Psychological First Aid
Core Mechanism
Providing practical care, comfort, and connection in the immediate aftermath of crisis to reduce acute distress and support natural recovery
Ontology
Most people are resilient after crisis; what they need is not therapy but safety, connection, information, and practical support to activate natural coping
Therapeutic Voice
"You're safe now. Let's figure out what you need most right now — is it finding your family, getting food, or a place to rest?"
View of the Person
A naturally resilient being who needs safety, social connection, and practical support to recover from acute crisis — not a patient who needs treatment
Evidence
WHO: Recommended. SAMHSA: Endorsed. Red Cross standard
Limited (ethical constraints on RCTs in disasters)
Consensus-based
The international standard for immediate post-disaster psychological support. Not therapy — early intervention to prevent later pathology.
Conditions
Epistemology
Blind Spots
Not therapy — cannot address pre-existing conditions; evidence base is consensus-based rather than RCT-based; risk of being applied too broadly or replacing actual treatment
Contraindications
Not a treatment — inappropriate as an ongoing therapy, should not replace clinical intervention for individuals with pre-existing mental health conditions, not designed for forensic evaluation contexts
Training
Online training available free through NCTSN
NCTSN certificate of completion
6-8 hrs
Free
Equity & Cultural Adaptations
Philosophical Roots
Hobfoll (conservation of resources); resilience theory; Maslow (hierarchy of needs in crisis); community psychology
Related Modalities
Test Yourself
What is the primary goal of PFA?
Show answer
Reduce initial distress and foster short- and long-term adaptive functioning — not therapy, but immediate practical and emotional support.