Integration of mental and behavioral health services following disasters to support resilience

International data, including the findings from our studies, demonstrate that massive disasters impact both physically and psychologically on adults and children due to destruction and loss, economic impact, forced separations from communities, and accompanying stresses. Disasters with slow recovery and multiple complexities, such as a combination of natural and technological disasters, can result in acute and chronic psychological effects. Families in the Gulf region have had to cope with multiple disasters- including most recently the Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill- resulting in cumulative traumatization and indications of community corrosion. Early provision of accessible mental and behavioral health services following disasters is a sustainable and cost-effective way to prevent exacerbation of negative mental health problems and promote well-being for individuals and community resilience.