Behavioral Health

This page contains resources for supporting the mental and emotional health needs of children and families before, during, and after a disaster. Resources may be helpful to families, community planners and child care partners, or healthcare system partners. For example: Disaster behavioral health resources from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
 

American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Disaster Resources Center - A national professional medical association dedicated to treating and improving the quality of life for children, adolescents, and families affected by mental, behavioral, or developmental disorders. Enter the search term "disaster" for links to the Disaster Resource Center, frequently asked questions, video clips, clinical resources, research, and more.

American Psychological Association - Scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. Enter the search terms, disaster + children, for a collection of resources, articles, and information.

CDC Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event - Centers for Disease Control and prevention web page with trauma and disaster mental health resources.

FEMA Helping Children Cope with Disaster - This booklet offers parents, caregivers, and other adults suggestions on how to help children cope with the effects of disaster.

Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Preparedness and Response Disaster Behavioral Resources - Links to resources to assist families, planners, and professionals including documents on Age Appropriate Reactions to Trauma, and Common Reactions to Stress and Tips to Cope.

National Association of School Psychologists - Association that supports school psychologists to enhance the learning and mental health of all children and youth. The site contains information for parents and educators on coping with crisis and disasters.

National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement - The Center at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center serves as a resource for information, training materials, consultation, and technical assistance to school systems and others in the areas of crisis and loss.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network - Established to improve access to care, treatment, and services for traumatized children and adolescents exposed to traumatic events. The site contains resources for parents and caregivers, schools, policy makers, professionals, and the media. Check out the resources under "Trauma Types" for natural disasters and terrorism.

Needs Assessment Survey: Disaster Mental Health Services for Children - Example of a survey developed by the King County, Washington Healthcare Coalition to determine resources utilized and needed by healthcare providers. (August 2008)

Promoting Adjustment and Helping Children Cope - American Academy of Pediatrics web page with resources for providing psychological support to help ensure that health care facilities, medical providers, and adults who may be in a position to help are prepared to meet the emotional needs of children and help to mitigate mental health consequences of disasters.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) - Disaster Behavioral Health Preparedness and Response Resources - SAMHSA web page that provides disaster preparedness and recovery resources for professionals who assist individuals and communities in coping with disaster. Including resources for children as a population group.