Helping to Heal: A Training on Mental Health Response to Terrorism

This training kit was developed based on the unique experiences of the Community Resilience Project of Northern Virginia. It provides information, suggestions, and lessons learned from the staff’s response to 9/11 and subsequent terrorist events. Much of the information in this training has been adapted from existing mental health publications related to natural disasters, and reflects ways in which Community Resilience Project staff adapted that existing information for the mental health response to 9/11. 

• Helping to Heal, Behavioral Health for Public Health Emergencies
• Helping to Heal, Behavioral Health Planning and Response to Natural Disasters

Full manual with 8 modules and appendices, covering all aspects of mental health response to terrorism, including preparation, interventions and services, and safety and wellness, with separate modules for managers and paraprofessionals.

The full manual can be downloaded in either a pdf or Word version.   Manual Contents:

• Contents and Acknowledgments 
• Preface 
• Introduction 
• Module 1: How To Prepare
• Module 2: When Terrorism Happens
• Module 3: Interventions/Services 
• Module 4: Addressing the Unique Needs of Different Populations
• Module 5: Emergency Risk Communication 
• Module 6: Safety and Wellness of Disaster Mental Health Workers 
• Module 7: Tools For Managers 
• Module 8: Preparing the Paraprofessional for a Disaster 
• Appendix A: Weapons of Mass Destruction 
• Appendix B: Press Releases 

Back to top

Reference guide with essential information on providing mental health services to survivors of terrorism, such as practical guidelines and checklists

The full field guide can be downloaded in either a pdf or Word version.

• Contents and Introduction 
• Working in a Disaster Environment
• Range of Reactions and Appropriate Interventions and Services
• Serving Different Populations
• Emergency Risk Communication
• Self-Care for the Mental Health Worker
• Role of the Paraprofessional 

Form gathering feedback on the training  (pdf) (Word)

• Family Preparedness Kit
• Family Emergency Preparedness Plan
• Bibliography

Back to top