53 experts from the Ibn Haldun University Psychotherapy Application and Research Center (IPAM) were assembled to provide psychosocial support in the earthquake area. This expert team consisted of graduates from our doctoral and master's programs in clinical psychology, as well as doctoral dissertation students. Meanwhile, on February 12, a pioneering team of three IPAM members went to the earthquake zone and collected information about the people who were affected by the earthquakes.
After the first analyses, our first team of 19 experts arrived in Adıyaman on February 19 to provide psychological first aid and psychosocial support. It is intended for our team to carry out psychosocial support activities for earthquake victims throughout the earthquake region for an extended period with rotations. In accordance with this plan, our second expert group of 16 people is ready to start working in Adıyaman on February 24.
It is observed that psychosocial support is beneficial to reduce the negative impacts of earthquakes on the mental health of people in the region. With this awareness, the IPAM team continues its activities in the field under the coordination of the Turkish Red Crescent and AFAD.
Psychosocial support activities are mostly carried out in two different tent cities in Adıyaman. Among these activities, psychological first aid for all age groups, tent visits, one-to-one sessions, therapeutic group studies for teenagers and social activities for children have an important place.
In addition to these, there are some activities for protecting the mental health of personnel and volunteers working in the field.
An IPAM member psychologist offers psychosocial help at the Başakşehir Municipality-established apparel market station for earthquake victims came to Istanbul. If individuals are deemed to need obtaining psychological first aid, then they are hosted in our IPAM service building in Kayaşehir People's Garden.
Last but not least, through the contacts our Rector, Prof. Dr. Atilla Arkan, made in the region; a software program was also developed to provide online support to the university students in the earthquake region.
Also, by using this program, earthquake victims who were contacted in the region can continue their psychotherapy sessions online if they need it.
