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Ministry of Health

Disaster Psychosocial (DPS) Program

Provincial Health Services Authority

Disaster psychosocial (DPS) support is based on the assumption that no one who sees a disaster is untouched by it. Stress and grief reactions are normal responses to crisis and loss, both for survivors and responders. Short-term emotional effects, such as fear, acute anxiety, feelings of numbness or grief are very common. For the most part these responses fade with time, but there may be long term emotional effects that do not fade. The emotional effects of a disaster may show up immediately or appear months later. Providing a range of psychosocial responses in support of, and in consultation with, survivors can alleviate stress and promote resilience and self reliance.

The DPS program works collaboratively with a wide range of health sector partners, emergency management, and non-governmental organizations to produce a comprehensive psychosocial response plan for individuals, families and responders in the event of a disaster in British Columbia. It is developing the resources and capability, with best practices in mind, to provide a full range of psychosocial services.

The Disaster Psychosocial Services Volunteer Network (part of the DPS program) is a voluntary response group made up of registered professional mental health clinicians and paraprofessionals; including clinical counsellors, psychologists, social workers, police victim services and spiritual care representatives. DPS has been activated through Emergency Management B.C. since 2001.