Turning expertise into action
By combining clinical expertise, field experience, research, and cross-sector collaboration, we develop knowledge, tools, and systems to support communities before, during, and after crisis
Integrating mental health into crisis response
Developing evidence-informed approaches to psychological support in crises, including clinical models, community frameworks, and field-informed interventions integrating mental health into emergency response.
Strengthening mental health response in Belize
PreAct conducted a needs assessment to understand how Belize’s mental health system can support communities before, during, and after mass trauma. Interviews across healthcare, emergency response, government, education, and community services highlighted decentralized care and health workers as support points, with opportunities to strengthen referrals, coordination, and local capacity.
Read full case studyGenerating knowledge from mass trauma
Generating actionable knowledge from mass-trauma research, field assessments, and expert collaboration to identify lessons that strengthen mental health preparedness and response.
Mapping disaster response in Clarksville, USA
Following tornado devastation, PreAct conducted a two-week qualitative needs assessment in Clarksville, engaging stakeholders across sectors. It mapped community assets and gaps, including reactive mental health services, limited behavioral health capacity, and fragmented coordination, creating a foundation for a more proactive, connected approach to disaster mental health.
Read full case studyMaking trauma knowledge accessible
Translating trauma and mental health expertise into accessible knowledge, training, and resources that help professionals and communities understand trauma and strengthen care.
Learning from Japan: long-term mental health
PreAct’s field assessment in Fukushima and Minamisoma identified practical approaches to strengthening disaster mental health capacity, including community outreach, rapid psychiatric response, provider wellness, and evidence-based psychotherapy. These insights are informing cross-cultural training, resident exchange, and adaptable models for acute response and long-term recovery.
Read full case studyAdvancing preparedness for the future
Developing new models, tools, and partnerships to expand mental health support at scale. PreAct collaborates with technology, academic, and system leaders to advance practical trauma preparedness and response.
Mental health model for Grenada, Caribbean
PreAct’s needs assessment identified an opportunity to strengthen mental health care in Grenada by shifting toward more accessible, community-based services. The proposed framework integrates mental health into primary care, equips professionals to identify needs earlier, strengthens referral and data systems, and creates dedicated spaces for care within community health centers.
Read full case studyRaising awareness, shaping global priorities
Through publications, partnerships, and knowledge sharing, PreAct shapes how societies prepare for mass trauma and advances global awareness of mental health preparedness and response.
Bringing mental health preparedness to the global stage
Mental health preparedness requires attention not only from healthcare professionals, but also from policymakers, researchers, investors, and leaders across sectors. Bringing these perspectives together is essential to making mental health a more central part of how the world prepares for and responds to crises. On October 8, in recognition of World Mental Health Day, members of PreAct’s leadership team attended and sponsored the inaugural World Mental Health Leadership Summit, hosted by the Global Mental Health Task Force at the United Nations in New York City. The summit brought together leaders from policy, investment, science, technology, healthcare, philanthropy, and lived experience to explore the ideas, research, partnerships, and investments shaping the future of mental health. Discussions covered mental health across generations, brain health and longevity, investment, responsible innovation, and lived experience, with an emphasis on breaking down silos and moving toward collective action. PreAct’s participation included two contributions. Craig L. Katz spoke on a panel about the role of mental health preparedness, highlighting its place in planning for and responding to crises. Sam Dorison, CEO of ReflexAI and a member of PreAct’s Innovation Committee, moderated the summit’s innovation panel. By participating in international forums like this one, PreAct helps bring mental health preparedness into broader conversations about global mental health, policy, and innovation. These platforms create opportunities to connect expertise across disciplines and build the partnerships needed to translate shared priorities into action.
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