Web address: www.newpaltz.edu/idmh

The Institute for Disaster Mental Health (IDMH) supports a SUNY New Paltz interdisciplinary undergraduate minor in disaster studies. The minor focuses on events of natural, technological and human-induced origin and on how they affect individuals, communities, organizations, and the nation. It is designed to recognize the multi-disciplinary nature of both research and practice in disaster studies. Courses highlight scholarship and practice related to disaster and trauma mitigation and prevention, response, support, recovery, treatment, and policy formulation and planning, as well as the implications of these events at the individual, group, organizational and community level. Those completing the minor will become certified responders for the American Red Cross.

DIS333. Disaster Psychology. 3 Credits.

Study of the psychological impact of disaster and trauma, including acute and post traumatic stress reactions. Immediate and long-term interventions, vicarious traumatization, and self care are examined.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
    • Disaster Studies (DIS)
    • Industrial/Organizational (539I)
    • Psychobiology (539P)
    • Psychology (539)
    • Psychology (PSY)

Prerequisites:

  • PSY101 Minimum Grade of D- or PSY 272 Minimum Grade of D-
May not be repeated for credit

DIS492. Practicum in Disaster Response. 3 Credits.

Supervised experience working in an applied setting related to disaster response and recovery. Repeatable once; each time taken, it contributes to the maximum 15 total credits allowed in practicum, fieldwork and independent study.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: Undergraduate
  • Must not be enrolled in the following class: Freshman
  • Must be enrolled in the following field(s) of study (major, minor or concentration):
    • Disaster Studies (DIS)
    • Industrial/Organizational (539I)
    • Psychobiology (539P)
    • Psychology (539)
    • Psychology (PSY)

Prerequisites:

  • DIS333 Minimum Grade of D- or PSY 456 Minimum Grade of D-
May not be repeated for credit

Faculty

Nitza, Amy
Executive Director, Institute for Disaster Mental Health (IDMH),
and Affiliated Lecturer, Psychology
Ph.D., Indiana University
Office: SH 146
Phone: (845) 257-3479
E-mail: nitzaa@newpaltz.edu

O'Meara, Andrew
Project Coordinator, IDMH, and Lecturer, Psychology
M.S., SUNY New Paltz
Office: SH 148
Phone: (845) 257-3455
E-mail: omearaa2@newpaltz.edu

Vermeulen, Karla
Deputy Director, IDMH, and Associate Professor, Psychology
Ph.D., Fordham University
Office: WH 316
Phone: (845) 257-2333
E-mail: vermeulk@newpaltz.edu