Psychological support in civil emergencies: the National Emergency Behavior Management System of Singapore

Abstract

This paper reports and describes the psychological support system developed in Singapore as a mental health response to disasters and other major crisis situations. It presents the organizational structure and operational relationships among the component emergency response agencies making up the National Emergency Behavior Management System in Singapore. The paper also attempts to delineate some of the underlying mental health concepts and techniques in crisis and therapeutic interventions employed for victims, survivors, affected families and the community during disasters.