The Professional Role and Training of Counselors for Natural Disaster Response

Abstract

This poster presentation aims to underline the role of counselors in response to natural disasters and propose developmental pathways for counselors in disaster response preparedness. Researchers have suggested a greater comprehensive intervention model is warranted for natural disaster response (Holder et al., 2017). Therefore, a conceptual counselor competence response model will be introduced. As natural disasters may impact the mental health wellness of survivors, this presentation also seeks to expound the importance of the dissemination of knowledge regarding available mental health resources within Tennessee and extend a discussion for organizing a community structure that connects natural disaster victims with qualified mental health professionals.