Mental Health Professionals' Experiences of Vicarious Traumatization in Post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans

Mental health professionals in a variety of work settings regularly encounter clients who are trauma victims. This secondary exposure to trauma often results in the professionals experiencing the effects of trauma themselves, known as vicarious traumatization (VT). The present descriptive, sequential mixed-method study explored VT experienced by mental health professionals in the post-Hurricane Katrina New Orleans region using the Vicarious Traumatization Questionnaire (VTQ). The study also examined the impact of VT on the professional and personal functioning of mental health professionals through interviews with agency directors. Results indicated notable VT impact. Prevention and treatment implications are discussed.