Overview
Disasters are a frequent and potentially catastrophic part of our global experience, often with profound impacts on those affected by them. As a mental health professional, you can play a vital role in response and recovery efforts.
This training will provide participants with a theoretical lens for understanding disasters, mainly in the Australian context, but also internationally. The training focuses on disasters caused by natural hazards, an approach which is more relevant and salient in Australia.
This training consists of two components:
- Level 1 interventions: Psychosocial support, and
- Level 2 interventions: Psychological strategies
The activity introduces the disaster management cycle of prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery. This model, or similar variations, are used across Australia and the world, as a framework for understanding disasters. Participants will explore a psychological perspective to disaster management and explore a stepped care approach to disaster response.
Within the module addressing Level 1 interventions, participants will be given a sound theoretical and applied grounding in Psychological First Aid, along with questions to help guide them in determining if they are ready to step into the role of providing psychological first aid to members of a community that have experienced a disaster.
Participants will also explore strategies and considerations pertinent to caring for themselves as they care for others who have been affected by a disaster.
Learning will be further developed as you explore the Level 2 interventions, where the Skills for Psychological Recovery Protocol is explored in detail, and participants gain a foundational understanding of how and when to implement the elements of the protocol. The training culminates in an exploration of and reflection on the ethical, practical, and legal issues relevant to practicing in the context of a disaster.
The Disaster Response Network (DRN)
Subject to the successful completion of this activity, current APS members who hold full and current registration with the Psychology Board of Australia will be automatically added to the APS Disaster Response Network (DRN).
The DRN is a national volunteer network of APS psychologists with a special interest and expertise in working with individuals and communities affected by disasters and emergencies in Australia, as well as those working to assist them. DRN members are asked to provide their time pro-bono in disaster preparation, response and recovery. Members should hold full and current registration with the Psychology Board of Australia and their own professional indemnity insurance.
Learn more about the DRN.
Level of learning
This activity ranges between Foundational (those who are new to the topic) and Intermediate (those who have some previous learning on the topic).
Duration of access
Access to this activity is for 6 months from the date of confirmed registration.
CPD Frequently Asked Questions
Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking Professional Development with the APS.
APS CPD-Approved
This eLearning activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process.