Maui Wildfire Relief
Standing Alongside Our Community in Healing and Recovery
Maui Behavioral Health Resources has been on the ground in West Maui since the devastating wildfires. We’ve provided vital mental health support, crisis counseling, and recovery services to wildfire survivors and their families, while continuing to serve the broader island community.
Our main goal is to connect members of the impacted community with the mental health services that best meet their needs. We understand that the healing process after a wildfire can feel isolating and overwhelming, but no one has to face it alone. By providing compassionate support, guidance, and resources, we help individuals and families navigate these challenges and build resilience.
Through counseling, support groups, and community connections, we provide safe spaces to process emotions and regain a sense of stability.
Resources You Can Use Right Away
Mental Health Support Program for Youth and Young Adults – Offers up to 90 days of mental health services, in-person or via telehealth, with possible extensions. Eligible participants are ages 10–26, Maui residents, and on a mental health services waitlist. Submit the referral form via email (services@myfs.org) or fax (808-579-8426). Questions? Call 808-579-8406. Funded by Maui United Way’s ʻOhana Mental Health Grant.
‘Ike Journeys – Every Monday and Wednesday from 9:00AM-12:00PM at Hanakaʻōʻō Beach, also known as Canoe Beach. ʻIke Journeys provides keiki with opportunities to explore, create, and grow through experiential learning that weaves Native Hawaiian culture and values into everyday education. Parents and children (all ages and stages) will come together in a supportive, community-based environment that nurtures curiosity, cultural identity, and family connection.
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MBHR for individuals
MBHR For Individuals
Disasters can be especially difficult for those with mental health or substance use disorder issues. Call our 24/7 crisis line at 1-800-753-6879 if you need support.
For substance use treatment, call us at 808-579-8414.
For individual counseling support through Maui Counseling Group, call 808-249-2121.
Other resources for families with children
The National Association of School Psychologists offers helpful information and an informative poster. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has several free resources on helping children cope after a devastating wildfire.
Six emotional phases of a disaster
For the residents of Maui who experienced the devastating wildfires in August 2023, the emotional journey you are going through is a natural response to an overwhelming disaster. While the path to healing is not linear, understanding the typical phases of emotions after a catastrophic event can provide some comfort and context for what you are feeling:
- Pre-disaster: In the moments before the wildfires struck, you may have felt a sense of vulnerability or loss of control, especially because there was little warning.
- Impact: As you escaped, your reactions likely ranged from shock to panic, followed by a primal focus on survival and protecting your loved ones. This phase is usually the shortest but most intense.
- Heroic: In the immediate aftermath, many of you likely experienced an adrenaline-fueled drive to help support others in Lahaina, even while grappling with your own losses. This altruistic response is a hallmark of the heroic phase.
- Honeymoon: In the weeks following the wildfire, you may have felt a renewed sense of community bonding and optimism that everything would return to normal, especially as disaster assistance poured in. This phase can provide opportunities to build supportive relationships.
- Disillusionment: As the limits of disaster aid become apparent and the long road of recovery sets in, feelings of discouragement, exhaustion, and abandonment are common. Unhealthy coping mechanisms may emerge. Unfortunately, this difficult phase can last months to years.
- Reconstruction: Eventually, a “new normal” takes shape as you begin to rebuild your lives and your community. You may continue processing grief and loss while also finding reasons for hope.
Remember, everyone processes trauma differently. Be patient with yourself and others. Lean on your community, and don’t hesitate to seek support. Learn more about each phase here.
Crisis response fund
The Maui wildfire immediately created vast needs across our island that will likely continue. Professional behavioral health support can make the difference between returning to a normal life or following a painful, downward spiral that may lead to illness or even death.
Our three partner agencies work to support suffering individuals and families. Donations allow us to continue expanding these services as needs grow. We sincerely appreciate your support.
