How Therapists Can Responsibly Support Disaster Mental Health: An Interview with Dr. Shannon Goodhue, LCSW, PhD

The Modern Therapist's Survival Guide with Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy

How Therapists Can Responsibly Support Disaster Mental Health: An Interview with Dr. Shannon Goodhue, LCSW, PhD

Curt and Katie chat with Dr. Shannon Goodhue about how therapists can ethically support disaster-impacted communities. We explore how disaster mental health differs from traditional therapy, why most people don’t need long-term services, and how trained professionals can provide stabilization and support in both local and national crises. Shannon outlines the American Red Cross training process, the structure of deployments, and the importance of understanding when to step in—and when not to.

About Our Guest:
Shannon Goodhue is the Senior Program Manager, Disaster Mental Health at the American Red Cross, overseeing the nationwide DMH team. With a PhD in International Psychology, a background in trauma and grief therapy, and past roles in D.C. disaster planning, Shannon brings deep experience in crisis response and ethical care. She’s also a former volunteer firefighter/EMT and currently lives in Virginia with her family.

Key Takeaways:

• Disaster mental health is not the same as therapy

• Most survivors recover without mental health services

• Therapists must be trained and vetted before entering shelters

• Prevention and resilience-building are critical parts of crisis care

• Red Cross deployments can be virtual, local, or national

More information and transcripts: mtsgpodcast.com

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Creative Credits:
Hosted by Curt Widhalm and Katie Vernoy
Music by Crystal Grooms Mangano – https://groomsymusic.com
Voice Over by DW McCann – https://www.facebook.com/McCannDW