About IDMH
The Institute for Disaster Mental Health (IDMH) at SUNY New Paltz offers an Advanced Certificate in Trauma and Disaster Mental Health for professionals and students seeking to understand the psychological effects of crises, disasters, and traumatic stress. Students gain practical experience through fieldwork in disaster recovery efforts, collaborating with organizations like the American Red Cross and All Hands and Heart. IDMH offers specialized training on topics such as Psychological First Aid, disaster mental health, stress management, and resilience, with tailored programs for schools, first responders, and health professionals. The Institute also maintains a library of recorded training sessions on our YouTube channel for broader accessibility. One of our unique resources, An Unusual Situation, is a children’s book designed to help kids process difficult events, supported by an accompanying workbook for further engagement.
IDMH has collaborated with various agencies, including New York State’s Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services, and partners with the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, SAMHSA, the NOVO Foundation, UNICEF USA and the WK Kellogg Foundation. In collaboration with SUNY New Paltz's Benjamin Center, the Institute conducted the New York State First Responder Mental Health Needs Assessment, commissioned by the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES). This groundbreaking study surveyed over 6,000 first responders across New York and identified the mental health impacts of their work, barriers to seeking care, and potential solutions to address these challenges. Through their various initiatives, IDMH equips individuals and organizations with tools to manage disaster-related mental health issues effectively.
