Trauma Services

Trauma, by definition, are those rare but shattering events that threaten one’s very safety and survival. The lasting effects of these events, such as sudden death, fires, natural disasters or violent assaults, can be prolonged and devastating. From the very onset of a trauma through the individual’s painstaking recovery, Ohel’s Trauma Team are available for guidance, support and direction.

We’re here to help children and adults through the many stages of grief and recovery for as long as our services are needed. We provide:

  • • On-call trauma services teams deployed when crises occur.
  • • Specialized support groups for those who have lost loved ones.
  • • School-based programs promoting resilient classrooms and school communities.
  • • School-based services for children who experienced traumatic incidents.
  • • Training for teachers and first responders in the aftermath of tragic events.
  • • Community-wide counseling forums and webinars in response to traumatic experiences or acts of violence in the community.

Our caring team is there when it matters most to support individuals, families, schools, and communities affected by trauma through the Ohel Zachter Family National Trauma Center, Ohel Kestenbaum Family International Children’s Services, and Ohel Brecher Family South Florida Trauma Services.


Trauma Sensitivity Training and Resources for Schools


Ohel is also piloting an innovative program that provides proactive training, resources, and ongoing support to schools that focuses on resilience-building and trauma-informed practice. Additional details to come.

Ohel Zachter Family National Trauma Center



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Ohel Zachter Family National Trauma Center
The Ohel Zachter Family National Trauma Center team provides essential support after a crisis to communities across the United States, including bereavement counseling for individuals and families; grief and trauma groups; continued support, counseling, and case management; and training for first responders, workplaces, synagogues, and schools.
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Ohel Kestenbaum Family International Children’s Services



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Ohel Kestenbaum Family International Children’s Services
The Ohel Kestenbaum Family International Children’s Services team provides extensive services for schools and children, including resilience training for both students and educators, and resilience-based resources in the United States and in communities around the world. It also provides a national teacher support hotline.
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Trauma Outreach and Services
Trauma Outreach and Services
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Trauma Outreach and Services
Leading our Crisis Response Team are internationally-renowned trauma expert Dr. Norman Blumenthal, Ohel's Zachter Family Chair in Trauma and Crisis, and Tzivy Reiter, LCSW, Director of Children’s & National Trauma Services. When an accident or untimely death, suicide, life‑threatening trauma, or act of violence in the community occur, we are ready to help.

Services we provide include:
  • Expert advice on explaining untimely death to a shocked community.
  • Guidance through the bereavement process.

Our diverse, professional team is available to communities both in the New York metropolitan area and across the country. Our Crisis Response staff includes licensed psychologists, social workers, mental health counselors, art therapists, and other staff experienced in providing crisis counseling. This multi-cultural team can serve diverse communities with language proficiency in Hebrew, Yiddish, Russian, Spanish, Cantonese, and Mandarin.
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Teacher Support Helpline
Teacher Support Helpline
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Teacher Support Helpline

The helpline is a confidential space where educators and youth support professionals can get support and guidance. Under the supervision of Dr. Norman Blumenthal, the helpline is staffed by a team of experienced school psychologists and mental health professionals, available to provide free, confidential, one-on-one support, and links to professional help and resources as needed.

718-686-3230

Summer Helpline Hours:
Monday-Wednesday: 8pm-10pm EST

New Hours for the 2023-24 School Year:
Monday-Wednesday: 12pm-1pm EST
Wednesday-Thursday: 4pm-6pm EST

 

Funded by UJA-Federation of New York

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Disaster Mental Health Services
Disaster Mental Health Services
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Disaster Mental Health Services
Ohel's broad range of programs serves individuals at home and in the community, children both in and out of school, and employees and employers in the workplace. Trauma programs are launched in direct response to crises such as mass shootings, fires, accidents, floods, and most recently, COVID-19. Our work can alleviate the suffering of thousands of individuals who experience the impact of a disaster event.

From trauma counseling services to community education and outreach, we bring comfort and support to trauma victims while preparing individuals, institutions, and communities to cope with the ongoing effects of the tragedy. Our community-oriented specialists are also multilingual and speak Spanish, Russian, Hebrew, Yiddish, and Mandarin.
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Brecher Family South Florida Trauma Services



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Brecher Family South Florida Trauma Services

Services we provide include:

  • • Trauma team responding locally
  • • Short-term counseling for individuals experiencing trauma
  • • Teacher Support Helpline
  • • Resilience resources for educators and families

Led by:

Dr. Norman Blumenthal, Director of Trauma
Tzivy Reiter, LCSW
Director of Children’s and Trauma Services

For more information contact Bracha Rupp at bracha_rupp@ohelfamily.org or (954) 399-0997

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How can parents help develop resilient children?

Our team of world-renowned experts are featured in publications and share best practices to help children and adults cope with life's challenges and thrive. In a recent Psychology Today article, "What Does It Mean to Be a Resilient Parent? Ways to embrace and build your 'resilience muscles,'" Tzivy Reiter, LCSW, Children's and Trauma Services Director at the Ohel Zachter Family National Trauma Center, shares tips to build resilience as a parent and ultimately growing resilience in your children. Read the article here

Traumatic events hit hard. From the Tri-State area to South Florida and beyond, Ohel's Trauma Services provides caring and professional support to children and adults.
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Upcoming Events




Check back soon for trauma events.