There are licensed counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists throughout the State. These professionals could be reached through their respective professional associations. It would be appropriate to allow these individuals to coordinate the effort of mobilizing and staffing emergency counseling centers. SEMA, through a liason, would have oversight to ensure that the plan for crisis counseling would adequately cover the entire state.
By working with professional organizations of licensed counselors, psychologists and psychiatrists, a plan can be developed and a volunteer network of personnel can be established to provide counseling to earthquake victims. The plan should include the identification of facilities to be used as counseling centers, and development of training programs for teachers and clergy as well as professional personnel. The Department of Mental Health should work with the federal government to determine the extent of federal participation in the plan.
A committee comprised of representatives from the responsible agencies should be formed to begin coordination of resources and development of a plan of action. The plan of action will deal with items detailed above.