Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions about the Bend Resilience Project.
What is the Bend Resilience Project?
In response to the recent tragedy in our Bend community, a group of local mental health professionals has come together to form the Bend Resilience Project.
The Bend Resilience Project is being developed as a local, psychologist-led effort to provide evidence-based mental health intervention, education, and resources to children, families, schools, healthcare providers, and others in our community.
Who is behind the Bend Resilience Project?
The Bend Resilience Project is a volunteer-led initiative of local mental health professionals dedicated to supporting children, families, educators, first responders, and community members following the tragedy at Silver Rail Elementary.
Our project committee is Dr. Ashley Niemeyer, Dr. Sara Vice Downing, Dr. Alexia Spanos, Dr. Adam Dickey, Dr. Wendy Laakmann, and Amanda Dayton. You can read about each of them on our About page.
What should I do if someone is in crisis right now?
In crisis? Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In an emergency, call 911.
This website is not a crisis service. Local crisis lines, including the Deschutes County Crisis Line (541-322-7500, ext. 9) and the Deschutes County Stabilization Center, are listed on our Get help now page.
Who is the project for?
Our mission is to provide evidence-based resources and support for children, families, educators, medical professionals, first responders, and the wider Bend community.
We know that the impact of a traumatic event like this extends well beyond those who were directly involved.
Does the Bend Resilience Project provide therapy?
The Bend Resilience Project does not provide individual therapy directly. We focus on education, outreach, coordination, and connecting individuals and families with appropriately trained professionals.
See Providers for the directory of qualified mental health professionals we are developing.
What does the project offer?
We are working to provide:
- Parent and caregiver education
- Teacher and school staff training
- Evidence-based resources
- Connections to qualified therapists
- Trauma-focused group interventions
- Community education and outreach
- Professional training and collaboration
Our mission is to make evidence-based information, compassionate support, and qualified mental health resources more accessible to everyone affected by this tragedy. See What we offer for a description of each.
How can I find a therapist for my child or family?
We are helping children, adolescents, adults, and families connect with mental health professionals trained in evidence-based trauma treatment.
The Bend Resilience Project is currently compiling a directory of qualified mental health professionals who provide evidence-based treatments (EBTs) for trauma and related mental health concerns. We are actively developing this directory and expect to begin adding providers shortly. Please check back on our Providers page for updates.
What reactions are common after a traumatic event?
Students, parents, educators, healthcare providers, first responders, and community members may experience fear, grief, anger, difficulty concentrating, sleep disruption, anxiety, or other reactions to trauma. Children and adolescents may be particularly affected, even when they were not directly present.
Some individuals will need immediate clinical support, while others may benefit most from information, connection, reassurance, or simply knowing that their reactions are understandable.
How can I talk with my child about what happened?
Our handout Talking to your children after a school shooting walks through eight steps:
- Start by finding out what your child knows.
- Be honest, but keep details age-appropriate.
- Reassure without making promises you cannot guarantee.
- Don’t force children to talk about their feelings.
- Limit exposure to news and social media.
- Expect a range of reactions.
- Maintain routines and connection.
- Know when to seek additional support.
These recommendations are informed by guidance from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) and the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement (NCSCB).
When should my child see a mental health professional?
Consider consulting a qualified mental health professional if your child is experiencing:
- Intense or persistent distress
- Significant changes in functioning
- School avoidance
- Worsening sleep problems
- Difficulty participating in everyday activities
Children who directly witnessed violence, were injured, or lost someone may benefit from specialized assessment and support even before persistent symptoms develop. You do not have to wait for symptoms to become severe before asking for help.
Trust your instincts. If something feels “not right,” it’s okay to ask for help. Our handout Supporting children after a traumatic event describes what to watch for at different ages.
Are your handouts free?
Yes. We offer free educational handouts, practical guidance, and trusted resources for families, educators, healthcare professionals, and first responders. View or download them on our Resources page.
What is Bounce Back?
Bounce Back is a structured group treatment designed for elementary-aged children experiencing posttraumatic stress symptoms. We are working to coordinate evidence-based interventions, including Bounce Back.
Programs and offerings are being developed and will be announced as they become available.
Do you offer support for teachers and schools?
Yes. We are working to provide trauma-informed education and consultation to help educators recognize and respond to students’ emotional and behavioral needs following traumatic events.
Programs and offerings are being developed and will be announced as they become available. If your school would like to connect, please reach out at contact@bendresilienceproject.com.
I’m a clinician. How can I be included in the provider directory?
We welcome inquiries from clinicians interested in being included in our provider directory.
Our provider directory application is now open. It collects information about professional licensure, specialized training, clinical experience, and qualifications in evidence-based treatments.
You can also email us at provider-inquiries@bendresilienceproject.com.
Inclusion in the directory will be based on a review of submitted qualifications and does not constitute an endorsement or guarantee of clinical services by the Bend Resilience Project.
How can my organization work with the project?
We would welcome the opportunity to connect with your organization, learn what you are seeing in the community, and discuss how the Bend Resilience Project might support the work you are already doing.
If you would like to connect, please reach out at contact@bendresilienceproject.com.
How will I hear about new programs and resources?
How do I contact the Bend Resilience Project?
Send us a message with our contact form. If you prefer email, write to contact@bendresilienceproject.com.