Fire recovery resources for LA-based therapists and clients

January 15, 2025

An illustration of a figure with a home in flames to demonstrate therapists and clients needing this list of fire recovery resources

For therapists, clients, and residents of Los Angeles, this is a time of unprecedented challenge and deep uncertainty.

As a Los Angeles-based company, SimplePractice stands with our community during this crisis. We’re witnessing both devastating losses and extraordinary demonstrations of human resilience.

We know that many of you have been impacted—from the losses of your homes or offices, evacuation, and emotional distress.

We also understand that many of you have an overwhelming desire to support your clients and other community members as they navigate through and recover from the impacts of these fires.

As a company, we’re currently assessing how to help ease the strain of this disaster on our SimplePractice community.

We’ve been moved by the incredible outpouring of compassion and care we’ve witnessed these last few days.

With over 11,000 clinicians in LA and more than 20,000 on our platform throughout the state of California, SimplePractice has received countless messages from clinicians asking how they can donate and offer discounted or free therapy to firefighters, first responders, and other Angelenos impacted by the fires.

To meet this deluge of compassion, we’ve added a filter on our Monarch directory, where eligible clinicians can indicate that they’re “accepting clients impacted by disaster” and that they are “offering flexible fees” on their profiles.

Additionally, LA-based clients impacted by the wildfires can click on a banner on Monarch to immediately see all clinicians licensed in California who specialize in trauma with availability to accept clients impacted by disaster.

If you are in need of assistance yourself, please reach out to SimplePractice’s Customer Success team, and they will get back to you as soon as possible.

Additionally, we are sharing some key resources with you below.

Please stay safe and know that we are here to support you.

Tips for therapists and clinicians to help clients navigate through trauma from LA fires

According to clinical psychologist Lindsay Oberleitner, PhD, SimplePractice’s director of clinical strategy, it’s important for therapists to acknowledge the extra weight of caring for others while also going through that trauma themselves.

“Even if you aren’t directly impacted, it can be really challenging to manage when a regional disaster event means that many, if not most clients, are experiencing heightened distress,” says Oberleitner.

“And, it is important to prioritize ways to step away from the stress and give extra priority to core needs like eating, sleeping, and finding support for yourself,” she says.

“As a therapist, even when clients are in high need, it is also OK to maintain your boundaries as you continue to manage the impacts and uncertainties you’re facing in your own life during regional disasters,” Oberleitner explains.

“This might mean delaying sessions for those who are less immediately in need, leaning on colleagues for support, and even seeking your own therapy as you seek ways to cope with your own distress in the midst of supporting your clients.”

Tips from trauma therapists

For adults

Colorado-based counselor, owner of Prism Relational Therapy, and SimplePractice Pollen author Heather Oglesby, LPC, MFTC has supported clients navigating through trauma and PTSD from natural disasters and public emergencies. She says a common theme with emergency crises like this is centered around loss—the material losses such as houses and possessions, and the emotional losses like safety, a sense of home, and community.

Oglesby says these kinds of losses can activate and perpetuate the experience of trauma.

”One way to cope with this is to find any sense of agency that you can in the moment,” she says. “This might be creating an inventory of items that you had in your home, reaching out to your support system for a place to vent or find solace, or making a list of resources that you need to contact in the aftermath of the disaster.”

Oglesby points out that gaining back a small sense of control can be grounding and help reduce the impact of trauma in real-time.

“Trauma from a fire is a very visceral experience in that there are many sensory triggers, like smoke, the smell of burning, and the traumatic visual of seeing your home and community no longer in existence,” she says.

“Due to the intense nature of these triggers, it may be helpful to utilize grounding practices that are sensory driven, such as the use of aromatherapy, calming music, and peaceful visualizations to help balance out the overwhelming sensory input you are absorbing,” says Oglesby.

Unfortunately, the process of healing or recovering from this kind of disaster will take time, according to Oglesby, and the earlier a person can get help from a professional or community support, the better they can work through the initial stages of trauma.

“Going through this kind of crisis will activate your nervous system in a way that puts you in crisis or survival mode, whether through fight, flight, or freeze,” she says. “Right now, it’s likely that many folks are experiencing a sense of numbness or shock which makes decision-making and other aspects of executive functioning extremely difficult.”

Oglesby points out that having a safe place in session with a therapist to vent and emotionally process these traumatic events can help reduce the impact of shock. “Additionally, if therapists can find community with others that have gone through something similar, there can be a reduced sense of loneliness or isolation,” she says.

For kids

Texas-based counselor, owner of Grounded Counseling and Services, and SimplePractice Pollen author Kristin Trick, LPC-S, RPT, worked with survivors of the 2019 mass shooting at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas where 23 people were killed and 22 others were injured.

Trick specializes in play therapy and trauma therapy, and she offered tips from her own experience that can help therapists and parents supporting children impacted by the Los Angeles fires.

“Allow children time to process what they have seen and heard,” says Trick. “Ensure there is plenty of time to play since this is the way children process important events.”

She recommends giving children crayons and markers to draw what they are feeling, and playdough to help them ground themselves to the present.

According to Trick, parents and therapists should aim to help children and teens maintain their regular schedules as much as possible.

“Limit children’s exposure to news reports, since these airings tend to show the worst pieces of a tragedy in a detached way,” Trick says. “Watch children’s facial expressions, body language, and attitude in response to news footage, and immediately turn it off if they appear distressed.”

Trick suggests that, even if children do not show their distress outwardly, ask them if they have questions about what is happening and reassure them they are safe.

“When exposed to any disaster-related situations, news, or images, direct children to ‘look for the helpers,’” she says. “Instead of focusing on the fires, for instance, encourage children to spot the firefighters and share stories with them of community heroism and success from first responders.”

Trick recommends resources from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). “There are several downloadables specific to recovering after a wildfire,” she says.

Clinical resources for therapists and clients

“Whether you have new clients seeking care in direct response to disaster, or you have existing clients experiencing distress related to the wildfires, the following resources may be helpful in providing more context about response to disasters,” says Oberleitner.

“You may find these resources helpful in understanding acute reactions to disaster if this area is new for you as a clinician, and you may find that some of the worksheets are helpful for screening of distress related to the disaster,” she says.

Oberleitner recommends the following resources for those helping clients navigating disaster:

Psychological First Aid Workbook: Although this workbook is intended for those responding to a disaster directly, and is not a replacement for formal training in Psychological First Aid, it provides a great starting place for clinicians who are seeking a refresher in acute responses to disasters. It also includes handouts for those seeking care, and resources on formal and informal caregiver self-care.

Educational handouts for clients and families

Resources for supporting adult clients

Emotional Health After Disasters: This PDF can be provided directly to clients seeking care. It can be helpful both in normalizing reactions to disasters and providing basic tips for coping in the immediate aftermath.

Sustaining the Psychological Well-Being of Caregivers While Caring for Disaster Victims: Specific to caregiver and medical team support, if working with first responders.

Guidance on Providing Support: Clients may also discuss reactions they are seeing in their community or with family or friends. This is a helpful guide for non-clinical response to providing support through immediate disasters, and can be shared with clients and their families.

“Tips for Adults”: This is a helpful handout that describes common reactions to disasters and suggestions for coping.

Resources for working with children

Creating Safe Environments After Disaster: A handout for parents with young children that addresses “Routines, Rhythms, and Rituals” to help children cope.

Common Reactions and Coping Across Ages: Psychoeducation handouts on responses to disaster and tips for coping across age groups.

Fire-specific resources

Wildfire Tips from the American Psychological Association

Residential Fire Tips from the American Psychological Association

LA local-specific resources

Resources for Californians Impacted by Los Angeles Fires: California state site for disaster response resources.

LA City Fire Resources and Recovery: Includes wildfire evacuation orders and updates, recovery resources, sign-up for notification alerts, power outage reports, the LA city service request portal, and ways to help.

LA County Recovers: Includes local, state, federal, and non-profit recovery resources, along with Eaton and Palisades Fire maps.

Business resources

Small Business Administration’s Disaster Assistance: If your private practice has sustained direct damage or economic damages, you may be eligible to seek loans and assistance.

Steps to take if you’ve been impacted by the LA fires

If you are told to evacuate, please do so immediately. If you are preparing to evacuate, read our home insurance and United Policyholders’ wildfire evacuation tips. You can find a comprehensive list of evacuation warnings, orders, and alerts at www.lafd.org. You can also download the Watch Duty app on your smart phone and turn notifications on. Watch Duty is a non-profit and isn’t directly associated with the LA fire department.
If you need a ride, an evacuation center, N-95 masks, necessities, or access to power, you can find more information at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA).

For transportation to shelter or evacuation sites:

Lyft is offering two free rides, up to $25 each, with the code: CAFIRERELIEF25
Uber is offering two free rides up to $40 each, with the code: WILDFIRE25

Even if you are insured, apply for FEMA assistance. Here’s a 10-minute video on how to fill out your FEMA application. “People in an area declared a federal disaster can apply for assistance through FEMA, even if you have insurance,” according to United Policyholder’s website. “Survivors can apply for federal aid, even if insured. Disaster assistance may be able to fill insurance gaps or provide help if you’ve been waiting more than 30 days on a homeowner’s claim.” Check the FEMA website for updates. There may also be assistance available through local and state governments and charitable agencies.
For business owners, sign up with the Small Business Association (SBA) for disaster loans, if needed.
If you have evacuated or lost your home, dial “211” or visit 211CA.org. According to their website, “211 serves people of all income levels, languages and cultural backgrounds and is available to 96% of Californians and to 85% of U.S. households. 211 programs are supported by the United Way, public and private funders, and city and county agencies.” 211 LA has partnered with Airbnb, and they are giving a week of free housing to people displaced by the LA fires.
You can also refer to this spreadsheet, compiled by the local hotel association, to view hotels with vacancies and see if they’re offering any discounts to those displaced by the fires.
If you have evacuated or lost your home, track all of your expenses that arise from having to live in another location. Take photos and/or scan all your receipts. Keep them in a folder so you can get reimbursed.
Request a complete certified copy of your insurance policy, including the declarations page. According to the California Department of Insurance’s Tips for Wildfire Claimants, the law requires your insurance company to provide this to you free of charge within 30 days of your request.
Get everything in writing from your insurance agent and insurance company. The California Department of Insurance recommends you ask your agent or insurer representative to explain how much coverage you have to rebuild or repair your home, for your personal belongings, and for living expenses. Another important question to ask your insurance company is how to most effectively claim your coverage benefits. Be sure to follow up any verbal phone conversations with an email restating what was discussed.
The California Department of Insurance advises that you take note of your Additional Living Expense (ALE) limits and manage your ALE expenses in recognition of a long rebuilding process. Your time to collect ALE after a declared catastrophe is no less than 24 months even if your policy says otherwise.
Go to Zillow or Redfin, and capture a screenshot showing the value of your house. If it’s safe to go to your home’s location, take pictures of the damage to your home. When visiting your property, wear a mask and gloves. Plastics and electronics that burn leave carcinogens behind. If your house didn’t burn, expect there will be smoke damage, and entering your home could make you sick. Follow safety protocols.
Open a bank account for insurance proceeds. It is helpful to track the incoming funds in one place.
Check out United Policyholders’ website. They have a California Wildfires 2025 Insurance Claim and Recovery Help section.
Practice self-compassion. There are days ahead that will be very challenging. It’s OK to not be OK. It’s OK to need help. It’s OK to take time to heal.

Together, we will recover.

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