Crisis Counseling Programs for the Rural Community

Summary

Crisis counseling services can only be effective to the extent that special needs, cultural values, and characteristics of the community are understood by the providers. Each disaster and community is unique. What may appear to be obstacles and challenges can also be opportunities for creative program planning for the rural crisis counseling program.

Crisis counseling program services are best accomplished when there is an existing plan in place for rapid mobilization, response, and implementation of disaster mental health services. Does your State and local department of mental health have a mental health disaster plan? Is the plan a component of the State and local emergency management plan?

Begin disaster mental health preparedness before disaster strikes by developing a disaster mental health plan. Additional information on specific guidelines and suggestions for disaster mental health response and recovery planning is available in Disaster Response and Recovery: A Handbook for Mental Health Professionals, (CMHS, 1994). Getting to know your community is the first step toward disaster mental health planning as well - establish pre-existing relationships with emergency management services personnel, local mental health providers, and community and social service agencies to coordinate appropriate crisis counseling services for your community.

Appendix A | Table of Contents