Texas Critical Incident Stress Management Network
Critical Incident Stress Management is a type of crisis intervention designed to provide support for those who have experienced traumatic events. It is composed of multiple components that attempt to address each phase of a crisis situation. Traditionally offered only to first responders, CISM interventions can be implemented with non-traditional first responders, individuals, families, groups and organizations. When implemented properly, this intervention offers significant crisis support.
The Texas Critical Incident Stress Management Network was established in 1992 to assist emergency response personnel who experienced or survived a critical incident, such as a line of duty death, death of a child, multiple casualty or fatality scenes. The Network teams are comprised of trained volunteer mental health professionals, peers and select members of the clergy who provide responsive supportive crisis intervention services and stress m
Disaster Behavioral Health Services
Following a disaster, emergency or incident, it is common for those in and around the impacted region to experience distress and anxiety about safety, health and recovery. Previous exposure to large scale or catastrophic incidents, such as a major hurricane or flood, might place residents and responders who experience a new disaster at greater risk for adverse stress reactions. The effects of a disaster, terrorism incident or public health emergency can be long-lasting and the resulting trauma can affect those not directly exposed to the incident. Disaster behavior health interventions are designed to address incident-specific stress reactions rather than ongoing behavioral health needs.