Peer-led Group Intervention for Coping With Disaster

Approximately 20% of individuals have significant behavioral health concerns. Exposure to a disaster like Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath often exacerbates pre-existing issues and/or brings new issues, with post-traumatic stress presenting in manners such as anxiety, depression, conduct issues and/or somatic issues. Approaches are needed that educate community members about both normative and concerning responses to disaster focused on coping skills development. A particular approach, peer-led intervention groups have been shown effective at delivering these types of intervention. Brief, psycho-educational peer-led programs have shown effectiveness in a variety of forums including helping promote adjustment among those who have experienced trauma. There will be six group sessions every two weeks. Sessions will include how to teach appropriate coping techniques to respond to the distress, confronting distressing memories related to the disaster, and emotion regulation techniques. After the group sessions end, individuals who require a more intensive service will be referred to a higher level of care.