What should be included in a follow-up plan after providing PFA?

Incorporating ongoing support options, mental health resources, and a check-in timeline into a follow-up plan after providing Psychological First Aid (PFA) is essential for ensuring that the individual continues to receive the necessary care and support. PFA aims to promote resilience and aid recovery, so the follow-up plan must focus on sustaining that support.

By detailing ongoing support options, you provide the individual with clear paths to additional resources, which can be crucial for their mental well-being. Highlighting specific mental health resources empowers individuals to seek help proactively, and establishing a check-in timeline ensures that they are not alone in their recovery process, reinforcing to them that ongoing care is available and that their well-being is a priority.

Other choices have limited value in this context. For example, focusing solely on past experiences may not offer practical support moving forward. A list of emergency contacts and phone numbers is certainly helpful, but does not encompass the broader scope of sustained support necessary in a follow-up plan. Similarly, summarizing the session may provide a recap of what was discussed but does not guide the individual toward future resources or support systems that can aid their recovery and resilience development.