Evidence-Based Treatment for Mental Health Care Post-Disaster

Disasters of various types and severity impact communities around the world. The physical and environmental impacts are often immediately apparent post-disaster, and recovery can take days, weeks, months, or years. However, the potential mental health impacts affecting individuals, families, and communities are not as apparent. To address this area of disaster management, we explore the current evidence for mental health treatments post-disaster. Mental health interventions of varying intensity are reviewed including psychoeducation and outreach and short-term, long-term, and alternative interventions (i.e., Internet- and mobile-based applications). Evidence-based treatments for individuals and groups across the life span are reviewed. Additionally, mental health treatments and considerations for vulnerable populations are discussed. These populations include first responders and recovery workers, media and news reporters, children and families, older adults, people with physical disabilities or illness, people with mental health and/or substance use problems, and people with limited English proficiency (including immigrants). Lastly, future directions for mental health interventions post-disaster are addressed.