The mission of the San Diego Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry is to promote the healthy development of children, adolescents, and families through advocacy and education, and to meet the professional needs of child and adolescent psychiatrists in our community.

Wildfires in San Diego: Prepare, Stay Safe, and Help Effectively

San Diego is at risk from wildfires. Here’s how to prepare, respond, and support others:

👉 Before a Fire: “Prepare, Watch, Evacuate Early”

1️⃣ Prepare: Pack a “go bag” with essentials. Learn how
2️⃣ Watch: Download the free WatchDuty.org app for real-time updates with color-coded risk zones.
3️⃣ Evacuate Early: If in an orange zone (per Watch Duty), evacuate immediately to avoid gridlock and reduce smoke exposure.

👉 During/After a Fire: Use “Psychological First Aid” (PFA)*

[*Almost anyone—teachers, city officials, and civilians on disaster teams—can learn and use PFA, not just mental health workers.]

1️⃣ First, join a disaster response team: Consider the Red Cross, Vibrant CECT, or a local/school crisis response team.
2️⃣ Learn and use PFA:

Download the UCLA/VA PFA app (5 min).
Read key pages of the PFA Field Guide (pgs. 5-10, 19) (15-30 min).
Take a PFA training through NCTSN or Vibrant.org (5-8 hrs).

Note for mental health providers: Stick to standard care practices. Use Psychological First Aid instead of increasing meds or conducting on-site therapy.

Take action now to save lives and support mental health. Share this message widely!

—

Tyler E. Morrison, MD,

Disaster & Trauma Liaison, San Diego Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

And

Joshua D Feder, MD,

Co-Chair, Disaster & Trauma Issues Committee, American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

We welcome you to join AACAP and your local San Diego regional organization today! We hold special events for Early Career Psychiatrists and all dues are covered for trainees.

Local CME opportunities

DEA and HHS Extend Telemedicine Flexibilities through 2025

Parents’ Medication Guides

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) and the American Psychiatric Association (APA) have developed Parents’ Medication Guides to help individuals make informed decisions about treating mental health disorders in children and adolescents.