Disaster Response
Resources below
The Disaster Psychology Committee is dedicated to supporting the emotional well-being and resilience of individuals and communities affected by disasters throughout San Diego County. As part of the nationwide Disaster Response Network (DRN), established through a partnership between the American Psychological Association and the American Red Cross, committee members are specially trained mental health professionals who provide disaster-related psychological support before, during, and after emergencies. Through ongoing education, training, disaster drills, community outreach, and collaboration with organizations such as the American Red Cross and Medical Reserve Corps, the committee helps prepare professionals and the public to respond effectively to crises. Members may assist with local emergencies, mass casualty incidents, and statewide mutual aid efforts while serving as experts in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. The committee welcomes licensed professionals, students, and others interested in strengthening community resilience and advancing disaster mental health services.
GETTING INVOLVED:
If you are interested in joining the Disaster Psychology Committee or for more information, please contact the Committee Chair Dr. Glenn Lipson. We welcome student members. Student members may not be eligible for some responses that require licensed professionals, but there are courses, drills and some local responses where they can become members of a Disaster Action Team and gain valuable experience while assisting disaster victims.
For more information:
For assistance in recognizing disaster related stress in adults,
click here.
For assistance in recognizing disaster related stress in children,
click here.
Articles about Disaster Response that have appeared in
The San Diego Psychologist Newsletters:
- Essential Skills for Disaster
- Complete Resources Handout
- Disaster Agency Matrix
- Are We Ready for Disaster? – On the Anniversary of Last Year’s Fires
- Disaster Response
- Do You Really Need to Create a Family Disaster Plan?
- Pandemic Influenza – How to Prepare at Phase 5
- Responding to Hurricane Ike
- What All Psychologists Should Know About the Disaster Response Network
- When A Loved One is in the Midst of Danger
- APA's response to the Haiti tragedy
APA RESOURCES:
- The Road to Resilience
- Managing Traumatic Stress: Tips for Recovering from Disasters and other Traumatic Events
- What do Psychologists do at Disaster Sites?
- APA Disaster Mental Health Information
- Disaster 101 Article - Password is 123
- CERT Article - Password is 123
- Trauma and Disaster Resources for Mental Health Clinicians