Who is responsible for delivering psychological first aid?

Delivering psychological first aid is specifically within the purview of mental health professionals. These individuals are trained to recognize psychological distress, provide immediate support, and facilitate access to further mental health services if needed. Their expertise allows them to approach situations with a framework of knowledge that includes understanding trauma responses, effective communication strategies, and appropriate intervention techniques.

While it may seem that non-mental health professionals could provide some form of support during a disaster, their training does not equip them with the comprehensive skills required to deliver effective psychological first aid. Similarly, depressed clients themselves do not have the capacity to provide assistance in a professional capacity, as they may be preoccupied with their own mental health challenges. In contrast, mental health professionals possess the qualifications and experience necessary to ensure that psychological first aid is delivered in a manner that is safe, empathetic, and effective. Therefore, the responsibility of delivering psychological first aid is rightly placed in the hands of trained mental health professionals.