Programs Addressing Psychological Health and Resilience in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security

• Published in: Rand health quarterly 2020-06, Vol.9 (1), p.8-8
• Main Authors: Farmer, Carrie M, Whipkey, Katie, Chamberlin, Margaret
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Military Health
• ISSN: 2162-8254; 2162-8254

This study reviews the evidence base for common approaches used in workplace psychological health programs and profiles U.S. Department of Homeland Security programs that address psychological health, peer support, and resilience. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks from all or part of 22 existing federal departments and agencies to oversee and coordinate a national strategy to protect the country from terrorism and to prevent future attacks. The unique organizational structure of DHS and differences in the number and type of employees in each of its components have resulted in a support system that includes both DHS-wide programs and component-specific programs to promote resilience and prevent psychological health problems that can result from long-term stress and exposure to trauma. However, little is known about the nature and effectiveness of these programs. This study provides an overview of the evidence base for common approaches used in workplace psychological health programs and identifies the extent to which programs across DHS that address psychological health, peer support, and resilience align with evidence-based practices. To ensure employees' psychological well-being, DHS must respond to their specific psychological health needs and concerns, as well as measure the effectiveness of existing programs that address psychological health. The study outlines a path forward for DHS to determine whether its investments in these programs are achieving their desired outcomes for the department, its employees, and their families.