Human Trafficking: A Comprehensive Treatment Guide for Mental Health Professionals

As the first book to address human trafficking and mental health, “Human Trafficking: A Treatment Guide for Mental Health Professionals” is a vital resource for clinicians working with trafficked patients. Edited by John H. Coverdale, this guide provides a unique and essential framework for identifying, assessing, and treating survivors of human trafficking.

The Growing Epidemic of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a rapidly growing issue, with an increasing number of victims being seen in healthcare settings. However, clinicians often face barriers in identifying and treating these patients. This guide bridges the gap by providing epidemiological data on the factors contributing to human trafficking, the associated consequences, and the crucial role of health professionals in combatting it.

Screening and Identification: Overcoming Barriers to Care

The guide discusses the importance of screening processes and explores potential barriers, both organizational and provider-based, to the identification of trafficked persons. It also addresses the need for sensitive, trauma-informed, and integrated patient management in different settings, including emergency departments, primary care, and substance abuse facilities.

Trauma-Informed Care: A Survivor-Centered Approach

The authors emphasize the importance of trauma-informed care, using the concepts of asking, respecting, and responding to provide a survivor-centered approach. They also delve into psychotherapeutic considerations and cultural aspects in the assessment and treatment of trafficked patients, topics that have been neglected in the past.

Advocacy, Confidentiality, and Reporting Requirements

The guide provides a comprehensive legal and ethical framework for advocacy, confidentiality, and reporting requirements for adult and child patients, essential for clinicians working with trafficked individuals.

A Practical Resource for Clinicians

The book’s chapters are designed to be practical and accessible, with clear objectives and useful features such as:

• Clinical cases that illustrate the trauma and horror of human trafficking, providing real-life examples to contextualize each chapter’s topic.
• “Pearls and pointers” that summarize key points and highlight the most important take-aways.
• Visual aids, such as tables and figures, that enhance understanding and consolidate information into readily accessible formats.
• Ten vivid, real-life case scenarios in the final chapter, offering insights into trafficked persons’ healthcare interactions and guidance on managing their care with empathy and patience.

“Human Trafficking: A Treatment Guide for Mental Health Professionals” is a powerful tool for clinicians, empowering them to look at their patients with fresh, informed, and compassionate eyes. By providing a comprehensive and practical framework for identifying and treating survivors of human trafficking, this guide is an invaluable resource for promoting healing and recovery.

Publication Details:

• Publisher: American Psychiatric Association Publishing
• Publication Date: August 10, 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9781615372485, 9781615373154