title: The formation and application of an overseas mental health crisis intervention team, Part I: Formation.
abstract: The creation of an overseas mental health crisis intervention team is described. The authors discuss the unique aspects of an overseas low intensity conflict environment and the importance of immediate mental health responses to disaster situations in such theaters. Key elements in the formation of the team are the use of local resources, command endorsement, and an emphasis on education of commanders and team members. Examples are cited of other military response team deployments. The authors present their experience in Panama as a model for other providers in similar environments.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Gorgas Army Hospital, Panama.
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: M S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Holden
mesh_terms: D003419:Crisis Intervention / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008887:Military Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010176:Panama; D014481:United States