Supporting Youth and Young Adults Following Mass Violence Incidents

Abstract

Mass violence incidents (MVIs), such as a mass shooting, are far too common in the United States and the potential impacts ripple into the community, beyond those directly exposed. Health service psychologists who want to provide mental health support to youth in the aftermath need to carefully assess their ability to serve, and determine if their skill sets match what is needed in the initial aftermath or long-term recovery period. For the initial aftermath, focusing on supporting a survivor’s natural capacity for resilience and recovery is the priority, with evidence-informed interventions such as Psychological First Aid and Skills for Psychological Recovery available. For survivors with clinical levels of distress and functional impairment in the longer term aftermath, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral treatments are recommended.

Keywords: Mass violence; crisis counseling; children; youth; intervention