C-W8 Responding to Crisis in a Changing World

Early 4 Week Class | Available (Membership Required)

SUNY New Paltz campus Van den Berg Building Tricor Avenue (across from Hasbrouck Park New Paltz, NY 12561 United States
SUNY tba
9/10/2025-10/8/2025
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C-W8 Responding to Crisis in a Changing World

Early 4 Week Class | Available (Membership Required)

In a world facing increasing climate disasters and acute crises, knowing how to support others in distress is more important than ever. Psychological First Aid (PFA) provides the essential skills needed to help individuals cope with trauma, stress, and crisis situations—whether in your community, workplace, or on a global scale.

This interactive course will teach you how to:

  • Recognize the emotional and psychological impact of crises on individuals and communities
  • Apply evidence-based techniques to offer immediate support and stabilize someone in distress
  • Navigate challenges with survivors of trauma, disaster, and mental health struggles
  • Understand the connection between mental health, resilience, and community recovery
  • Build confidence in responding effectively to crises in schools, workplaces, and public settings

Through real-world case studies, role-playing exercises, and discussions on current global events, you’ll gain practical, lifesaving skills that can make a difference in times of crisis. This course will equip you with the tools to provide compassionate, effective support when it matters most.

We will have discussion time in each class, but the activities will be more prominent in the last two classes once the concepts have been learned. A certificate will be awarded upon the completion of the course.


No prior experience in mental health is required—just a willingness to learn and help others.


Andrew O'Meara

Andrew O’Meara, M.S., is the Program Manager for the Institute for Disaster Mental Health. He co-authored the Psychological First Aid curriculum and has led these trainings for first responders and mental health workers for the past 5 years. He is the current instructor for the Practicum in Disaster Studies course at SUNY New Paltz.