PsySTART Victim

A disaster can be large or small. It can occur with or without warning. The type of disaster influences the duration and severity of psychological distress experienced by individuals and communities and the type of response needed. This distress is a normal reaction to an abnormal or unusual situation. For various reasons, some people may be more vulnerable or at risk for experiencing distress as a result of disaster. A diverse pool of mental health professionals and community responders must be prepared and poised to act in a coordinated manner to adequately address the psychological and/or social needs of people impacted by disaster.