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.

We 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 [email protected]

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

Wildfires- Protect your Emotional Well Being-ENG

Suicide Prevention Hotline (800) 273-8255

Printable Tip Sheets

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