Supporting California Wildfire Victims: A Resource Guide for Therapists

Updated January 29, 2025

First, thank y’all for reaching out to check in with us over in California. We are mostly safe and quite a ways from the wildfires, save the facilitator of our neurodivergent support group who did need to evacuate. They are safe now- but send Stara some love if you have it to spare. Now, let’s focus on resources and how we can be of service.

California wildfires leave devastation in their wake, and as therapists, it’s natural to feel called to help. The mental health needs of those impacted can be overwhelming, and your skills and empathy are invaluable in times of crisis.

Before you dive in, though, it’s crucial to evaluate whether you’re truly ready—mentally, physically, financially, and professionally—to take on this responsibility. Giving without preparation can lead to burnout, compassion fatigue, and unintended harm to yourself or your clients. Let’s start with an assessment to see if volunteering is the right fit for you right now.

Dr. Gary Brown, LMFT, BCETS, reminds us:
"As a therapist, once you step into a relief role, you’re part of the incident. It’s crucial to recognize that you will also be impacted by what you see and hear. Your well-being directly affects your ability to provide care to others.”
Read more about Dr. Brown’s insights in this larger article by CAMFT.

Step 1: Are You Ready to Volunteer? A 7-Step Self-Assessment

Helping wildfire victims requires more than good intentions. Use these steps to evaluate your readiness:

1. Mental Health Check
   Are you in a stable mental space to manage the secondary trauma that comes from helping disaster victims? It’s normal to be affected by the stories of loss and pain you’ll hear, but are you prepared to process those emotions while staying grounded? Dr. Brown emphasizes that “it’s normal to feel impacted by the stories you’ll hear, but you must process your emotions while staying grounded.”

2. Physical Health
   Disaster work can involve long hours, emotional stress, and physical exhaustion. Are you physically healthy enough to manage these demands?

3. Financial Stability
   Can you afford to volunteer your time, especially if it means reducing hours in your practice or covering additional travel or training expenses? Financial strain can add another layer of stress during an already challenging time.

4. Support System
   Do you have a network of colleagues, friends, or family members who can provide emotional and practical support while you volunteer? Having people to lean on is crucial.

5. Professional Boundaries
   Are you skilled at setting limits to protect yourself from over-committing or taking on more than you can handle? Knowing when to say “no” is as important as knowing when to say “yes.”

6. Current Workload
   Is your practice operating at a sustainable pace? Taking on volunteer work may require you to scale back on other commitments—can you do this without jeopardizing your current responsibilities?

7. Training and Experience
   Do you have prior training in disaster mental health, trauma-informed care, or crisis response? If not, are you open to pursuing additional education before volunteering?

If You’re Not Ready—That’s Okay

Not being ready doesn’t mean you can’t help. It just means this might not be the moment for direct involvement. Instead, consider ways to prepare yourself for future opportunities:

• Shore Up Your Business
  A thriving private practice gives you the flexibility to volunteer without financial or professional strain. Work toward a sustainable business model that supports your well-being while giving you the freedom to respond to crises in the future. We have free CE trainings for therapists you can access at zynnyme.com/free

• Invest in Training
  Attend workshops, take courses, or seek certifications in areas like disaster mental health, trauma-informed care, or psychological first aid. Organizations like CAMFT, NASW, ClearlyClinical and APA often offer these resources. You can find handouts and downloads from Dr. Gary Brown here.

• Practice Self-Care
  Build habits now that prioritize your mental and physical health. From regular exercise to therapy for yourself, investing in your well-being ensures you’re resilient when the time comes to help others.

• Engage in Small Acts of Support
  Even if you’re not volunteering on the front lines, you can still make an impact. Consider offering pro bono teletherapy sessions, donating to wildfire relief funds, or spreading awareness about available resources.

• How you can help those impacted

• Mental Health Assistance in LA Fires

• Climate Psychology Alliance Disaster Resources

For Therapists Ready to Volunteer

On January 24th, we were joined by Dr. Gary Brown, LMFT, Ph.D., a Disaster Mental Health specialist with decades of experience, for an insightful Q&A where he shared tools and strategies for therapists supporting clients impacted by the California wildfires or at risk. Check out the replay below!

Click here for handouts and downloads from Dr. Gary Brown

If you’ve assessed your readiness and are prepared to help, here are some ways to get involved:

1. Join Mental Health Volunteering Efforts
   The Red Cross offers opportunities for therapists to provide mental health support to disaster victims. Learn more here.

2. Offer Pro Bono Therapy
   Join the list of providers offering free therapy to wildfire victims in Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Sign up here and here.

3. Connect Victims to Resources
   Share this directory of pro bono therapy services with those in need and this resource here.

Self-Care for Therapists

Even when you’re ready to help, self-care remains essential. CAMFT and Dr. Brown emphasize the importance of maintaining balance while serving others. Here are some top tips for therapists:

• Set Clear Boundaries
  Know your limits and communicate them clearly to avoid burnout. It’s okay to say, “I can only do so much.”

• Create a Routine
  Keeping a regular schedule helps ground you in times of chaos.

• Seek Peer Support
  Connect with fellow therapists responding to the disaster to share experiences and coping strategies.

• Practice What You Teach
  Engage in the same self-care techniques you recommend to clients: journaling, meditation, and time for relaxation.

Helping Children and Families

Disasters affect everyone differently, and children often need tailored support. Some common reactions to look for include:

• For younger children: Increased clinging, nightmares, and regression (e.g., bedwetting).

• For teens: Withdrawal, anger, and risk-taking behaviors.

You can find age-specific guidelines from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network can help therapists support families in need.

Parent guidelines for helping children deal with climate trauma

National Institute of Health guidance on risks to children

How to protect oneself including kids from wildfire smoke 

Understanding Reactions to Disasters

Knowing what to expect can help you better support those affected.

• Common Reactions: People may experience shock, fear, or guilt, along with physical symptoms like fatigue or nausea.

• The Psychological Stages of a Disaster: From the initial impact to the long recovery phase, understanding these stages can guide your therapeutic approach.

• You can find handouts and downloads from Dr. Gary Brown here.

• Climate Trauma is Real 

  LA Wildfire impacts on Mental Health & Coping Tips 

• American Psychiatry Association Resources for Coping after Disaster

• Clear the Air: Wildfires and Human Health 

Preparing for the Next Crisis

Whether you’re ready to help now or preparing for future disasters, your contribution matters. By building a sustainable practice and prioritizing your well-being, you’ll be in the best position to support others when they need it most.

Access real-time wildfire maps at Watchduty

Do you have resources to share? Comment below or email help@zynnyme.com