Behavioral Health Disaster Response

The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (TDMHSAS) is committed to supporting the emotional well-being and recovery of Tennesseans impacted by natural and human-caused disasters.

TDMHSAS responds to disasters at the direction of the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA). When a disaster is federally declared, TDMHSAS may implement the Crisis Counseling and Training Program (CCP) in collaboration with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and local behavioral health providers to coordinate behavioral health response efforts.

Objectives of Disaster Behavioral Health Response:

  • Provide crisis counseling and emotional support to individuals and families affected by disasters.
  • Connect survivors to mental health and substance use treatment resources.
  • Promote community resilience and recovery through education, outreach, and collaboration.
  • Support first responders, schools, and community organizations through training and technical assistance.

Behavioral Health Resources After a Disaster

Taking care of yourself after a disaster is essential to recovery. It’s common to experience a range of emotions such as stress, sadness, anger, or exhaustion in the days and weeks that follow. Prioritizing your well-being allows you to better support others and adjust to changing circumstances. Self-care may include:

  • Getting adequate rest and eating regularly
  • Staying connected with supportive people
  • Taking breaks from distressing news or reminders of the event

Remember healing takes time, and caring for yourself is a vital part of the recovery process.

Helpful Resources

Resources for Children, Youth, Parents and Other Caregivers   

Disasters can be especially distressing for children and youth. They may struggle to understand what has happened or feel anxious about their safety and the future. Emotional reactions can include fear, sadness, confusion, withdrawal, or behavioral changes. Addressing these needs early helps children regain a sense of stability, security, and hope.

Helpful Resources

Resources for Faith-Based Communities and Spiritual Leaders 

In Tennessee, faith-based and spiritual communities play a vital role in disaster recovery and emotional healing. Many individuals and families turn to their faith for comfort, guidance, and hope during difficult times. Congregations, churches, and faith-based organizations often serve as trusted sources of emotional support, practical help, and community connection. Partnering with faith leaders and communities across Tennessee strengthens our collective response and ensures that compassionate, culturally sensitive support is available to all who are affected.

Helpful Resources

Resources for Disaster Responders and First Responders 

First responders play a crucial role in disaster response and recovery across Tennessee. Their work is essential, but also emotionally and physically demanding.

Responders often witness traumatic events and may experience stress, fatigue, or compassion fatigue in the aftermath. Supporting their emotional well-being is vital to sustaining their ability to serve others and maintain their own health.

Encouraging open conversations about stress, providing access to peer support and counseling, and promoting a culture that values mental health are key steps toward resilience.

Helpful Resources

Additional Resources

  • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
    Available 24/7 for anyone in crisis, including those experiencing emotional distress related to disasters.
    Call or text 988 for confidential support in English or Spanish.
    Visit 988lifeline.org (also available in Spanish).
  • SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline
    Provides free, confidential crisis counseling and support 24/7 for individuals affected by natural or human-caused disasters.
    Call or text 1–800–985–5990 (press 2 for Spanish).
    Support is available in more than 100 languages and for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing through their preferred relay provider.
  • https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/crisis/continuum.html