Treating Victims of Mass Disaster and Terrorism

"Tackling this book review with Red Cross mental health disaster training and numerous related workshops for 'first responders' under my belt, I still learned a tremendous amount of new information in this little paperback-with-a-punch. The expertise of its two internationally known authors jumps out of every page. They masterfully and succinctly cover a wide range of topics, from terminology to epidemiology, from diagnosis to prognosis, from assessment to intervention. Housely and Beutler review various theories and empirically-based treatment models, then exemplify practical uses through case vignettes - I wish I had read this book prior to working with Katrina victims. [The book] is not only an impressive resource for anyone involved in the assessment and treatment of survivors, but an invaluable reference manual for interested students and seasoned clinicians alike." Karen L. Waldman, PhD, in the Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic, Vol. 72, No. 2, 2008 "The book appropriately gives an exhaustive review of the terms and definitions, comorbidities, and diagnostic approaches. Readers will be impressed with the substantial discussion on various treatment modalities as well as the case vignettes which nicely emphasize key points. This is a strong and timely addition to the field." Nicholas Greco IV, MS, BCETS, CATSM, CCRA in Doody's Book Review, 2007 "...a significant contribution to the treatment of survivors of disasters and terrorism... a valued resource for those interested in disaster mental health... a great deal of information in a short amount of space... very informative and easy to follow." Mary Dugan in PsycCRITIQUES, September 12, 2007, Vol. 52, Release 37, Article 7 "In this comprehensive and clinically useful book, Housley and Beutler provide invaluable information that will guide practitioners wanting to know how they can help people in grave distress and crisis. The authors artfully tweak general state-of-the-art consensus-driven mental health practice recommendations to the unique exigencies of the aftermath of mass violence and disasters. This well-referenced and well-researched book is an excellent resource." Brett T. Litz, PhD, Professor, Boston University and Associate Director of NCPTSD / Behavioral Science Division Boston Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center "This book represents an outstanding contribution to the field of disaster mental health. At a time when national interest centers around providing practical, evidenced-based interventions for survivors of mass disaster and terrorism, the authors have designed a clear and concise 3-stage approach. Written in an easy to read, user-friendly format, guidelines, tools and principles are set forth which can easily be applied to a variety of settings by various professionals. Identification of who will need and benefit from intervention is detailed along with a description of the types of interventions that may be most effective. This work is an extraordinary enterprise bringing together outstanding experts in the field who have identified a set of empirically derived principles of change rather than a discrete therapeutic model. Building treatment around these principles with strategies that have been tested and researched provides a unique approach with the likelihood of increased effectiveness. This immensely valuable book should serve as a superb reference both for clinicians who serve in the field and for response organizations that have the responsibility of training and updating responders on strategies for early intervention." Patricia Santucci, MD, FAPA., FAED, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Stritch School of Medicine, Co-chair Medical Reserve Corps National Mental Health Work Group