Dr. Andrew J. McLean, MD, MPH, will provide an overview of best practices for responding to the psychosocial impacts of disasters. This session will focus on understanding the importance of risk communication to mitigate mental health problems during disasters, review the phases of disaster as it pertains to mental health, and provide an overview of risk and protective factors for individuals and communities faced with disaster. In 2011, Dr. McLean received the American Psychiatric Association Bruno Lima Award for Outstanding Contributions to Disaster Psychiatry and brings this notable experience to the session. He is Technical Trainer with the Mountain Plains Mental Health Technology Transfer Center.