The Psychology of September 11, 2001

Reviews the book, Therapy after terror: 9/11, psychotherapists, and mental health by Karen M. Seeley (see record 2008-02927-000). This book examines the civilian mental health response to one of the greatest acts of violence and worst tragedies to befall America. However, the book also highlights the lack of preparedness in acute trauma response, the chaotic disorganization that characterized the response, the occasionally not-so-altruistic motives of the volunteers, and the overall lack of training of mental health providers to assist effectively. In addition, the inadequacy of the current diagnostic system to describe the symptoms and experiences of survivors is highlighted. A major strength of this book is its emphasis on the personal burden of providing care to trauma victims. This unprecedented volume will be a benefit to all mental health providers and transcends issues related to specific mental health professions (i.e., psychology, psychiatry, and social work). (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)