Anpas Emergency Psychologists Cooperating with Local Services during Emergencies

Management of mental health care in Italy takes place at local level: The National Health System can assist each person for free, thanks to units located near the patient. During the time of emergencies, it is foreseen by the law (Directive of the President of the Council of Ministers of April 6, 2013) the setting up of P.A.S.S. (Italian acronym for “presidii di assistenza socio sanitaria”, social health care structures). The PASS are shelters set up by volunteer associations and the services hosted are managed by the local health agency (A.S.L.). The aim is to rebuild local autonomy as quickly as possible. Emergency psychologists collaborate with this structure and with colleagues from local areas during the critical phase. This paper describes the tools used by Anpas emergency psychologists in collaboration with local services: the procedures for contact, the information shared, the specialists involved. It compares case studies in different emergencies from 2009 to the present day