Mental Health and Family Resources

To: The Caltech Community
From: Linda Krippner, Staff and Faculty Consultation Center Director; and Denise Lin, Student Counseling Center Interim Director

As Caltech continues to respond to the needs of those affected by the wildfire crisis, we recognize the significant mental health impact this has had on our entire community. Mental health is a top concern for individuals and family once physical safety has been established. Many are facing catastrophic losses, trauma, and continued displacement and disruption. It is normal to experience anxiety, sleep disruption, shock, and grief. Caltech offers a number of resources for supporting ourselves and each other during this time of crisis. Timely assistance and intervention after a trauma can help head off long-term symptoms of distress.

Caltech encourages community members to access these resources:

For Staff, Faculty, and Postdocs: The Caltech Staff and Faculty Consultation Center (https://sfcc.caltech.edu) provides:

• Brief confidential consultations with licensed therapists, at no cost
• Online resources specific to coping with the present situation (https://sfcc.caltech.edu/resource_library)
• Consultation to managers and supervisors
• Targeted outreach
• Resources at both charging center on campus

Please contact the SFCC at (626) 395-8360 or email [email protected]

For Undergraduate and Graduate Students: Caltech's Student Wellness Services/Counseling (https://wellness.caltech.edu/counseling) provides:

• Remote counseling appointments while the building is under repair, at no cost
• Same-day crisis availability
• After-hours crisis services
• Consultation on supporting friends or loved ones
• Online resources specific to coping with the 2025 wildfires (https://wellness.caltech.edu/resources/resources-for-caltech-students-coping-with-the-2025-wildfires)
• Resources at both charging centers on campus 

Please contact Counseling Services at (626) 395-8331 or send a secure message in the Student Health Portal (https://wellness.caltech.edu/health-portal)

For All Community Members:

Aetna is providing additional support services during this crisis period: https://hr.caltech.edu/departments/total-rewards/benefits/los-angeles-wildfires-resources

Useful Resources:

A robust resource for individuals and families:https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/disaster-preparedness/disaster-types/wildfires

Los Angeles Department of Mental Health resources:https://dmh.lacounty.gov/our-services/disaster-services/disaster-mh-resources/

Care Camp for Youth and Teens - Los Angeles County is offering daytime care camp for kids and teens in affected families:https://parks.lacounty.gov/care-camps/

Mental health resources from LA County Department of Mental Health (It has a comprehensive list of resources and information links)
Disaster Mental Health Resources - Department of Mental Health

Information on Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event
Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event Factsheet | Natural Disasters | CDC

Emergency Preparedness Office of the California Department of Public Health
Wildfires & Mental Health

American Psychological Association
Recovering from wildfires

Parents.com
How to Talk to Your Kids About the California Wildfires