CERT Unit 5: Disaster Mental Health

Learn how to provide mental health support during disasters.

During major disasters, we are likely to encounter things that are unpleasant and uncomfortable. Disaster Mental Health is designed to help survivors, civilian responders, and other “helpers” learn to effectively cope with the extreme stresses they will face in the aftermath of a disaster. This class includes practical information about recognizing and responding to common types of stress reactions in adults and children, personal preparedness strategies, and accounts about what it is like to go to a community following a major disaster.

Interested participants may take this course as a stand-alone training or continue to register for all CERT courses.

Registration is required. There are no fees associated with attendance. Materials, including a copy of the PowerPoint deck, will be provided via email after the session.

Course Polices

To ensure that courses are safe and open to everyone, the following policies are in place:

1. Attendance is capped at 25-30 participants per class.
2. Participants may take each course once in a calendar year.
3. Failure to show up for a class will result in not being able to sign up for another CERT class for six months.
4. Two cancellations made within less than one week of the registered class time will result in not being able to sign up for another CERT class for six months. You can always cancel by emailing oes@berkeleyca.gov.
5. If you're on the waiting list for this class, we will inform you via email if there is a spot open for you.
6. Please refrain from wearing scented products to this training.
7. If you took this class last year, please consider leaving the space for someone new. We recommend taking the class every 3 years.