Turn your Compassion into Action and Become a Mental Health Volunteer

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Every day, the American Red Cross sees the heartbreak of people trying to cope with more intense storms, heavier rainfall, higher temperatures, stronger hurricanes, and more devastating wildfires. As more people rely on the Red Cross for help, the need for compassionate volunteers has never been greater.

Red Cross Disaster Mental Health volunteer teams are active throughout the United States, meeting the emotional and psychosocial needs of disaster survivors and fellow Red Cross disaster workers. These teams respond to disasters of all sizes, from single family fires to large-scale events.

What does the Red Cross do & what do we need?
The Red Cross provides shelter, feeding, emergency supplies, health and mental support to hundreds of thousands of people affected by disasters of all sizes. We are actively recruiting new Disaster Mental health team members to provide support within your local community.

What does a Disaster Mental Health team do?
1. Respond to the immediate emotional distress and psychosocial needs of disaster survivors and Red Cross disaster responders
2. Supplement local mental health resources during times of disasters
3. Support the community in building resilience

Eligibility:
1. Currently licensed mental health professionals:
- At minimum, holds a Master's Degree in one of the mental health positions listed below; and
- Holds a current, unencumbered license from, or is registered with, any US state or territory as a social worker, psychologist, professional counselor, marriage or family therapist, or psychiatrist (any level license/registration, including non-clinical licenses such as Licensed Masters Social Worker or LMSW)
2. Current school psychologists and school counselors:
- At minimum, holds a Master's Degree in school psychology or school counseling; and
- Holds a current, unexpired license or certification as a school psychologist or school counselor issued by a state board of education
3. Current psychiatric nurses:
- Have a state license as a registered nurse; and
- Have a minimum of 2 years' experience working in a psychiatric setting, verified by a letter from a current or previous employer
4. Retired mental health professionals:
- Meet the above educational criteria for specified profession; and
- Held a license (any level) from any US state or territory as a social worker, psychologist, professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, psychiatric nurse or psychiatrist, or a certificate as a school psychologist or school counselor, within the 5 years prior to on-boarding as a Disaster Mental Health worker; and
- Maintained a license or certification in good standing upon retirement and without any disciplinary action taken by issuing US state or territory licensing or certification board

Time Commitment:
1-2 hours (average) shifts per disaster response
- Number of responses vary per month

How to apply:
Please visit www.redcross.org/volunteer & submit your volunteer application.