Filters
Main page content
This online article introduces the concept of spirituality, explains how spirituality relates to trauma, identifies aspects of trauma most likely to affect spirituality, and suggests ways for spiritual and religious leaders and mental health care practitioners to support people with trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Links to additional information about PTSD are provided.
View ResourceThis site provides information about what to expect in a hurricane and signs of emotional distress. It also explains how to reach the Disaster Distress Helpline (call or text 800-985-5990) for immediate crisis counseling.
View ResourcePart of the CCP, the ISP funds short-term disaster relief and crisis counseling services to help communities in the immediate aftermath of disaster. The ISP lasts up to 60 days after a Presidential disaster declaration that includes Individual Assistance. State, territorial, and tribal governments are eligible to apply and must submit an ISP application within 14 days of the Presidential disaster declaration to be considered for funding.
View ResourceinTransition is a voluntary coaching and support program designed to support military service members as they move between health-care systems or providers.
View ResourceFEMA implements the CCP as a supplemental assistance program available to states, U.S. territories, and federally recognized tribes after a Presidential disaster declaration that includes Individual Assistance. After the award of this grant, the state, territory, or tribe works with contracted provider agencies to hire and train crisis counselors to conduct outreach in the affected areas.
View ResourceThis tip sheet explains how teens may experience traumatic grief following a disaster or other traumatic event. It describes 10 ways teens may feel, behave, and express themselves as they go through a period of grief. It also suggests ways parents or caregivers can support them and identifies signs that a teen might benefit from seeing a mental health professional.
View ResourceThe Section on Positive Psychology of Division 17 of the American Psychological Association encourages, promotes, and facilitates contributions to research, teaching, practice, and public interest in positive psychology. According to the section website, positive psychology "involves an attempt to move toward a more balanced perspective on human functioning that considers motives, capacities, and human potentials."
View ResourceThis website allows military personnel and their families to find a community-based Vet Center near them (there are 207 nationwide). Vet Centers provide free readjustment counseling and outreach services to veterans who served in a combat zone and to military family members dealing with military-related issues.
View ResourceThe Crisis Text Line serves people across the United States experiencing any type of crisis and provides free, 24/7 emotional support and information through texting with a live, trained specialist. Individuals in the United States can access the Crisis Text Line by texting “HOME” to 741741. Responders can make disaster survivors aware of this resource.
View ResourceThe Headington Institute offers a variety of trainings, educational materials, and counseling and consultation services for humanitarian relief and development workers and emergency responders. It does work to support the well-being of responders and response organizations and the effectiveness of response efforts.
View Resource
This double issue of "The Dialogue," the SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center’s quarterly newsletter, focuses on cultural sensitivity in disaster behavioral health programs. The contributors to this newsletter discuss implementing disaster behavioral health programs in various communities. Contributors also share tips and information on how to work with different populations.
View ResourceThis 13-minute training video teaches crisis counselors how to lead and facilitate group crisis counseling encounters and public education sessions effectively. It includes the goals of a group crisis counseling encounter, the difference between group crisis counseling and public education sessions, and tips and best practices for both types of sessions.
View ResourceThis 13-minute training video teaches crisis counselors how to perform an individual and family crisis counseling encounter. It utilizes role play to highlight crisis counseling skills and ways to interact with survivors. Although the video was developed for Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program staff, it may be useful to anyone providing crisis counseling to disaster-affected individuals and families.
View ResourceProvided by the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline, this web page gives an overview of the effects droughts may have. It lists the signs of emotional distress related to drought and who may be most at risk of experiencing them. Lastly, it provides resources and information on where to get help.
View ResourceThe RSP is a CCP grant program that provides disaster relief and crisis counseling services for up to 9 months after a Presidential disaster declaration that includes Individual Assistance. State, territory, and tribal governments are eligible to apply. In their applications, which must be submitted within 60 days of the disaster declaration, state, territory, and tribal governments need to show a continuing need for services.
View ResourcePart of the Psychological First Aid (PFA) Field Operations Guide, this handout provides information that disaster survivors can use to avoid misuse of alcohol, prescription medications, and other drugs after a disaster. It also provides tips for survivors in recovery to avoid relapse after a disaster.
View ResourceFamily Caregiver Alliance is a community-based nonprofit organization that addresses the needs of those caring for veterans who suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder or who have come home from a deployment with physical injuries. The website provides research, fact sheets, advice, newsletters, and other information of interest.
View ResourceThe Trevor Project is a suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization that provides 24/7/365 information and support to young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, aromantic, agender, or part of other sexual orientation and gender identity minority groups. Trained counselors are available through call, text, or chat for individuals needing support through a difficult time.
View ResourceThis website provides information on Seeking Safety therapy, an evidence-based treatment that helps people with trauma, posttraumatic stress disorder, and substance misuse. It provides information on Seeking Safety trainings and articles on Seeking Safety, trauma, and substance misuse. The book and training on Seeking Safety cost money.
View Resource
Developed for disaster response workers and others providing emotional support to adults ages 65 years and older after a disaster, this guide highlights the diversity of the older adult population in the United States, signs of disaster-related distress, and ways to help older adults with a range of issues, including disabilities and access and functional needs.
View ResourceThe SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24-hour helpline staffed by trained counselors. The helpline can be used by any person, including a first responder, who is experiencing emotional distress due to a disaster. Responders may also want to make disaster survivors aware of this resource.
View ResourcePart of a program of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives encompass efforts to increase safety and well-being for firefighters and emergency medical services personnel. Initiative 13 focuses on psychological support. The web page dedicated to this initiative includes information and links to relevant resources.
View Resource