Article archive / June 2018

Originally published: June 2018. Volume 9, No. 6. Source pages: 6.

Psychology Board Engages Three Psychologists for Complaints Work

According to documents approved April 20 and posted with the March minutes of the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, board members passed three resolutions to retain the services of the current Complaints Coordinator, but also engaged two other psychologists to assist when required, as Complaints Coordinators.

The resolutions were dated March 16, 2018, and noted, “… the nature of the functions performed by the Board require the continuing services of a COMPLAINTS COORDINATOR who is a licensed psychologist, with experience in forensics, to review complaints and direct the investigation of complaints; and

“WHEREAS potential conflicts of interest may arise, the Board requires more than one individual to serve in this role; …”

The resolution noted that Sasha J. Lambert, Ph.D. has been found to be qualified for this position and previously contracted with Board to provide these services to the satisfaction of the Board and her fees would be $100 per hour for a review but not to exceed $200 per case in a Request for Investigation.

The document noted that Dr. Lambert would receive $100 per hour for review of an Administrative Complaint pleading not to exceed $100, and also $100 per hour for meetings with attorneys, investigator, executive director, and board for preliminary hearings.

The board is to offer Dr. Lambert a multi-year contract as Complaints Coordinator I from July 2018 to 2021 for an amount not to exceed $36,000.

A second resolution put forth by the LSBEP noted:

“WHEREAS Erin Skaff Vandenweghe, Psy.D. has been found to be qualified for this position and previously contracted with Board to provide these services to the satisfaction of the Board;” and is to be engaged as a Complaints Coordinator I, for a fiscal-year beginning July 1,2018 and ending June 30,2019 for an amount not to exceed a maximum of $5,000, according to the resolution.

A third resolution noted, “Mark P. Vigen, Ph.D. has been found to be qualified for this position and previously contracted with Board to provide these services to the satisfaction of the Board;” and approving engaging with Dr. Vigen also at the fees of $100 per hour not to exceed $200 per case and $100 for Administrative Complaints. Dr. Vigen is to provide services as Complaints Coordinator Ill, for a fiscal-year beginning July 1, 2018 and ending June 30,2019 for an amount not to exceed a maximum of $1,999.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / May 2018

Originally published: May 2018. Volume 9, No. 5. Source pages: 6.

Lawmakers in Texas appear poised to consolidate all mental health boards into one, including the state psychology board. The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP) will be going through Sunset in 2019 because the board’s sunset legislation failed to pass in the last session of the Texas Legislature.

Currently the Texas Sunset Commission recommended that TSBEP be consolidated with the other mental health boards to create an umbrella mental health agency including Social Workers, Licensed Counselors, and Marriage & Family Therapists.

The Texas Psychological Association (TPA) members submitted reports and comments asking policy-makers to maintain the TSBEP as an independent entity, maintain standards of training, internship, post doctoral requirements, and other requirements which had been deemed by the Sunset Commission to be “bottlenecks” to the profession and “antiquated licensing requirements,” according to TPA sources.

However, despite testimony from TPA and individual psychologists, sources say the Sunset Commission staff completed their review of the TSBEP and will recommend that the legislature to combine all the mental health boards into a single agency.

Dr. James Thompson, licensed in both Texas and Louisiana told the Times, “Louisiana psychologists need to know what is happening in Texas. It is too late to help Texas, but it might help Louisiana.”

Thompson believes that a “superboard” will severely limit the influence and decision-making of doctoral level psychologists, because masters providers will greatly outnumber psychologists. “I think all is lost in Texas until there is a political change in Austin,” he said.

“The deregulators are triumphant in all respects. They have decimated all public and social services. Public schools are a joke now. They mainstream the sickest children into regular classrooms, making it impossible for teachers, regular students and special education students.”

“Texas Medicaid is a shambles,” he said. “Reimbursement is less and less. One of the managed care plans has a Behavior Analyst reviewing the requests for psychological testing, so guess what, she does not approve any requests for testing.”

This new challenge is just one in a line of issues that the community in Texas has had to deal with over the last few years, including the state association suing the board, and a Free Speech lawsuit.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / May 2018

Originally published: May 2018. Volume 9, No. 5. Source pages: 6.

Governor Edwards announced in late March the formation of the State as a Model Employer Task Force, charged with the goal to develop policies and strategies to improve within state government the rate of hiring, recruitment and retention of Louisianans with disabilities. The effort was set forth in Executive Order 18-08.

“The State of Louisiana is committed to developing and maintaining a high performing public workforce that provides access, meaningful services, and improved outcomes for all citizens and reflects the rich diversity of the citizens of this great state. In order to achieve this goal, state leaders must be able to apply diverse perspectives and experiences to the development of responsive solutions to the issues facing the state. Such diversity enhances the fullness of our understanding of these issues and opens opportunities for the consideration of new and better solutions…”

The Governor wrote that the “State of Louisiana is eager to emerge as a national leader in the recognition and protection of civil rights for people with disabilities.”

The duties of the Task Force shall include, but are not limited to, the following: A. Develop policies, strategies, and services designed to achieve the employment targets established in this Order; B. Establish a five-year plan with annual goals that will enable the state workforce to reach parity with the percentage of working age people with disabilities in Louisiana; and C. Provide guidance and other support to agencies and institutions of higher education on recruitment, retention, accommodation, and accessibility for persons with disabilities.

“All of Louisiana’s citizens, including those who live with a disability, deserve the opportunity to provide for their families and engage in meaningful employment,” Gov. Edwards said in a press release. “My goal is to ensure that employment within state government represents the diverse reality of Louisiana’s citizens and acts as a model for private industry. In other words, we should practice what we preach.”

Only 33 percent of people with disabilities are in the workforce compared to 72 percent of individuals without disabilities. The task force’s goal is to develop policies that lead to at least seven percent of the state government’s work force is comprised of those living with disabilities.

The task force will make specific recommendations that would increase employment of people with disabilities within state government and submit a report to the governor regarding its findings no later than October 31, 2018.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / May 2018

Originally published: May 2018. Volume 9, No. 5. Source pages: 7.

In a news release about the resignation of Secretary of State Tom Schedler, Gov. Edwards said: “Given the serious nature of the allegations, in February, I called on Secretary of State Tom Schedler to resign. In light of the additional information that has been disclosed, I believe this is the best course of action for Tom, his family, and the state of Louisiana.”

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / May 2018

Originally published: May 2018. Volume 9, No. 5. Source pages: 8.

A measure that expands the substance abuse probation program to include treatment and counseling for defendants with substance abuse disorders, or defendants with co- occurring mental illness and substance abuse disorders, has passed the House 98 to 0 and is pending in the Senate Committee.

Present law provides for a substance abuse probation program in which the Dept. of Public Safety and Corrections may enter into cooperative endeavors with the La. Dept. of Health to provide substance abuse treatment and counseling for eligible defendants. HB440, authored by Representative Valarie Hodges will expand this program to provide counseling and treatment for defendants with substance abuse disorders, or defendants with co- occurring mental illness and substance abuse disorders, who are sentenced to substance abuse probation pursuant to present law.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / May 2018

Originally published: May 2018. Volume 9, No. 5. Source pages: 8.

A measure addressing threats of violence or terrorism at elementary and secondary schools, including the investigation and reporting of these events, and requiring mental health evaluations in these situations, has passed the House by a vote of 91 to 0. The measure is authored by Representative Tony Bacala andwas reported by substitute and became HB898 in April.

The measure would require school employees to report a “threat of violence” or a “threat of terrorism” to local law enforcement if there is a reasonable belief that the threat is credible and imminent or to school administrators if no reasonable belief exists so that further review can be made.

Each school board is to develop and implement investigative procedures for these threats, and to report the threat to law enforcement if there is a concern that the threat is credible and imminent.

The measure requires local law enforcement to investigate the threats and to report the threat to an authorized school official. If the suspect is a student, local law enforcement is required to petition the judicial district court for a mental health evaluation, and the student is prohibited from returning to school until receiving the evaluation.

If the suspect is not a student, the suspect is prohibited from being within 500 feet of any school until receiving a mental health evaluation and being deemed to not be a danger to himself or others.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / May 2018

Originally published: May 2018. Volume 9, No. 5. Source pages: 9.

Executive Director Report –– ASPPB midyear meeting “ACCOUNTABILITY IN REGULATION” is scheduled to take place on April 12-15 in Savannah Marriott Riverfront. The Board discussed the need to attend this meeting in order to stay abreast of current events and initiatives by ASPPB. By motion of Dr. Henke, the board resolved to amend the budget and approve administrative travel expenses in the amount of $1800 for Ms. Monic to include airfare, hotel, meals not covered by the conference, transportation to/from airport and conference registration (if required).

Finance Committee Report –– Ms. Dominique reported that the financial status remains steady. We budgeted to have a net loss of -$2303. With 5 months remaining in the fiscal year, the Board has a net income of $169,353.37, income is under budget by $8,039.53. Expenses are under budget by $179,695.90.

Discussion Item –- Dr. Boggs reported the findings of her audit of the reciprocity allowances through ASPPB and ABPP. These findings included that ASPPB allows two routes to apply for the CPQ. First, full vetting which requires that the applicant be licensed in another jurisdiction for 5 years, APA approved programs of study (or an equivalent program determined by ASPPB), supervised experience totaling 3000 hours, no disciplinary history, and passing national examination. Option 2 involves a simplified application if the individual is a diplomat of ABPP, where supervised experience is not documented. ABPP does not conduct primary source verification of training and experience.

After discussing this matter at length, Dr. Lambert moved to rescind the reciprocity application in order that Louisiana properly vet applicants according to the required standards set by the LSBEP. The motion was tabled and placed on the Long Range Planning agenda for discussion at the request of Drs. Boggs and Crouch who require additional time to consider the implications. Dr. Boggs moved in favor of immediate action to address the vetting issue by requiring all applicants for licensure provide primary source verification of their education and supervised practice. The motion passed by unanimous roll call vote as follows: Griffin – YEA, Lambert – YEA, Boggs- YEA, Crouch– YEA, Henke – YEA.

Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) Part I and Part II – The Board reviewed correspondence from the psychology licensing board in New York and further discussed its concerns with the development of the new EPPP and ASPPB’s requirement that jurisdictions require both Part I and II for licensure in Louisiana. Dr. Henke is working on drafting a letter to ASPPB.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / May 2018

Originally published: May 2018. Volume 9, No. 5. Source pages: 13.

The LSUHSC Human Development Center presented an array of national experts for their 4th Annual Conference on Multi-Tier System of Supports (MTSS) and Response to Intervention, “Trauma-Informed MTSS/RTI: Practical and Evidenced-Based Practices. The event was held in conjunction with Data-Based Conferences in New Orleans on April 12th and 13th, 2018. Dr. Alan Coulter was a key in the design of the conference.

Dr. Coulter and Dr. Kim Gibbons presented “Blame Free Implementation Fidelity: Fixing the Weak Link in MTSS,” and “Strategic Doing: Interactive Session to Enhance Your MTSS Implementation Plan.”

Dr. Coulter is Director of Education Initiatives at the Human Development Center and the T.I.E.R.S. Group that assists SEAs and LEAs to implement Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) and response to intervention (RtI), Dr. Coulter served on the President’s Commission on Excellence in Special Education in 2001–02 and was director of the National Center for Special Education Accountability Monitoring.

Dr. Gibbons is associate director of the Center for Applied Research and Educational Improvement at the University of Minnesota. Her work has received national recognition for its pioneering use of RTI.

Dr. Frank Gresham presented, “Don’t Let Disruptive Behaviors Impede Instruction: Practical, Evidence- Based Strategies.” Dr. Gresham is Professor at Louisiana State University and has developed social skills assessments (Social Skills Improvement System- Rating Scales – SSIS) and interventions for students with or at-risk for emotional and behavioral disorders. He is a past recipient of the Lightner Witmer Award and the Senior Scientist Award given by the Division of School Psychology of APA for outstanding research contributions. He has been elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.

Other nationally known presenters included Nancy Marchand-Martella and Mark R. Shinn, who presented a keynote, “Powerful MTSS Implementation Begins with Core Language Arts Instruction Aligned to the Needs of Students, Not Adults.” Dr. Marchand- Martella is department chair and professor of education psychology at the University of Oklahoma and Dr. Shinn is a professor of school psychology at National Louis University.

“Using Trauma-Informed Behavioral Supports to Make MTSS Bigger and Better,” was also a keynote address, delivered by Clay Cook. Dr. Cook is the University of Minnesota John and Nancy Peyton Faculty Fellow in Child and Adolescent Wellbeing and Associate Professor of School Psychology.

“MTSS TEAM Unity: Balancing the I-Me-We,” focused on effective teaming structures that emphasize equity, advocacy, and mindfulness that improve the quality of MTSS implementation and was presented by Drs. Alisia Moutry and Ramel Smith.

The two also delivered the keynote: Decreasing Aggressive Behaviors: Interventions to ‘Build a Better Man’ in America’s Schools.” Dr. Moutry is President/CEO of 4AM Consulting, LLC and a Regional Director for SWIFT (University of Kansas-School- Wide Integrated Framework for Transformation Center). Dr. Ramel Smith is a licensed psychologist in Wisconsin and the team psychologist for the Milwaukee Bucks, a professional NBA team.

Dr. Alan Coulter presenting at the 4th Annual MTSS and RTI conference held by the Human Development Center. (Courtesy photo)

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / May 2018

Originally published: May 2018. Volume 9, No. 5. Source pages: 13.

The Louisiana Psych- ological Association hosted a gathering for its Early Career Psychologist Committee, chaired by Drs. Melissa Dufrene and Ashley Jefferson, and the newly created Diversity Committee, chaired by Dr. Michael Cunningham.

The event was held at Ralph’s on the Park, at 900 City Park Avenue in New Orleans, Tuesday, April 24. The attendees enjoyed cocktails, charcuterier and cheese, and social time with colleagues.

Among those hosting the guest attendees were LPA members Drs. Alan Coulter, William Costelloe, Michael Cunningham, Amy Henke, Gail Gillespie, Jinaki Flint, and Lucinda DeGrange.

The event was part of the LPA 70th anniversary year activities.

Attendees at a gathering of LPA Early Career Psychologist Committee and Diversity Committee, at Ralph’s on the Park in New Orleans. (L to R) Samantha Francois, PhD, Developmental Psychologist and Assistant Professor, Tulane School of Social Work; Jennifer Bryant, May 2018 PhD in School Psychology, Tulane University; Michael Cunningham, Tulane Professor and Associate Provost; Kyle Hucke, PhD, Developmental Psychologist and Evaluator, Louisiana Public Health (Photo/Gail Gillespie) Institute; and Lucinda DeGrange, PhD, Past-President, Louisiana Psychological Association.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / May 2018

Originally published: May 2018. Volume 9, No. 5. Source pages: 16.

Dr. Kelli Johnson joined the faculty of the Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Xavier and takes on duties of Department Chair. She began service in March, according to the news release.

Previously Dr. Johnson served as an assistant professor and the Director of Clinical Training at the Illinois School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University. An APA accreditation site visitor, she is also the Past President of the Association of Chicagoland Externship and Practicum Training. Johnson has served as a site visitor for the International Association of Counseling Services and currently serves as the Chair for the Ethnic Racial Diversity Committee for the National Council of Schools and Programs for Professional Psychology.

“I’m extremely excited by the opportunities that are open to The Chicago School-New Orleans, and am delighted to be part of its future. The commitment of the program, faculty, staff, and students to being of service to the community is impressive, and I am honored to be joining them in their mission,” Dr. Johnson said in the announcement.

The Chicago Professional School is hosted on the Xavier University and the program was launched in 2016 to help develop a partnership between XULA and The Chicago School to educate and train practitioners who will help to meet the mental health services needs of the city and region, said the announcement.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / May 2018

Originally published: May 2018. Volume 9, No. 5. Source pages: 16.

Mary Alice Olsan, the previous Executive Director for the Licensed Professional Counselors Board, accepted a position with the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), Inc., and Affiliates, stepping down from duties toward the end of last year.

“I was recruited for a position with the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC), Inc. and Affiliates as Director of Strategy and Special Projects,” Olsan told the Times.

“I am so grateful to my Board Members (past and present) who have supported me and allowed me to grow in this role,” Olsan said. “It’s truly been the greatest honor of professional career to serve the public as Executive Director of the Louisiana LPC Board.”

In their minutes, the LPC Board members “congratulated M Olsan on her position with NBCC and wished her well in her future endeavors.”

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / May 2018

Originally published: May 2018. Volume 9, No. 5. Source pages: 16.

Ms. Anna Madden, LSU psychology senior and Honors student, has been named with a LSU Discover Scholar Award. This award is given to only ten undergraduate students across the LSU campus, recognizing those researchers who conduct outstanding research or creative endeavors within their fields.

Ms. Madden is completing her Honor's Thesis under the mentorship of Dr. Steven Greening. Dr. Greening is Assistant Professor whose research focus is to: elucidate the neurocognitive mechanisms involved in adapting to and controlling the influence of emotional events across the lifespan.

Ms. Madden Honor's Thesis is titled, "The Effect of Attention Bias Modification on Emotion Dysregulation," presented at LSU Discover Day and the Society for Affective Science national conference.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / May 2018

Originally published: May 2018. Volume 9, No. 5. Source pages: 1, 10.

The Industrial-Organizational graduate program at Louisiana Tech has been ranked first in the nation in applied development opportunities by a study conducted by the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP).

The top ranking reflects how the faculty help the graduate students engage in research with organizations, consulting opportunities with organizational leaders and stakeholders, and communicate with the public.

The program’s core faculty members are program coordinator Dr. Tilman Sheets, AROS director Dr. Mitzi Desselles, Dr. Frank Igou, and Dr. Steven Toaddy. The program also ranked No. 20 in research development opportunities, and No. 29 in teaching development opportunities, across the nation.

“It is very gratifying to know that our students think we are providing applied development opportunities, we work very hard to do so,” program coordinator, Dr. Sheets, said.

Dr. Steven Toaddy noted, “What shines through to me is that many of our graduate students viewed the time that they spent in the program as providing them with these opportunities and that they took the time to make this known via the ranking survey. I think that our program has done––well before my arriving––and continues to do a great job of helping students focus on developing their skills in preparation for applied careers, but I suspect that what sets us apart in this ranking is our students' enthusiasm and willingness to celebrate those opportunities when SIOP came asking.”

Dr. Steven Toaddy noted, “I would say that our program's recent ranking conveys several direct benefits – helping signal to current, prospective, and prior students the program's focus on applied experience; helping our program to further tweak itself to accentuate its strengths and to acknowledge its shortcomings; and to lend us some credibility when we offer guidance to other programs that seek to prepare practitioners for careers in our field.” Dr. Toaddy is an assistant professor specializing in organizational-side and psychometric topics.

In a statement to SIOP news, Department Chair of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences at Tech, Dr. Donna Thomas, said,“What an honor for a program that only accepted its first cohort in 2009,” said Donna Thomas, Department Chair of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences at Tech. “I’m extremely proud of, but not surprised by, the No. 1 ranking — it’s a direct reflection of the program’s outstanding students and their commitment,” in a statemen.

“Since its inception, the I-O Psychology Ph.D. program has emphasized the application of behavioral science through its consulting group, Applied Research for Organizational Solutions (AROS),” Thomas said to SIOP. “Our students often tell us it’s what attracted them to our program — the opportunity to put their knowledge and skills into practice, under the supervision of our exceptional faculty. I’m so pleased to see the students and faculty recognized for their hard work. The ranking will help us grow the program’s reputation by continuing to attract top-notch students.”

In a previous interview with the Times’ reporter Shane Lowery, Dr. Sheets emphasized that I-O Psychologists are some of the leading researchers in applied psychology across the country. Whether they are housed in academic programs or in private consulting firms, these applied scientists continue to make strides in organizational research.

The I-O psychology program at Louisiana Tech has already become a fast growing, internationally recognized, applied research program, said Dr. Sheets when asked if he has seen an increase in the overall number of applicants. “… I would say we are certainly getting an increase in applicants. I think more importantly, we seem to be getting an increase in quality people.”

“We always stay pretty deep into some interesting things…we have projects that come through our AROS consultancy, which is Applied Research for Organizational Solutions,” he said. “We’ve gone international, with an engineering firm doing a cultural analysis for companies in South Africa,” Dr. Sheets said. “We’re very much an applied program, but we have a lot of cool academic research going on as well.”

Dr. Tilman Sheets, one of the program coordinators at LaTech.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / May 2018

Originally published: May 2018. Volume 9, No. 5. Source pages: 5.

In an April 9 press release Governor Edwards cited the results of an analysis by Dr. James Richardson from the Public Administration Institute at LSU, titled “Medicaid Expansion and the Louisiana Economy.”

On Jan. 12, 2016, Gov. Edwards signed an executive order to bring federal tax dollars back to Louisiana to provide health care for working poor people in the state. Since then, more than 468,000 individuals have received health coverage, including: 183,377 patients receiving preventive care visits; 35,733 women have been screened for breast cancer, with 338 diagnosed with breast cancer; 21,037 colon cancer screenings, resulting in 285 cancer diagnoses; and 18,158 adults receiving treatment for substance abuse.

In an Editorial by the Advocate, following the announcement, the newspaper wrote: “The report found that expansion has created roughly 19,000 jobs and $3.57 billion of economic activity. On the financial front, the generous federal matching grants for expansion — more than 90 percent — mean that money once spent on care for the uninsured, often in emergency rooms, is now available through doctor's offices.

“The state's savings are substantial. But the LSU report also noted that more than $1.8 billion spent on medical care — doctors and nurses, treatments and hospitals — represents a significant stimulus for the general economy. Health care is ultimately a payroll-oriented business, and those paychecks boost communities across the state. It's a source of revenue for hospitals, federally qualified health clinics and other institutions supporting a healthier state.”

Those critical of the expansion point to the future when the 90% matching is greatly reduced and the state must find ways to manage the loss of federal funds.

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.

Article archive / April 2018

Originally published: April 2018. Volume 9, No. 4. Source pages: 1, 11.

People Dr. Lewis-Todd, Red Cross Leader, Joins Community

Dr. Tracy Lewis-Todd, Disaster Mental Health Regional Lead for the American Red Cross, has joined the Louisiana psychology community, relocating from Illinois to New Orleans over the last year.

“Louisiana has historically had an unmet need for Disaster Mental Health (DMH) staff to serve the clients and communities affected by the many small and large disasters which impact our region,” Dr. Lewis-Todd said. “DMH volunteers consist of currently licensed or retired mental health professionals,” she explained. “The Red Cross offers online and classroom training to prepare clinicians to utilize their skills and expertise in the context of the Red Cross mission.” Dr. Tracy Lewis-Todd is a Clinical Psychologist and Family Therapist with thirty plus years of experience as a clinician in multiple treatment modalities, as well as positions as Clinical Director, and in Program Development and Supervision. Her areas of specialization are high-risk adolescents and families, addictions and dual-diagnoses.

Last November, Lewis-Todd provided, “Disaster Mental Health Worker Certification Training,” last November for the Louisiana School Psychological Association. She plans on participating with the disaster relief discussion and strategic group at upcoming convention of the Louisiana Psychological Association this May.

The American Red Cross of Louisiana has a volunteer team of DMH professionals, Dr. Lewis-Todd explained, who are essential to the emotional and physical health and safety of volunteers, clients and employees affected by disasters.

“DMH volunteers may provide on-call phone support to survivors and responders in need of emotional support after local or regional disasters by providing psychological first aid,” she said. They make “referrals to local behavioral health resources and other DMH interventions as appropriate.”

She also said that some DMH volunteers will also engage with the Disaster Action Teams (DAT) and respond on-scene to local disasters, such as home fires, floods, tornados, etc.

“When a major disaster or mass casualty incident occurs in Louisiana or in another state,” she said, “DMH volunteers can deploy for 7-10 days to provide support at the site of the disaster. Pre-response staff support, staff mental health and disaster mental health instruction are also important roles of DMH.”

“The American Red Cross also has a Services to the Armed Forces division which provides support and resources to our military personnel and their families,” Lewis-Todd said. “Licensed mental health professionals can be trained to teach Reconnection Workshops, offering guidance in coping with pre- and post-deployment stressors. These courses address issues including depression, management of stress and trauma, anger management and communication skills. Much of the focus is upon partners and families of the military.”

Dr. Lewis-Todd said that recently this has been augmented by workshops teaching mind/body skills. In Louisiana, there has also been a significant emphasis on suicide prevention through the Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training program, teaching principles and techniques of suicide first aid, she explained.

“The Red Cross is an excellent way to give back to your community based on your interests and availability,” she said.

Dr. Tracy Lewis-Todd and her husband (also a Clinical Psychologist) retired to New Orleans in January of 2017 and immediately started volunteering for the Red Cross during the tornados in East Orleans. Since then she has volunteered for several other small and large disasters including a 3-week deployment to the US Virgin Islands after Hurricane Maria. Although her professional skills have transferred to her role in DMH, she said the most gratifying part “has been being part of a multi-faceted team of responders and experiencing the resilience, generosity and sense of community that emerge at times of disaster despite the disruption, grief and loss that impact everyone involved.”

Those interested in learning more about the role of psychologists in Disaster Mental Health are invited to contact Dr. Lewis-Todd at tracy.lewistodd@redcross.org.

For information about Services to the Armed Forces those interested can contact Thomas Todd, PhD and SAF Resilience Lead at tom.todd@redcross.org.

The Flood of 2016. Flooding east of Baton Rouge was considered ground zero, with areas that had over 30 inches of rain. Thousands lost their homes. (Courtesy of Coast Guard) August 22, 2016. Breaux Bridge, St. Martin Parish, Louisiana. “The majority of people are making it through this because they’re working together,” says Jodi Bocco, a Red Cross disaster mental health volunteer. Bocco is working in communities, meeting people like Miranda Melancon who were affected by the flooding. (Photo by: Marko Kokic/American Red Cross. Courtesy of Red Cross.)

This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.