters
- serve as valuable resources in the areas of research and practice
Sandra Witt, LCSW-R at 607-729-6209, or email SWitt@familycs.org. Brian Flynn,LCSW,MA. 607-777-9164
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