Resources / Traumatic Events Resources
Free Crisis and Trauma Resources for Everyone
Experiencing a traumatic event—whether it’s a sudden crisis, ongoing stress, or a deeply upsetting experience—can impact your emotional, physical, and mental health.
At Psych Hub, we’re committed to making trusted, evidence-based trauma resources accessible to everyone. This guide includes a wide range of tools to support individuals, families, educators, and communities in navigating the effects of trauma, finding mental health support, and beginning the healing process.
Whether you're seeking immediate crisis help, therapy options, or long-term support, our curated resources include crisis hotlines, clinician directories, toolkits, and educational videos, webinars, articles, and podcasts to help you or your loved ones move toward recovery.
If you are in a mental health crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call, text, or chat 24/7 with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, call 911.
Acute crisis resources
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or emotional distress, these services offer confidential, free, and 24/7 support. They are designed to help people through mental health crises, suicidal thoughts, or immediate trauma.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 to connect with trained crisis counselors any time.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to reach trained volunteer crisis counselors 24/7.
- NAMI HelpLine: Call 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) for peer support and mental health resources.
- 211: Connects individuals with local health and human services, including trauma-informed mental health support.
- Project Extreme – Crisis Intervention: Offers 24-hour crisis intervention and trauma support for adolescents and families.
- National Child Abuse Hotline: Call 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453) to report or get help with child abuse.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788 for confidential support.
- Alcoholics Anonymous Hotline: Call 1-800-839-1686 to connect with a local AA chapter or get 24/7 support.
General trauma resources
These resources offer general support for understanding trauma, managing PTSD, and navigating the healing process following traumatic experiences. They include links to national mental health organizations and a curated selection of Psych Hub videos and articles.
- NAMI: Offers education, support, and advocacy for individuals affected by mental illness.
Psych Hub videos, articles, and other resources:
- Trauma: What It Is, Why It Hurts, How We Heal: Trauma is a pervasive issue that affects a significant portion of the global population, with about 70 percent of people experiencing at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Understanding trauma, its effects, and the paths to healing can offer invaluable insights into both personal and communal well-being.
- Understanding PTSD: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments That Work: PTSD is caused by traumatic experiences that can lead to debilitating symptoms. With proper treatment and support, healing is possible. Get answers and explore options.
- How to Find the Right Therapist for You: Learn how to find and choose the right therapist for you by exploring therapy types, costs, credentials, and personal fit to support your mental health goals.
- Types of Evidence-Based Therapy: With so many types of mental health therapy available, it's clear that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to emotional well-being. Each therapeutic method offers unique benefits, and exploring different options can help you discover the most effective path to healing and personal growth.
- Group Therapy: How It Works and Why It Matters: Group therapy is an effective form of psychotherapy where multiple individuals participate in the same session, guided by one or more trained mental health professionals, such as a therapist, social worker, psychologist, or counselor.
- Navigating Loneliness: Feeling lonely can be tough, but connection is close by. Find practical advice and support to help you overcome loneliness and feel more connected right now.
- How to Support Someone with Suicidal Thoughts: Supporting a loved one who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts can be daunting and scary. Here are key steps to follow when helping someone navigate this challenging time.
- Suicide Prevention: Evidence-Based Treatments That Work: Thinking about suicide can be terrifying, but there is hope. Treatments like DBT, CBTSP, and BCBT provide effective strategies to directly address suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
- Mental Health Resources for All: Explore our library of articles on common mental health questions and topics.
- Find a Therapist Near You: Ready to meet your mental health ally? Find the best mental health support options for you through our care navigation service.
Children and adolescent trauma resources
Children and teens often need special support after experiencing trauma. These resources are designed to help parents, caregivers, and providers understand and address trauma in young people.
- Understanding Trauma Responses in Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and When to Seek Help: Explore this guide from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network for insights into how children with IDD may respond to trauma and when caregivers should seek professional support.
- Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event: This resource outlines common trauma reactions by developmental stage to help caregivers better understand and support children after distressing experiences
- After a Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal: Find caregiver-friendly strategies to help toddlers and preschoolers feel safe, seen, and soothed after a traumatic event..
- Talking to Children and Teens About the Israel-Gaza War: This resource provides guidance for caregivers and educators on supporting children and teens in understanding and coping with the Israel-Gaza conflict.
- Talking to Your Child About War: Offers age-appropriate strategies to help caregivers talk with children about war, manage media exposure, and support emotional safety during times of global conflict.
Psych Hub videos, articles, and other resources:
Grief resources
Grief is a natural, though often painful, response to loss. These resources help individuals of all ages understand grief, identify their emotions, and access support during difficult times.
- Grief: Coping with the loss of your loved one: The American Psychological Association's resource on grief provides an overview of how individuals cope with the loss of a loved one, emphasizing that while grief is a natural process, seeking support from mental health professionals can be beneficial if the grieving process becomes overwhelming or prolonged.
- When Grief/Loss Hits Close to Home: Tips for Caregivers: Offers guidance for caregivers to support children dealing with grief, emphasizing the importance of understanding behavioral changes and seeking appropriate support during times of loss.
- Addressing Grief: Tips for Teachers and Administrators: Provides educators with strategies to support students experiencing grief, including using clear language about death and creating a supportive classroom environment.
Psych Hub videos, articles, and other resources:
- The Ocean of Grief: Stages and Coping: Grief can be overwhelming, especially during holidays or anniversaries. Learn coping strategies and understand the stages of grief to navigate this journey.
Addiction resources
Trauma and addiction frequently go hand-in-hand. These resources focus on substance use, behavioral addictions, and evidence-based recovery options.
- Alcoholics Anonymous Hotline: Call 1-800-839-1686 to connect with a local AA chapter or get 24/7 support.
- Al-Anon: The Al-Anon Newcomers page introduces individuals affected by someone else's drinking to a supportive community where members share experiences and foster personal growth and coping strategies.
- Narcotics Anonymous: The Narcotics Anonymous (NA) website offers resources and information about its 12-step recovery program, providing individuals with substance use disorders access to peer support, meeting directories, recovery literature, and tools to help maintain a drug-free lifestyle.
Psych Hub videos, articles, and other resources:
- About Addiction: Addiction is a multifaceted brain disorder that significantly impacts various aspects of an individual's life. By educating ourselves and offering compassionate support, we can better assist individuals on their path to recovery.
- What is Addiction? And In-Depth Look: Understanding addiction and its impact on individuals and society is crucial, particularly in light of the ongoing opioid crisis. Although recovery can be challenging, there are many treatment and support approaches that are very effective.
- Treatment Options for SUD: Substance use disorder (SUD) is a critical issue affecting many individuals and families. Recognizing the signs and seeking help is the first and most crucial step towards recovery.
- Sex Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment Options: Learn about sex addiction symptoms, how to recognize the signs, and explore effective treatment options to regain control over your life.
- The Role of Medication-Assisted Treatment in Opioid Use Recovery: Medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) offers an effective solution for individuals with OUD. MOUD is an evidence-based intervention that combines prescribed medications with medical supervision to manage withdrawal symptoms without inducing the high associated with opioid use.
Racial trauma resources
Racial trauma refers to the cumulative impact of racism and discrimination on mental health. These resources provide education, therapy options, and paths to healing for those affected by racial trauma.
- Racial Trauma: This page explains what racial trauma is, how it impacts mental health, and offers resources and tools to help individuals recognize and begin to heal from its effects.
- Resources for Coping with and Addressing Racial Oppression: This resource hub offers educational tools, readings, and multimedia to deepen understanding of racial oppression and promote equity in mental health and social systems.
- Racial Trauma - PTSD: The Department of Veteran Affairs outlines how racial trauma can affect veterans' mental health, describing symptoms, contributing experiences, and treatment options available for healing.
- Coping with Racial Trauma: The University of Georgia offers a psychological overview of racial trauma, its effects on individuals and communities, and evidence-based strategies for resilience.
Psych Hub videos, articles, and other resources:
Disaster event resources
Natural disasters, accidents, and large-scale emergencies can leave lasting trauma. These resources offer practical guidance, emergency aid information, and mental health tools to help survivors and first responders recover.
- Disaster Distress Helpline: Offered by SAMHSA, the helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7 service providing immediate crisis counseling to individuals in the U.S. and its territories experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network: NCTSN’s resource on disasters outlines how natural disasters—such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods—can disrupt children's lives, leading to challenges like displacement, loss, and emotional distress, and offers guidance and tools to support families in fostering recovery and resilience.
- FEMA Disaster Assistance: Learn about applying for federal aid after a declared disaster, including housing, food, and crisis counseling support.
- USDA Disaster Resource Center: Find help with food access, agricultural support, and rural housing assistance after natural disasters.
- VA PTSD Disaster Events Hub: Access veteran-specific information and resources for coping with trauma caused by natural disasters and large-scale emergencies.
- Emergency and Disaster Resources – NNLM: Discover curated public health and mental health materials to support individuals and communities before, during, and after emergencies.
- SAMHSA Disaster Resource Portal: Visit for trauma-informed tools, tip sheets, and multilingual materials to help disaster survivors manage stress, cope with grief, and build resilience.
Domestic violence and assault survivor resources
Survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault can find judgment-free support and assistance through these resources. Each one provides trauma-informed care, safety tools, and guidance.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: Get 24/7 confidential support, safety planning, and resources for anyone experiencing relationship abuse or domestic violence.
- Tech Safety Resources for Survivors: Learn how to stay safe online and protect your digital privacy if you're experiencing abuse or stalking.
- NSVRC Survivors Resource Hub: Access a wide range of healing-focused resources for survivors of sexual violence, including support, education, and legal information.
- DVA Awareness – Seeking Help (UK-based): Understand how to recognize domestic violence and get help safely if you or someone you know is affected.
Resources for partners of trauma survivors
Loving someone who has experienced trauma can be rewarding and challenging. These resources provide insight and tools to support your partner with a trauma-informed approach while taking care of your own well-being.
- Trauma Survivors Network Support Groups: Peer Support Groups connect trauma survivors, providing a space to share experiences, offer mutual support, and enhance coping skills.
- CPTSD Foundation Trauma-Informed Partner Support: Resources and guidance for partners, caregivers, and those who are directly involved in the life of a trauma survivor.
Psych Hub videos, articles, and other resources:
- Holding Space: How to Really Be There for Someone: A therapist explains what holding space really means, how to hold space for someone, when it’s appropriate, and why it’s an effective way to give support.
- How to Encourage a Loved One to Go to Therapy: Wondering how to talk to a loved one about therapy? Learn how to recognize the signs, have the conversation with empathy, and support them without judgment.
- Setting Boundaries in Relationships: A complete yet simple guide to setting boundaries. Learn how, why, and when to set healthy boundaries in relationships. Including expert input and real examples.
- Understanding PTSD: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments That Work: PTSD is caused by traumatic experiences that can lead to debilitating symptoms. With proper treatment and support, healing is possible. Get answers and explore options.
- Trauma: What It Is, Why It Hurts, How We Heal: Trauma is a pervasive issue that affects a significant portion of the global population, with about 70 percent of people experiencing at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Understanding trauma, its effects, and the paths to healing can offer invaluable insights into both personal and communal well-being.
Veteran and active-duty resources
Veterans and active-duty service members may face trauma related to combat, injury, loss, or transition to civilian life. These resources are tailored to address the unique challenges of military-related trauma and post-traumatic stress. Whether you're a service member or supporting one, these tools can help you find clarity, support, and community.
- VA Mental Health Services:Explore comprehensive support options for Veterans facing PTSD, anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- VA Vet Center: Use this tool to locate nearby VA hospitals, clinics, and support services tailored to Veterans and their families.
- Veterans Crisis Line: Provides free, 24/7 confidential crisis support for Veterans, service members, and their loved ones—available by phone, text, or online chat.
- VA National Chaplain Service: Offers spiritual care, emotional support, and pastoral counseling for Veterans across all faith traditions or none, through the VA’s network of chaplains.
- Toolkit for Veterans, Military Service Members, and Their Spouses: A curated collection of videos, podcasts, and other online resources to help veterans, those in active duty service, and their family members better understand mental health and support those around them
- The Military Child Well-Being Toolkit: Provides social-emotional support resources for parents, educators, school counselors, administrators, and professionals who work with military-connected youth.
- PTSD, TBI, Invisible & Physical Injury: Overview: Visit this resource for accessible tools and guidance to help families and educators support military-connected children coping with PTSD, TBI, and other injuries.
- Well-being: Physical Well-being, Stress Management, & Mental Health Resources: Explore practical strategies and activities to support military-connected children's physical health, stress management, and mental well-being.
- Suicide Prevention & Awareness: Overview: Provides comprehensive tools and strategies to support suicide prevention and awareness among military-connected youth, including guidance for families and professionals.
- Anxiety In Young Children: A Military Parents’ Guide Through Transition: A comprehensive guide to understanding and supporting young children with anxiety, tailored specifically for military families navigating frequent transitions.
Trauma resources for students and educators
Children and teens may struggle to process traumatic experiences, and educators often serve as a key support system in their recovery. These materials are designed for teachers, school counselors, and caregivers to help recognize trauma, create safe learning environments, and provide trauma-informed care in the classroom. They also include strategies to support student well-being after crises or tragedy.
- Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators: Provides school administrators, teachers, staff, and concerned parents with basic information about working with traumatized children in the school system.
- Edutopia: Helping Students with Trauma: Explore strategies educators can use to support students affected by trauma and build emotionally safe classroom environments.
- Trauma-Informed Care for Schools Guide (REMS): A comprehensive guide to help school communities implement trauma-informed practices that promote resilience and academic success.
- Resources to Help Youth Cope with Crisis Events: Provides schools with evidence-based resources to prevent, prepare for, and respond to crises—from natural disasters to school violence—while supporting student mental health.
- Anxiety: Helping Handout for School and Home: This resource provides practical strategies for educators and caregivers to recognize and address signs of anxiety in children, offering tools to support emotional wellness both at school and at home.
- Talking to Kids About Tragedies in the News: This guide offers practical advice for parents and educators on how to discuss tragic events in the news with children
- Classroom Strategies to Support Students Experiencing Trauma: Explore practical approaches to fostering a trauma-sensitive classroom environment.
- Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of elementary school children: Provides school counselors with resources and strategies to support students during challenging periods.
- Helping Students in Troubling Times: Offers guidance on helping children build resilience during times of conflict, including limiting exposure to distressing news, maintaining routines, and encouraging open discussions about their feelings.
Refugee trauma resources
Refugees and immigrants may experience trauma due to war, displacement, loss, or resettlement challenges. These resources are intended for people who have experienced forced migration, as well as professionals and loved ones offering support.
- Resources for Refugees, Conflict, and Trauma - Beck Institute: Committed to helping people experiencing crises and those who support them during difficult periods. Find resources for health and mental health professionals, as well as the general public, who might be engaged in helping individuals impacted by conflict.
- ACF Trauma Toolkit for Refugee Populations: Provides trauma-informed strategies and resources for service providers working with refugee and immigrant communities, focusing on culturally responsive care.
- ILCTR Resource Hub – Trauma and Mental Health: Offers educators and service providers a collection of materials to support the mental health and resilience of immigrant and refugee students.
Government resources for travel
Government agencies and public health institutions offer a wide range of resources for those affected by trauma and crisis. These links lead to national hotlines, evidence-based guidelines, and emergency services that support individuals, families, and providers across the U.S. They are especially useful for finding official updates, response strategies, and professional referrals.
- The Bureau of Consular Affairs: Provides critical assistance to U.S. citizens abroad during births, deaths, arrests, medical emergencies, and disasters, and offers tools for safe travel preparation. Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or U.S. citizens in an emergency can call: 1-888-407-4747 (U.S./Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (overseas)
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program: Enroll to receive travel advisories and ensure your location is known to the nearest U.S. embassy in the event of emergencies abroad.
- U.S. Department of State’s Traveler's Checklist: Visit this page for pre-travel planning tips and contingency guidance to stay safe and informed during international travel.
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