When things go bad, usually other things go bad too…especially communications.
That’s why DisasterChat.org was conceived.
It is our hope that with the growth of DisasterTrack we will be able to refer people to mental health services that can be so very important - especially during and immediately after a disaster.
Our online chat/text will likely continue to operate even when cellular systems have been overwhelmed and choked with voice communication.
We will be able to use immediate translation in over 249 languages and counting.
Once connected with our online chat team, we will have a record of the time of the communication that could be used for search and rescue, provided for governmental assistance, referred to family members, medical professionals, etc. Once initially linked - our chat systems maintain that information and use it for reference during each additional interaction.
During my tours temporarily assigned with SBA Disaster Assistance Customer Service Center many times calls were not completed.
A lot of them!
With our systems, we retain each piece without the need for the disaster survivor to repeat everything they have already communicated which is universally the case with voice based communications.
Through the use of digital text/online chat communications people in great peril and danger will be able to reach out to caring psychological professionals even before first responders have been able to reach them.
If you are a mental health professional who would be interested in assisting we would love your input.
Our mission: Use our unique knowledge and technical systems to provide continuity of communication even when only moments of digital transmissions are possible while the disaster is underway.
In less dire circumstances texting with another person can be a very emotionally supportive interaction while absolutely minimizing the technical loan on a communications system.
In the information below you can see the many services specifically for disaster survivors.
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When a disaster strikes, several key federal agencies, national non-profits, and specialized non-governmental organizations step up to provide free psychological counseling, crisis intervention, and emotional recovery support across the U.S. and its territories.
SAMHSA
These services range from immediate, 24/7 hotline support to on-the-ground, community-based counseling.
1. Federal Agencies & Funded Programs
SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH)
What they provide: The primary national hotline dedicated specifically to year-round disaster crisis counseling. It is toll-free, multi-lingual (over 100 languages plus ASL), confidential, and available 24/7/365 to anyone in the U.S. and all territories (Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and CNMI).
SAMHSA
Contact: Call or text 1-800-985-5990.
Mental Health America
FEMA & SAMHSA Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP)
SAMHSA (.gov)
What they provide: When a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration with Individual Assistance is issued, FEMA funds the CCP, which is administered through SAMHSA. Rather than traditional office therapy, local crisis counselors go directly into affected communities (shelters, Disaster Recovery Centers, homes) to provide free, anonymous, non-clinical psychological first aid, individual/group coping sessions, and resource linking.
SAMHSA (.gov)+ 1
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Disaster Mental Health
What they provide: While primary VA care serves veterans, the VA's Vet Center Program (specifically Mobile Vet Centers) often deploys to disaster areas to provide free, confidential readjustment and psychological counseling to veterans, active service members, and their families impacted by major local emergencies.
2. Major Humanitarian Non-Profits
American Red Cross (Disaster Mental Health Teams)
Strength After
What they provide: The Red Cross deploys specialized Disaster Mental Health (DMH) volunteers—who are licensed mental health professionals—directly to disaster zones. They provide free psychological first aid, emotional support in emergency shelters, and help survivors process immediate trauma.
The Salvation Army Disaster Services
What they provide: Offers Emotional and Spiritual Care (ESC) teams during emergency relief operations. Trained personnel provide supportive listening, crisis intervention, and grief support to survivors and emergency personnel on the ground.
Mental Health America (MHA)
Mental Health America
What they provide: Works through a network of local affiliates across the country to connect survivors with community-based mental health triage, screening, and free local crisis counseling resources following localized disasters.
3. Specialized & Traumatic Incident Support Organizations
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
What they provide: Focuses specifically on children, teens, and families affected by natural or human-caused disasters. They partner with local agencies to deliver evidence-based psychological trauma interventions and Psychological First Aid (PFA) tailored for youth.
Give An Hour
What they provide: A national non-profit network of volunteer licensed mental health professionals who provide completely free, barrier-free therapy to individuals impacted by acute community trauma, disasters, and mass casualty events (as well as military members and veterans).
National Mass Violence Victim Center (NMVRC)
What they provide: Funded by the Department of Justice, this organization assists communities recovering from mass violence events by coordinating immediate and long-term free trauma-informed mental health resources.
Quick Access Summary
Disaster Distress Helpline1-800-985-5990 (Call/Text)24/7 Immediate telephone/text disaster crisis counseling
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline988 (Call/Text)24/7 General crisis/suicide prevention hotline
211 Search / NetworkDial 211 or visit 211.org
Directs survivors to locally active, free CCP counseling teamsAmerican Red CrossRedCross.org / Local ChapterOn-site Psychological First Aid in shelters and recovery hubs