TheWell@Caltech
Eaton Fire Resources
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.
Connect, Find Support, Be Heard
The devastating wildfires have had a profound effect on our entire community. The trauma of multiple losses continues to unfold as damages are assessed, and neighborhoods come together.
The Caltech Staff and Faculty Consultation Center is opening up "Listening Spaces" to offer time to connect with others in our Caltech community. These sessions will be led by a counselor from the Staff and Faculty Consultation Center, and will be a chance to:
- Be heard
- Share resources
- Find ways to cope with grief and trauma
We will start with Zoom meetings, and offer the opportunity to create ongoing "Support Pods" that can take place online, by phone, or in person following the initial sessions.
Trauma research tells us that connecting with others with similar concerns can be the most helpful. Please register for the session that best fits you.
Post-fire support spaces:
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
11am – Support space – Postdocs
https://caltech.zoom.us/meeting/register/M0uOutNMQ0u2yM-zS2haUw
11am – Support space – Loss of Community Anchors (church, school, family member's home, etc.)
https://caltech.zoom.us/meeting/register/bdFNRdyfSLG_rNFrC89PxQ
2pm – Support Space - Spanish language group
https://caltech.zoom.us/meeting/register/goaRZU_rSvq9IUu0716l0g
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
11am – Support Space - Parenting Concerns
https://caltech.zoom.us/meeting/register/0W4KiAWRSruA_485GnGg7A
11am – Support Space - Home Loss/Damage – Renters
https://caltech.zoom.us/meeting/register/Ak6VpgBRQjSJJXlz6UC71g
11am – Support Space - General/Other
https://caltech.zoom.us/meeting/register/ggV97rtNSEWeM4fXb9NiLA
Friday, February 7, 2025
11am – Support Space – Home loss/Damage – Homeowners
https://caltech.zoom.us/meeting/register/Fj6y1bjFSaqCQNkGsivi2Q
We also encourage Caltech community members to access these resources:
For Staff, Faculty, and Postdocs:
The Caltech Staff and Faculty Consultation Center provides:
- Brief confidential consultations with licensed therapists, at no cost
- Online resources specific to coping with the present situation
- Consultation to managers and supervisors
- Targeted outreach
- Resources at both charging centers on campus
Please contact the SFCC at (626) 395-8360 or email SFCC@caltech.edu
For Undergraduate and Graduate Students:
Caltech's Student Wellness Services/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
- 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
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
A Reference for Maintaining Mental Health & Well-Being by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
Suicide Prevention Hotline (800) 273-8255
Printable Tip Sheets
- Better Sleep Tips
- Critical Incident Stress Information Sheet
- Self Care Strategies
- Common Cognitive Distortions
- Caltech Quick Reference Domestic Violence Resources
- Los Angeles 24 Hour Domestic Violence Shelter Hotlines
- Los Angeles Domestic Violence Legal Resources
- San Gabriel Valley Homeless Resources
Other Useful Mental Health Resources
County Social Service Help
- 211 LA is the central source for providing information and referrals for all health and human services in LA County. The 2-1-1 phone line is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, with trained Community Resource Advisors prepared to offer help with any situation, any time: https://www.211la.org/
- County of Los Angeles Department of Public Social Services Domestic Violence
- Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health: dmh.lacounty.gov
- Los Angeles County Human Services Hotline: http://www.211la.org
Emotional Wellbeing (Free Resources)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
- Mindfulness Resources, The Center for Mindful Living: mindfullivingla.org
- Guided Meditations in English & Spanish: uclahealth.org/marc/mindful-meditations
- Breathing and Mindfulness Phone Apps: Breathe, Calm, Headspace.
- Online Yoga, All Levels: doyogawithme.com
- Podcasts:https://brenebrown.com/podcast/dr-vivek-murthy-and-brene-on-loneliness-and-connection/
- https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-on-strong-backs-soft-fronts-and-wild-hearts/
Mindfulness & Guided Meditation
- The Center for Mindful Living- inspiring videos, free mindfulness teachings, and guided meditation: mindfullivingla.org
- UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center- free guided meditations in English & in Spanish: uclahealth.org/marc/mindful-meditations
- UCSD Center for Mindfulness- mindfulness videos, mindful poetry, guided audio & video mindfulness practice: https://cih.ucsd.edu/mindfulness/mindfulness-compassion-resources
- Bilingual Center for Mindfulness- Spanish language information of mindfulness and guided meditations: bilingualmindfulness.com/es/
- Mindful Heart Center- Japanese speaking mindfulness community resources: mindfulheartcenter.com/meditation