Disasters and response

search and rescue dog with handler at disaster scene

A collectively experienced sudden catastrophic event caused by nature (e.g., hurricane, earthquake, tsunami, tornado), technology (e.g., airplane crash, nuclear plant explosion, mining accident), or human aggression (e.g., acts of terrorism). The effect is often measured in terms of loss of lives, injuries, and property damage and typically overwhelms the community’s resources and ability to respond without outside assistance.

Adapted from the APA Dictionary of Psychology

Counseling available after disasters

Immediate help is available for those affected by, or who may need additional assistance, after experiencing a natural or human-created disaster. The Disaster Distress Helpline is a toll-free, multilingual crisis support service available 24/7 via telephone (1-800-985-5990) and SMS (text “TalkWithUs” to 66746). The Disaster Distress Helpline is a federally funded resource provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Disaster mental health information for psychologists

When a disaster hits, there is a need for licensed, mental health volunteers to work within affected communities to provide support to organizations involved in disaster response and recovery.

Learn how you can help

Resources from APA

Uniformed personnel unload cases of bottled water from a cargo plane.

Integrating psychological science in disaster preparedness

Report from the APA Task Force on disaster preparedness, response, and recovery

Integrating Psychological Science Into Major Disaster Preparedness, Response, and Recovery

Major disasters pose profound psychological and physical risks to communities nationally and disproportionately result in inequities for vulnerable populations

Worsening weather is driving smarter behavioral interventions

Psychologists help people understand the risk of extreme weather and take action

APA Resolution on Psychological Needs of Children Exposed to Disasters (2025)

The development and implementation of a national strategy to prevent and treat the psychological sequelae of exposure of children and their families to disasters

More resources about disasters

Coping with and recovering from disasters

Understanding the effects of traumatic stress and the normal responses that may follow these abnormal events can help you cope with your thoughts and feelings on the path to recovery. Taking active steps to cope is important.