Providing Critical Incident Support to First Responders, Communities, and Disaster Survivors
The Kentucky Community Crisis Response Team (KCCRT) is a dedicated state-wide team of volunteers committed to offering immediate mental health support during times of crisis and disaster. Our mission is to help first responders, communities, and disaster survivors cope with the emotional impact of critical incidents and disasters. Through trained peer support teams, KCCRT provides a range of services, including group debriefings and 1-on-1 Psychological First Aid (PFA), designed to promote healing, build resilience, and mitigate the long-term effects of trauma.
What We Offer
KCCRT provides peer support group debriefings and Psychological First Aid (PFA) immediately following critical incidents, traumatic events, and disasters. Our team is composed of first responders, mental health professionals, chaplains, medical professionals, educators, and other community members who are ready to be deployed at a moment's notice to provide much-needed emotional support.
- Critical Incident Debriefings: Our teams facilitate peer support group sessions to help individuals process the emotional impact of critical incidents, reduce stress, and promote healing and long-term recovery.
- Psychological First Aid (PFA): We provide one-on-one emotional support and practical strategies to help individuals manage stress, build resilience, and reduce the risk of long-term distress as they begin their recovery journey.
Why KCCRT Matters
Trauma and stress are inevitable after critical incidents and disasters, but they don’t have to be faced alone. Research shows that immediate mental health support, especially peer support, can significantly reduce the long-term impact of trauma and prevent a range of mental health challenges. In fact, individuals who receive peer support shortly after a traumatic event are 40% less likely to develop long-term emotional challenges, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, and substance use.
KCCRT’s trained volunteers offer Psychological First Aid and Mental Health Group Debriefings, proven interventions that help individuals process emotional trauma, reduce stress, and build resilience. These early interventions lower the risk of chronic mental health problems and accelerate recovery.
The Power of Peer Support
Studies show that peer support not only helps individuals cope with immediate emotional distress but also reduces the likelihood of developing chronic mental health issues. Engaging with others who have shared similar experiences fosters connection, reduces isolation, and helps individuals recover more quickly. Peer support helps build long-term coping skills and emotional resilience, which is essential for lasting recovery.
Through group debriefings and one-on-one support, KCCRT offers immediate relief, promotes healing, reduces distress, and prevents long-term psychological challenges.
Why Call Us?
Even if you have an internal peer support team, KCCRT is here to provide rapid, specialized intervention. Our approach complements ongoing care, ensuring that individuals receive the comprehensive support they need during difficult times.
Who We Serve
First Responders: We deploy peer support teams upon request to assist individuals in coping with the emotional aftermath of critical incidents and high-stress situations.
Communities: Our team provides support following natural disasters, accidents, and violent events, helping communities heal.
Disaster Survivors: Through our Psychological First Aid, we assist individuals in the recovery process, addressing their immediate emotional needs and promoting resilience.
Our goal is simple
To help individuals process trauma, build resilience, and reduce the risk of long-term mental health issues following critical incidents..png)