With COVID-19 evolving rapidly across the world, APA’s Committee on Psychiatric Dimensions of Disasters and the APA’s Council on International Psychiatry compiled the following list of resources for psychiatrists. The resources cover not only the physical impact of the coronavirus, but on its potential mental health and psychosocial issues and responses. The resources also include a section on telepsychiatry, to prepare for the possibility of isolation and/or quarantine.

For immediate assistance:

• Disaster Distress Helpline – Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – Call 800-273-8255 or  Chat with Lifeline
• Crisis Textline– Text TALK to 741741 

Resources for Providers

• Taking Care of Patients During the Coronavirus Outbreak: A Guide for Psychiatrists  (Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, CSTS)
• Helping Patients Manage the Psychological Effects of Quarantine and Isolation (CSTS) 
• How Healthcare Personnel Can Take Care of Themselves  (CSTS)
• Supporting the Mental Health of Patients During COVID-19: A Guide for Healthcare Personnel (CSTS)
• Supporting Patients During Quarantine or Confinement (CSTS)
•  Care for Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19, (JAMA Insights: Clinical Update, March 11, 2020)
• Telepsychiatry and COVID-19 (APA)  New guidance from CMS, updated 3/17/20
• Best Practices in Videoconferencing-Based Telemental Health guide (APA and American Telemedicine Association)

Resources for Families

• Taking Care of Family Well-Being (National Child Traumatic Stress Network, NCTSN)
• Supporting Homebound Children During COVID-19 (CSTS)
• Supporting Your Family During Quarantine or Isolation: Tips for Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation during an Infectious Disease Outbreak  (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA)

Resources for Healthcare & Community Leaders

• Helping People Manage Stress Associated with the COVID-19 Virus Outbreak (National Center for PTSD)
• How Public Health Leaders Can Support Communities Dealing with Quarantine  (CSTS)
• Health Risk and Crisis Communication to Enhance Community Wellness (CSTS)
• Addressing Stigma Associated with COVID-19 (World Health Organization) 

Additional Resources 

The Lancet: Rapid Review,  The psychological impact of quarantine and how to reduce it: rapid review of the evidenceUnited Nations Inter-Agency Standing Committee, Briefing: “Addressing Mental Health and Psychosocial Aspects of COVID-19 Outbreak”   

For general resources and guidance on coronavirus and prevention, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) resources:

• What you need to know
• Guidance on prevention and control
• Guidance for travelers
• Coronavirus Stigma and Resilience
• Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19

Drugwatch also has some helpful resources:

• Covid-19 Consumer’s Guide
• How to Deal with Anxiety

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MyLove Barnett

Hailing from the backwoods of north Mississippi, MyLove Barnett spent a decade tripping up the corporate ladder as an accountant before trading in her stilettos and pencil skirts for jeans and flip flops and the privilege of working for various platforms as a writer, editor, and content manager.Although she has an MBA and a BS in accounting, she's found her passion falls more in the creative arts of writing and graphic design. She lives, writes, and raises hell on the outskirts of Tupelo in the small community of Nettleton.

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