Supporting A Multidisciplinary Approach to Addressing Violent Extremism: What Role Can Mental Health Professionals Play?

TAKEAWAY. Mental health professionals are uniquely poised to contribute to effective prevention and intervention activities in the service of addressing violent extremism.

THE NEED. Terrorism and mass casualty attacks are becoming increasingly of concern in the U.S., and recruitment of vulnerable youth into extremist groups is emerging as a critical threat. Violent and non-violent extremist organizations like ISIS and the Council of Conservative Citizens can reach vulnerable youth digitally, rendering their reach far greater than a previous time when influence was largely a result of face-to-face contact.