Therapists prepare to help Helene victims, treat trauma [Video]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) – The stories that come streaming out of a natural disaster like Helene often highlight the devastation of a community, and the resiliency of the people to recover. Research shows the mental health impacts can last a lot longer than the time it takes to rebuild.

The North Carolina Psychiatric Association and other organizations are building a list of mental health care providers who are disaster trained and willing to provide free or low-cost services to people impacted by Helene.

“When you have a physical injury, you treat those physical injuries, and you need to treat emotional injuries just the same way,” NCPA Executive Director Katy Kranze said.

The specific training offered by the American Red Cross is ongoing for any clinicians interested in volunteering to help now, or for future disasters.

“We try to do these trainings throughout the years so that when disaster strikes, people are ready,” Kranze said. How many people might go help in-person …