IDMH: The Institute for Disaster Mental Health

IDMH: The Institute for Disaster Mental Health "Helping in a Time of Crisis"

The Institute for Disaster Mental Health (IDMH) seeks to address the diversity of disaster mental health demands in the region, state, nation, and the global community so that all those impacted by disaster and trauma have access to the mental health support they need. To accomplish this goal, IDMH provides leadership to advance the field of disaster mental health and trauma response through training, research, consultation, and service. IDMH works to establish and disseminate best practices in order to ensure that all disaster mental health services are evidence-supported and culturally sensitive.

Thank you so much for attending the 20th annual IDMH conference on October 14 at SUNY New Paltz. It was great to see so ...
10/21/2025

Thank you so much for attending the 20th annual IDMH conference on October 14 at SUNY New Paltz. It was great to see so many of you there! IDMH offers its conference as a service to the people of New York and as such, we really value your feedback in continuing to make it better. The link below is to a very brief (less than 5 minute) conference evaluation. If you would please take a moment to complete it, we would be very grateful. Your responses will be used to shape our next conference and future trainings.

With gratitude,
The IDMH Team

https://newpaltz.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_02FxPyZZH5EkhjE

🌟 Today is the 20th Annual IDMH Conference!🌟 We are honored to welcome attendees from across the field as we come togeth...
10/14/2025

🌟 Today is the 20th Annual IDMH Conference!🌟

We are honored to welcome attendees from across the field as we come together to explore practical tools and insight to support sustainable resilience efforts in disaster mental health.

For full event details, please visit our website:

https://www.newpaltz.edu/idmh/20th-annual-idmh-conference/

🌟 Unlock the Full Experience🌟 Use the app to check in and out of sessions to earn your Certificate of Attendance.Access ...
10/10/2025

🌟 Unlock the Full Experience🌟
Use the app to check in and out of sessions to earn your Certificate of Attendance.
Access extra materials from speakers.
Connect with speakers and other attendees.
Everything you need — all in one place.

🌟 We’re honored to feature Anne Bink, MSW, as one of the speakers at this year’s 20th Annual IDMH Conference. 🌟Anne Bink...
10/08/2025

🌟 We’re honored to feature Anne Bink, MSW, as one of the speakers at this year’s 20th Annual IDMH Conference. 🌟

Anne Bink is the Director of Recovery at IEM, leveraging over two decades of experience in emergency management and public administration. Previously, as Associate Administrator at FEMA, she was instrumental in overseeing major disaster response and recovery operations, particularly during Hurricane Ian in 2022 and Typhoon Mawar in 2023. Under her leadership, FEMA adapted to an unprecedented frequency of disaster declarations, implementing strategies that enhanced operational efficiency and community assistance through improved policies, technology integration, and a focus on resilient recovery. Her commitment to innovation led to the first Recovery and Readiness Summit, fostering collaboration and establishing agency-wide priorities for disaster response.

Join former FEMA Associate Administrator for Response and Recovery Anne Bink for a candid and insightful conversation about her journey in disaster recovery and human services — from serving families as a caseworker in the child welfare system to leading nationwide response and recovery at the nation’s premier disaster response agency. Drawing on real-world experience across disasters big and small, Ms. Bink will explore the critical role of local leadership in shaping effective recovery and long-term resilience. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how empowering communities, listening to those most impacted, and fostering trust at the local level are essential to navigating today’s complex risk environment. This session is a must for leaders looking to build stronger, more adaptive, and more resilient communities.

🌟 We’re honored to feature Dr. David Abramson, as one of the speakers at this year’s 20th Annual IDMH Conference. 🌟David...
10/06/2025

🌟 We’re honored to feature Dr. David Abramson, as one of the speakers at this year’s 20th Annual IDMH Conference. 🌟

David Abramson is a Clinical Professor at NYU’s School of Global Public Health and the director of the research program on Population Impact, Recovery and Resilience (PiR2). His research employs a social ecological framework to examine the health consequences of disasters, individual and community resilience, and long-term recovery from acute collective stressors. His work has focused on population health consequences, interactions of complex systems, and risk communication strategies associated with hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, the Joplin tornado, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, H1N1, and Zika, among other natural, technological, and man-made disasters. Before joining NYU’s faculty, Dr. Abramson was the Deputy Director at Columbia University’s National Center for Disaster Preparedness at the Earth Institute.

Drawing on research—including a 15-year cohort study of Hurricane Katrina survivors, as well as work following Hurricane Sandy, the 2011 tornado in Joplin, MO, the BP Oil Spill, and COVID—the presentation explores disaster recovery as experienced by women and children, including the impact of displacement (movers versus stayers), the effect of repeated disaster exposure, and the enduring mental health and resilience challenges that shape recovery over time.

Attending the 20th Annual IDMH Conference? Want a Certificate of Attendance?Here’s what you need to do:✔️ Download the W...
10/03/2025

Attending the 20th Annual IDMH Conference? Want a Certificate of Attendance?

Here’s what you need to do:

✔️ Download the Whova app
✔️ Check in to each session you attend on October 14

That’s it! Your certificate will be automatically emailed to you after the conference.

Don’t miss out — we’re looking forward to seeing you there!

🌟 We’re honored to feature Belinda Schlafer, LMHC as one of the panelists at this year’s 20th Annual IDMH Conference. 🌟B...
10/01/2025

🌟 We’re honored to feature Belinda Schlafer, LMHC as one of the panelists at this year’s 20th Annual IDMH Conference. 🌟

Belinda is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Houghton College with a minor in Sociology and a master’s degree in Community Mental Health Counseling from St. Bonaventure University. Belinda is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and is certified in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR-C).

The demands of disaster response don’t end when the crisis does—especially for first responders. Repeated exposure to trauma, loss, and high-stress situations can take a cumulative toll, affecting physical and mental health, relationships, and family dynamics. This session explores the long-term impacts of chronic trauma on first responders and the need for sustained recovery strategies that acknowledge the whole person, both on and off duty. Panelists will speak to the types of support that prevent burnout, prioritize first responder wellness, nurture critical relationships in first responders’ lives, and honor the personal sacrifices made by those on the front lines.

🌟 We’re honored to feature Jillian Crane as one of the panelists at this year’s 20th Annual IDMH Conference. 🌟 Jillian C...
09/29/2025

🌟 We’re honored to feature Jillian Crane as one of the panelists at this year’s 20th Annual IDMH Conference. 🌟

Jillian Crane is President and CEO of First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF). In this role, she leads the strategic vision for the Foundation’s long-term growth and the delivery and impact of FRCF mission across the U.S. Under Jillian’s leadership, FRCF expanded from scholarships to broader financial assistance, and launched a range of new programs, including mental health resiliency counseling, bereavement assistance, disaster relief and community engagement—all laser focused on meeting the growing, ever-changing needs of children and families of first responders.

The demands of disaster response don’t end when the crisis does—especially for first responders. Repeated exposure to trauma, loss, and high-stress situations can take a cumulative toll, affecting physical and mental health, relationships, and family dynamics. This session explores the long-term impacts of chronic trauma on first responders and the need for sustained recovery strategies that acknowledge the whole person, both on and off duty. Panelists will speak to the types of support that prevent burnout, prioritize first responder wellness, nurture critical relationships in first responders’ lives, and honor the personal sacrifices made by those on the front lines.

🌟 We’re honored to feature Clarissa Miller, LCSW as one of the panelists at this year’s 20th Annual IDMH Conference. 🌟Cl...
09/25/2025

🌟 We’re honored to feature Clarissa Miller, LCSW as one of the panelists at this year’s 20th Annual IDMH Conference. 🌟

Clarissa Miller is a Licensed Clinical Social Work Supervisor with nearly two decades of experience bridging the gap between families and the resources they need to thrive. Based in Texas, she leads initiatives at the First Responders Children’s Foundation that provide scholarships, mental health support, community engagement opportunities, and financial assistance to children of first responders and their families—helping them navigate the unique challenges of lives lived in service to others.

The demands of disaster response don’t end when the crisis does—especially for first responders. Repeated exposure to trauma, loss, and high-stress situations can take a cumulative toll, affecting physical and mental health, relationships, and family dynamics. This session explores the long-term impacts of chronic trauma on first responders and the need for sustained recovery strategies that acknowledge the whole person, both on and off duty. Panelists will speak to the types of support that prevent burnout, prioritize first responder wellness, nurture critical relationships in first responders’ lives, and honor the personal sacrifices made by those on the front lines.

The August 2025 Newsletter is here!This month, we're featuring:🌟 20th Annual IDMH Conference🌟 New Leadership for IDMH🌟 S...
09/23/2025

The August 2025 Newsletter is here!

This month, we're featuring:

🌟 20th Annual IDMH Conference

🌟 New Leadership for IDMH

🌟 Student Research Spotlight

🌟 First Responder Mental Health Needs Assessment

Stay informed on the latest in disaster mental health, research, and service learning.

Link Below ⬇️

https://t.e2ma.net/webview/jslkmi/be369e5a5117bffd2eaf55e4c452169f

🌟 We’re honored to feature Brian Fleming, SGT as one of the panelists at this year’s 20th Annual IDMH Conference. 🌟Brain...
09/18/2025

🌟 We’re honored to feature Brian Fleming, SGT as one of the panelists at this year’s 20th Annual IDMH Conference. 🌟

Brain Fleming became a Boston PD officer in 1983 and as a result of alcohol & drug addiction was terminated 1985. Fleming was sent to the “Stress Unit’ where he got sober and in 1989 was reinstated to the job by a Mass State Supreme Court decision on a parallel case. Fleming worked out of the Special Operations Bureau as both a SWAT Operator & Supervisor for 11 years. Then became the Rangemaster, and asked to take over the Peer Support Unit. Fleming was the Director of Peer Support during the Marathon Bombing and it’s aftermath as facilitator of all mental health assistance needed during that time. He finished his career in the Academy and after 32 years retired in 2015.

The demands of disaster response don’t end when the crisis does—especially for first responders. Repeated exposure to trauma, loss, and high-stress situations can take a cumulative toll, affecting physical and mental health, relationships, and family dynamics. This session explores the long-term impacts of chronic trauma on first responders and the need for sustained recovery strategies that acknowledge the whole person, both on and off duty. Panelists will speak to the types of support that prevent burnout, prioritize first responder wellness, nurture critical relationships in first responders’ lives, and honor the personal sacrifices made by those on the front lines.

🚨 Attention Licensed Psychologists, LMSWs, LCSWs & LMHCs! 🚨We’ve got BIG news — FREE CEUs are waiting for you at this ye...
09/18/2025

🚨 Attention Licensed Psychologists, LMSWs, LCSWs & LMHCs! 🚨

We’ve got BIG news — FREE CEUs are waiting for you at this year’s IDMH Conference!

Don’t miss your chance to earn CEUs while diving into powerful conversations, connecting with peers, and gaining fresh insights.

Seats are filling fast — secure your spot today!

Address

1 Hawk Drive
New Paltz, NY
12561

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