Coping in crisis: The role of psychologists in response to a pandemic

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a major impact on the world. In the United States, healthcare systems have been taxed, medical supplies depleted, and healthcare providers overburdened by the increased need. Although psychologists cannot provide medical services, we possess a unique skillset that can alleviate some of the stress placed on healthcare providers, answer important questions about how this disease impacts patients, and support the growing mental health needs of providers and patients alike. The following commentary outlines the ways in which psychologists and mental health workers at one facility, the Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, supported the medical system and cared for patient and staff mental health in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Lessons learned from this experience as well as important future steps are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).