Psychological First Aid for Refugees & COVID-19

Hosted on May 5, 2020, this webinar was presented by Jessica Dalpe, Technical Advisor for Women’s Protection and Empowerment, IRC.

Psychological First Aid (PFA) is an evidence-based intervention designed to help stabilize and mitigate psychological distress and to facilitate coping and functioning in the immediate aftermath of disasters and other tragic events. PFA is not counseling or therapy and anyone in any sector can provide PFA. Some of the traditional approaches used in PFA must be adapted to fit the needs of a pandemic or epidemic, where the ability to connect with clients, social supports, and community resources may be compromised. This webinar will review the basic principles of PFA while modifying them for the unique context refugee service providers and their clients are currently facing due to COVID-19.  

Lesson Objectives

After attending this 90-minute session, you will be able to:  

• Describe the goals and purpose of psychological first aid (PFA);
• Apply the 5 Basic Principles of PFA; and
• Apply the Core Actions of PFA during COVID-19 response.

Webinar Facilitator

Jessica Dalpe is Technical Advisor for Women’s Protection and Empowerment for the IRC’s Resettlement, Asylum, and Integration programs. Her previous roles at the IRC have included Program Officer, Mental Health in IRC’s U.S. Programs HQ and Intensive Services Social Worker. Before joining IRC, she worked at HealthRight International and at Sauti Yetu Center for African Women and Families. She holds an MSW with a global concentration from Fordham University and a BA in Biopsychology from The College of New Jersey.