In the last few decades there have been a number of high-profile disasters, memories of which can be evoked by the mention of a place name. There have been criticisms regarding the unplanned and uncoordinated nature of psychosocial input following several disasters, leading to calls for the creation of multiagency planning groups that include mental health professionals to plan appropriate responses before disasters occur. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most discussed psychiatric disorder following disaster but it is important to remember that it is not the only psychiatric disorder or emotional response experienced following a disaster. In over 50% of cases of PTSD, another comorbid psychiatric diagnosis will be present. There are eight completed randomized controlled trials of multiple-session early psychosocial interventions including a total of 625 individuals. The availability of psychosocial support should be communicated to those involved and co-ordinated by the psychosocial response team.