APA’s response to international disasters

APA shares informational materials on responses to natural and human-made disasters. APA’s first-level response includes outreach to the local psychology or mental health community in the country or countries affected by a disaster. APA accompanies this outreach with links to relevant APA-developed information on psychosocial approaches to disaster mental health.

APA’s disaster mental health information for psychologists page provides resources for mental health professionals and communities connected to the affected area through the American Red Cross and other disaster response agencies.

Offering web-based psychological resources

APA shares informational materials on responses to natural and human-made disasters, as well as guidance for psychologists wishing to be involved in international disaster response as a valuable resource for APA members and nonmember mental health professionals. In addition, APA posts information for the public—particularly to help those distressed because they have family or other loved ones in affected areas.

Aiding local communities in the United States

After a disaster, APA frequently assists by providing resources and support to people in the U.S. with families or other loved ones in the affected area. APA learns of community needs through various disaster related agencies such as the American Red Cross. Licensed psychologists can distribute helpful psychological resources in English and the local language when possible, and distribute information on offering culturally sensitive and competent support.

Fielding media inquiries

APA’s Public Affairs staff work on media outreach and response to provide journalists with appropriate experts on mental health issues. APA also typically posts information on trauma response and recovery, international guidelines and resources, and resources for longer-term recovery on our website.

APA support for medium- to long-term responses to international disasters

On the approval of the Board of Directors, APA may work with the local psychology or mental health community in affected countries to support medium- to long-term psychosocial recovery. Generally, this includes partnering with or providing modest funds to the local psychology or mental health community and global relief agencies to engage in on-the-ground activities in disaster response and recovery, such as training programs or “train the trainer” programs to strengthen community-based disaster response activities. For example, APA has provided financial support to local psychological associations in Haiti, Japan, Nepal, and the Caribbean after local disasters.

For more information, contact the Office of International Affairs.

Funding through the American Psychological Foundation

The American Psychological Foundation (APF) may award grants to psychologists whose research and interventions address the long-term effects following a disaster and that will help lay the groundwork for a more effective understanding of and ability to respond to future traumas. Examples include a pilot intervention program that incorporates group counseling and rapid education for youth in Sierra Leone to strengthen community supports and peer networks; a project examining the effects of the timing of interventions with emergency response personnel; research on the effects of a natural disaster on children’s anxiety; and research on the long-term recovery of a community after a disaster so that psychological scientists, decision makers, and practitioners will be able to know and address the issues that emerge over time. Visit the APF websiteopens in new window for more information.

APA does not organize relief teams, given that APA is not a disaster response organization. When psychologists respond to disasters, they should volunteer with a designated disaster response group after receiving the appropriate training. In international disasters, the affected country’s Red Cross often takes the lead in responding with support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, which include the American Red Cross. Psychologists interested in responding in international settings should review the Global Psychology Alliance statement on the role of psychologists in international emergency settings.

Make a donation

APA members can make donations to charities organizations providing emergency care and psychosocial support in the area or to general relief organizations, like the American Red Cross, to direct resources where they are needed most. Psychologists can make a donations to APF to support grants for research on disaster response. Psychologists can also donate to organizations that provide support for psychosocial relief and long-term intervention such as those who participate in the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Reference Group on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settingsopens in new window.

Offer to provide information, consultation, or training

Psychologists with experience in disaster mental health and/or public health can offer to consult with recognized humanitarian organizations and/or offer to provide training to international colleagues. We recommend working through established organizations, such as the national psychological association or regional multilateral organizations and nongovernmental organizations (for example, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies). When an appeal for help from psychologists comes through these organizations, it is much more likely to be coordinated with the necessary agencies and incorporated into the relief infrastructure. Consultation or training can help local community and mental health leaders develop interventions and supports for their citizens that can then be sustained long after relief agencies have departed.

Develop collaborative research relationships with psychologists in the affected region

Collaborative research relationships may assist local mental health professionals in studying the psychological aspects of these events, laying groundwork for an even more effective response in future events. Effective assessment of psychological needs and resources and evaluation of interventions are areas of particular importance.