FEMA

Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training 

Program (CCP)

Immediate Services Program Application 

Supplemental Instructions

CCP Application Toolkit, Version 6.0, October 2023

Note: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health 

Services (CMHS) project officers are available to provide technical assistance and consultation on the 

Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP). If you would like to speak with a CMHS project 

officer, please contact the SAMHSA Disaster Technical Assistance Center (DTAC) at 1–800–308–3515 

(Monday–Friday 9 a.m.–5 p.m. ET), and a staff member will forward your request to the appropriate 

project officer.

You may obtain CCP applications, supplemental instructions, and guidance documents by calling 

SAMHSA DTAC as indicated above or by emailing SAMHSA DTAC at dtac@samhsa.hhs.gov. 
CCP ISP Supplemental Instructions1 | Page

Table of Contents

Immediate Services Program Application Supplemental Instructions.......................................................... 2

The Complete ISP Application ......................................................................................................................... 2 

Part I. General Application Information (Questions #1–5) ........................................................................... 3

Part II. Plan of Service/Needs Assessment (Questions #7–10) ..................................................................... 3

Part III. Response Activities (Question #11)................................................................................................. 7

Part IV. Budget (Questions #12–13)............................................................................................................. 7

Budget Formats............................................................................................................................................... 8 

Indirect Costs................................................................................................................................................... 8 

In‐kind Resources ............................................................................................................................................ 8 

Budget Attachments........................................................................................................................................ 9 

Part V. Assurances (Questions #14–15) .....................................................................................................10

Part VI. Application Checklist (Question #16) ............................................................................................10

Appendix A: SAMHSA CMHS Needs Assessment Worksheet......................................................................11

Appendix B: Potential CCP Positions .........................................................................................................13

Typical CCP Positions and Job Descriptions................................................................................................... 13

Additional Positions Encountered in the CCP................................................................................................ 14

Appendix C: Tips for Completing SF‐424 and SF‐424a ................................................................................17

Appendix D: Allowable Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program (CCP) Services......................... 20
CCP ISP Supplemental Instructions2 | Page

Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training Program

Immediate Services Program

Application Supplemental Instructions

These supplemental instructions describe the purpose of each section of the Crisis Counseling Assistance and 

Training Program (CCP) Immediate Services Program (ISP) application and provide an explanation of how to 

complete the required forms and questions. These instructions are most useful when reviewed 

simultaneously with the ISP application and the CCP Guidance. Text in bold and italics was taken directly from 

the ISP application.

Please note that throughout the ISP supplemental instructions, the terms “applicant” and “state” are intended 

to include all qualified applicants (i.e., states, U.S. territories, and federally recognized tribes).

The Complete ISP Application

A complete ISP application consists of the following:

• Standard Form 424 Request for Federal Assistance (SF‐424): A federal form the Office of 

Management and Budget (OMB) requires for grant applications. All entities that apply for CCP 

funds must submit a completed SF‐424 signed by the Governor’s Authorized Representative (GAR) 

or the Chief Tribal Executive.

• Standard Form 424A Budget Information: Non‐Construction Programs (SF‐424A): A federal form 

OMB requires for grant applications. Complete column one of "Section B—Budget Categories" for 

the total CCP budget.

• Standard Form 424B: Assurances for Non‐Construction Programs (SF‐424B): The SF‐424B is used 

to assure compliance with statutory requirements for non‐construction grant programs. The federal 

awarding agencies and OMB use information reported on this form for general management of 

federal assistance awards programs.

• Disclosure of Lobbying Activities (SF‐LLL): A required form for the CCP ISP. The applicant may 

indicate "N/A" on the form if it is not applicable. 

• ISP Application Form: A form used to apply for an ISP grant.

 Part I. General Application Information: Gathers information about the declaration, preparer, 

point of contact (POC), and amount requested for ISP funding.

 Part II. Plan of Service/Needs Assessment: Includes a list of active service providers and a plan 

of services to meet identified needs, including plans for staffing, service provision, training, and 

program management. Includes an estimate of the number of disaster survivors who would 

benefit from crisis counseling services. It also includes an explanation of special circumstances 

related to the disaster that may increase the need for crisis counseling services.
CCP ISP Supplemental Instructions3 | Page

 Part III. Response Activities: Describes state and local crisis counseling response activities from 

the date of the disaster incident to the date of submission of the application.

 Part IV. Budget: Includes a required format for submitting state and individual provider 

budgets and line‐item budget narratives.

 Part V. Assurances: Must indicate that the assurances listed have been completed and 

attached to the application. This section includes the signature of the GAR or Chief Tribal 

Executive.

 Part VI. Application Checklist: Lists the items to be submitted, including the ISP application; 

Standard Form 424 (SF‐424): Request for Federal Assistance; SF‐424a: Budget Information – 

Non‐Construction Programs; SF‐424b: Assurances for Non‐Construction Programs; the Budget 

Narrative; and lobbying forms, if not on file with the Federal Emergency Management Agency 

(FEMA). 

Part I. General Application Information (Questions #1–5) 

The applicant should include declaration information, preparer information, POC information, and the amount 

requested for ISP funding.

Part II. Plan of Service/Needs Assessment (Questions #7–10) 

7. Please describe current State and local mental health services and explain why they cannot meet the 

disaster‐related mental health needs caused or aggravated by the disaster.

The applicant’s response should briefly summarize the type, scope, and effect of the disaster event to create a 

frame of reference for more specific questions that follow. The initial needs assessment provides the 

foundation for all grant program activities conducted under the ISP. Because all services and staff proposed in 

the ISP must relate directly to the needs assessment, it is important that the state carefully complete this 

section.

The federal government is required to verify that the needs are beyond state and local resources and 

capabilities before federal funds may be awarded. The ISP is a supplemental grant, so it is essential that the 

applicant clearly describes why state and local resources cannot meet disaster‐related behavioral health 

needs.

8. Estimated Population to be served. 

The applicant is asked to develop appropriate and reasonable targets for providing CCP grant services to 

individuals affected by the disaster. The applicant is strongly advised to consult with its FEMA and Substance 

Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) 

project officers to identify an appropriate number based on the size and scope of the disaster, the types of 

needs caused by the disaster, the high-risk groups or populations affected, and the geographic and

demographic regions to be served.
CCP ISP Supplemental Instructions4 | Page

Formal sources for the needs assessment may include analyses of damage assessments and registrants for 

services from FEMA. The needs assessment may also draw upon other data sources, including special use 

surveys and assessment tools. Additionally, a needs assessment may rely on corroborative data, including 

anecdotal evidence or feedback from behavioral health, crisis response, or disaster relief providers. 

Applicants should choose either Option A or Option B, depending upon the nature of the disaster. The 

applicant should include an explanation as to why the option was chosen.

Option A: Federal award applicants may opt to use their own method for determining the estimated 

population to be served. Please cite any data sources used and the methodology used to determine the 

estimated population to be served. Please also list proposed providers number of direct and non‐direct staff 

anticipated.

If Option A is selected, SAMHSA CMHS and FEMA recommend that 

applicants use the SAMHSA CMHS Needs Assessment Worksheet to 

determine the estimated numbers of people to be served by the 

program. This worksheet uses a needs assessment formula based 

on historic CCP grant data. Please see Appendix A for the 

worksheet and additional instructions.

Other potential sources of information for Option A may include 

the FEMA Regional Office; voluntary agencies, such as the American 

Red Cross; and media sources. In addition, any behavioral health, 

crisis response, and other human service workers deployed by the 

applicant or other public agencies in the immediate aftermath of a 

disaster may provide information on crisis counseling needs.

Option B: Use the following table to estimate the impacted 

population for each requested service area (county, parish, tribal 

land, etc.). Populate the table using census data for the total 

population for each designated service area. Multiply the total census by the “percentage impact factor of 

.0075” by the “total census population” to arrive at an estimated population to be served during the ISP. 

Please also list the number of direct and non‐direct staff anticipated.

CCPs are typically able to reach 3⁄4 of a percent (.0075) of their affected populations during a grant. When 

selecting Option B, applicants use the .0075 percentage impact factor to indicate the magnitude and unique 

composition of the population affected by the disaster. For example, where travel times make it difficult to 

see many survivors, such as in rural areas, a program may decide to use the .0075 impact factor as their 

target. Alternatively, a program in a more densely populated area may have an easier time locating and seeing 

more survivors, influencing a program to use a different impact factor percentage. If an applicant would like to 

use a percentage impact factor smaller or larger than .0075, the applicant should select Option A. 

If an applicant is questioning which option would be best for their program, SAMHSA CMHS and FEMA staff 

should be consulted prior to the application deadline.

Option A or Option B

Please note that SAMHSA CMHS and 

FEMA recommend a 300:1 ratio of 

survivors to crisis counselor and 

team leaders and a 3:1 ratio of crisis 

counselors to team leaders. The CCP 

is a basic supportive program that 

emphasizes face‐to‐face contact 

with survivors and individuals within 

high‐risk groups or populations.

Therefore, CCP grant‐funded non‐ 

direct service staff should not 

exceed 15 to 20 percent of the total 

grant‐funded, full‐time equivalent 

(FTE) workforce.
CCP ISP Supplemental Instructions5 | Page

Please describe any special circumstances not captured in the table above that will have an impact on the 

need for and equitable delivery of crisis counseling services during the ISP. Include any high‐risk groups or 

populations of concern (e.g., children, adolescents, older adults, individuals with disabilities; cultural needs; 

access and functional needs; lower income populations; first responders; etc.). Please include your plan to 

ensure the ISP is accessible.

To complete an ISP application, applicants are required to conduct a comprehensive assessment of need, 

including a detailed assessment of the needs of individuals within high-risk groups or populations who may be

especially vulnerable to disaster effects or who may have unique needs. Children, adolescents, and older 

adults may be affected most by disasters, but the state should identify what other special groups are affected 

by this specific disaster. Special circumstances might include the type of disaster, a rapid onset of disaster with 

little warning, a recent history of disaster in the designated regions, or whether the disaster was human 

caused. Provide a brief rationale for including these additional groups as well as your plans for outreach. The 

section should include an explanation of how applicants will ensure the ISP is accessible.

9. Provide a brief description of administrative oversight plans (supervision and monitoring of crisis 

counselors, team leads, data collection efforts, monitoring and managing stress, etc.).

Describe how the organizational structure of the ISP will promote effective state oversight and support clear 

communication and staff supervision at both the state and individual provider levels. It is recommended that 

the applicant include an organizational chart for the grant. The state staffing plan typically consists of state 

leadership positions such as the state CCP program manager or director, fiscal administrator, administrative 

assistant, and data/evaluation specialist. Large programs may have additional staff positions based on the 

needs of the program. In some cases, the state may also choose to provide primary services directly. In this 

case, the state staffing plan would also include direct service staff, such as crisis counselors and team leaders.

Please refer to Appendix B for a list of potential CCP positions.

CCPs typically use a mix of behavioral health professionals (often in team leader roles) and trained 

paraprofessional staff (often in crisis counselor roles). If professional staff are used as crisis counselors, they 

should be paid at the state’s customary rates for a similar paraprofessional position.

Paraprofessional staff with experience in disaster behavioral health or crisis counseling may also serve as team 

leaders. 

CCP staff are required to be deployed in teams of two to promote safety, with a team leader available to 

coordinate deployment and provide guidance if severe reactions are encountered. The CCP is an outreach‐

oriented program. Most services should take place in the community rather than in the provider’s office.

CCP service providers most often are community behavioral health agencies with a preexisting organizational 

relationship with the applicant. However, because fiscal and administrative procedures and service delivery in 

the CCP are substantially different from those in other state behavioral health programs, specialized training 

and planning are crucial to ensure an effective ISP response. If service providers have not been selected and 

trained prior to a disaster, the state will have to work closely with them to familiarize them with the 
CCP ISP Supplemental Instructions6 | Page

procedures and requirements of the program. If an applicant chooses to use a temporary employment agency 

to provide crisis counseling services, a clearly defined service plan must be presented, including supervision, 

office space, hiring protocols, communication strategies, and access to all necessary supplies.

The applicant is encouraged to select providers located in the communities they will serve. Providers should 

describe how they will target both directly affected survivors and members of high‐risk groups or populations 

in their community. The applicant should ensure that any targeted populations are also identified in the needs 

assessment section (response to question eight).

By its very nature, crisis counseling entails stress risks to staff. Providers should demonstrate how they will 

support their staff (e.g., careful supervision, reasonable workload, opportunities for stress management 

activities). 

While local service providers typically conduct ISP services, the applicant is expected to maintain clear 

oversight of program operations. The applicant will be the main contact for FEMA and SAMHSA CMHS and will 

be responsible for program reporting and sharing information from FEMA and SAMHSA CMHS with service 

providers. Describe the mechanisms the applicant will use to maintain contact with service providers to share 

program information and updates, provide training and direction regarding CCP procedures, and gather 

information from providers for ongoing needs assessment and required reporting to FEMA and SAMHSA 

CMHS. Applicants should include a plan for analysis of the CCP data and communicating the results to the 

providers to direct the service plan. Describe how the applicant’s oversight will ensure a cohesive program 

identity for the ISP.

10. CCP requires mandatory training during the ISP as described in the CCP guidance. Please describe 

additional training (if any) that you plan to provide and the rationale for providing such training.

Trainers teach crisis counselors and team leaders to provide CCP services or address special issues related to 

the disaster or high‐risk groups or populations. Trainers providing the required CCP trainings must have 

extensive experience in the CCP. All trainers must be approved by FEMA and SAMHSA CMHS to be funded.

Trainers are distinct from consultants, who are individuals with extensive experience in the CCP who provide 

guidance to state and service provider leadership staff regarding program administration, services, fiscal 

management, or evaluation.

10a. Does the State, Tribal Government, or Territory have experienced CCP trainers?

Recommendations for approved FEMA and SAMHSA CMHS trainers are available via the SAMHSA Disaster 

Technical Assistance Center (DTAC). If the state chooses to use trainers who have not been prequalified by 

FEMA and SAMHSA CMHS, they must attach résumés of these individuals to seek approval.
CCP ISP Supplemental Instructions7 | Page

Part III. Response Activities (Question #11)

11. Please describe any mental health‐specific response activities undertaken from the date of incident to 

the date of application.

This section of the application is an opportunity to demonstrate to FEMA and SAMHSA CMHS that the state 

and local providers carried out a timely crisis counseling response to the disaster. To be reimbursed for costs 

incurred from the date of the incident to the date of the application, the applicant must document and 

describe the crisis counseling services that have been provided and justify the costs. Expenses incurred in 

providing these services must be thoroughly documented in the budget and budget narrative section of the 

application (Part IV). The applicant may seek reimbursement only for crisis counseling‐type services.

The description should include all the following:

• Types of crisis counseling services provided

• Location of service provision

• Types of staff who provided the services

• Hourly rates of staff who provided the services

• Number of hours that staff worked

• Types and number of disaster survivors who received services 

Displaying this information in a table may be helpful.

Unless there are unusual situations related to crisis counseling services that the state wants to convey to 

FEMA and SAMHSA CMHS in detail, this section should be concise. The description in this section should be

limited to crisis counseling services provided during this interim period by the state and by service providers 

being proposed for inclusion in the ISP.

Part IV. Budget (Questions #12–13) 

An accurate budget allows for successful implementation, management, and operation of program services 

and activities. CCP funds can be used to provide services for survivors and special populations identified in the 

needs assessment. The plan of services should correspond to the needs assessment (Part II) and identify staff 

needed to reach target populations. The budget should reflect how the identified services will be funded. The 

budget is determined by the needs assessment and staffing levels, which guide the plan of service.
CCP ISP Supplemental Instructions8 | Page

Budget Formats

The ISP application requires several specific budget formats:

• Estimated funding section of the main SF‐424

• SF‐424a (serves as a total budget for the program)

• Applicant and provider projected narrative budget 

worksheets

The applicant, provider, and SF‐424a budgets must have consistent 

line‐item rates and costs. As the applicant oversees the development 

of the application, it should collaborate with providers to assist them 

in developing consistent individual provider budgets. The budgets 

must be in accordance with CCP expectations, part of a cohesive 

program, and reflective of the needs identified in each provider’s 

service area. The applicant must ensure that all fundable expenses 

detailed in the plan of services are included in the budget (e.g., FTE 

staff, supplies, consultants/trainers).

Indirect Costs

As a supplemental program, the CCP does not fund a line‐item 

category for indirect costs. All charges must be direct.

In‐kind Resources

While there are no requirements for applicants to match CCP funds, regulations require the “identification of 

the resources the state and local governments will commit to the project” (Crisis Counseling Assistance and 

Training, 44 C.F.R. § 206.171 [2014]). Applicants have provided in‐kind resources such as personnel, overhead 

or administrative costs (e.g., office and meeting space; utilities; equipment such as computers, printers, and 

mobile phones), advertising, and public service announcements. Communities or groups (e.g., voluntary 

organizations active in disaster, local faith‐based organizations) may contribute in‐kind resources as well 

(e.g., meals, refreshments for program‐related meetings or support groups, toys, meeting space, recreational 

items). 

The process for completing the 

budgets is as follows:

1. The individual provider line‐item 

figures must be totaled and 

rolled into the state budget. 

Those states that contract with 

service providers must roll 

individual service provider 

budgets into the Provider 

Contractual Costs line item of 

the state budget. Those states 

that do not contract with service 

providers must reflect all costs 

by line item in the state budget.

2. The state budget is then entered 

in the SF‐424a. 

3. The SF‐424a lines should then be 

collapsed further and included in 

the estimated funding section on 

the main SF‐424.
CCP ISP Supplemental Instructions9 | Page

Budget Attachments

12. Attach Standard Form 424: Request for Federal Assistance (SF‐424) and Standard Form 424a: Budget 

Information: Non‐Construction Programs. The SF‐424 should include all projected operating costs as 

well as pre‐award costs, if any. Pre‐award Costs: Grantees may request reimbursement for costs 

associated with crisis counseling services provided from the date of the incident to the date of the ISP 

application. Reimbursement is limited to crisis counseling services allowable under the CCP and not for 

any other type of behavioral health response and must be approved in writing.

SF‐424 and SF‐424a are federal forms required by OMB for grant applications. All states applying for ISP funds 

must submit an SF‐424 signed by the GAR or Chief Tribal Executive and an SF‐424a. These forms are available 

online as part of the SAMHSA DTAC CCP Toolkit at https://www.samhsa.gov/dtac/ccp-toolkit.

Please refer to Appendix C: Tips for Completing the SF‐424 and SF‐424a.

13. Attach a budget narrative explaining each line item on the SF‐424a. Identify pre‐award costs 

requested, if any.

Applicant Budget:

A detailed line‐item narrative is critical for budget review and approval. Every line in the budget must have a 

detailed narrative. In the ISP Budget Narrative Tool Excel spreadsheet, a column is provided where you can 

include the detailed explanation for cost calculations and cost justifications. Applicants may seek 

reimbursement for costs associated with crisis counseling services it provided from the date of the incident to 

the date of the ISP application. Applicants must document crisis counseling services that have been provided 

and must justify the costs. Applicants may seek reimbursement only for crisis counseling services allowable 

under the CCP and not for any other type of behavioral health response.

Provider Budget:

A detailed line‐item narrative is critical for budget review and approval. Every line in the budget must have a 

detailed narrative. In the ISP Budget Narrative Tool Excel spreadsheet, a column is provided where you can 

include the detailed explanation for cost calculations and cost justifications. On behalf of providers, applicants 

may seek reimbursement for costs associated with crisis counseling services provided from the date of the 

incident to the date of the ISP application (known as Pre-notice of Award Costs). Applicants must document

crisis counseling services that have been provided and must justify the costs. Applicants may seek 

reimbursement only for crisis counseling services allowable under the CCP and not for any other type of 

behavioral health response. It is recommended that the applicant provide an individual budget narrative for 

each provider working on the CCP grant.

For more information regarding the budget narrative, please refer to the SAMHSA DTAC CCP Toolkit at: 

https://www.samhsa.gov/dtac/ccp-toolkit.

Please refer to Appendix D for allowable CCP services.
CCP ISP Supplemental Instructions10 | Page

Part V. Assurances (Questions #14–15) 

14. By signing below, the Governor or Chief Tribal Executive agrees to and/or certifies that:

 The requirements are beyond the State, Territory, or Tribal Government's capabilities.

 The program, if approved, will be implemented according to the plan contained in the application 

approved by the Regional Administrator.

 The State, Tribal Government, or Territory will maintain close coordination with and provide reports 

to the Regional Administrator.

 The State, Tribal Government or Territory's emergency plan, prepared under Title II of the Stafford 

Act, will include disaster mental health planning.

15. By signing below, the Governor's Authorized Representative (GAR) or the Chief Tribal Executive affirms 

that the foregoing questions have been answered correctly and truthfully to the best of their 

knowledge.

The ISP application must contain the signature of the GAR or the Chief Tribal Executive. The GAR is the only 

state official authorized to represent the Governor in applying for ISP funding. The ISP application will not be 

accepted by FEMA without the GAR’s signature.

Part VI. Application Checklist (Question #16) 

16. The following documents have been submitted with this application:

a. Completed ISP Application  Yes  No

b. Request for Federal Assistance (SF‐424)  Yes  No

c. Budget Information – Non‐Construction Programs (SF‐424a)  Yes  No

d. Assurances for Non‐Construction Programs (SF‐424b)  Yes  No

e. Budget Narrative  Yes  No

f. Lobbying forms, if not on file with FEMA  Yes  No

All required documents must be submitted for the ISP application to be complete. The ISP application must be 

submitted 14 days from the Presidential disaster declaration date.
CCP ISP Supplemental Instructions11 | Page

Appendix A: SAMHSA CMHS Needs Assessment Worksheet

CMHS Needs Assessment Formula—Estimated Crisis Counseling Needs

Disaster declaration number:

This is an estimate for the following designated service area:

Complete a SAMHSA Center for Mental Health Services (CMHS) Needs Assessment Formula sheet for the 

entire program service area and each designated area. To complete the sheet, follow these steps:

1. Identify the number of people for each loss category from collected needs assessment 

information.

2. Identify any disaster‐ or region‐specific “other” loss categories and establish a 

traumatic impact risk ratio for any other loss categories. Note that other loss categories 

are not multiplied by the household size multiplier, which is the average number of 

people per household (ANH).

3. Determine the total number of people who would benefit from Crisis Counseling 

Assistance and Training Program (CCP) services for each loss category by multiplying 

across each row as follows: (number of people) × (household size multiplier) × 

(traumatic impact risk ratio) = (total number of people who would benefit from CCP 

services). 

4. Add all the results in the column of the total number of people who would benefit from 

CCP services to determine the number of people who would benefit from crisis 

counseling services.

Loss Category No. of 

People

Household Size 

Multiplier2 

(ANH = 2.5)

Traumatic 

Impact Risk 

Ratio

Total People 

Who Would 

Benefit From

Services

Dead × ANH × 4 × 100% =

Hospitalized × ANH × 1 × 100% =

Nonhospitalized Injured × ANH × 1 × 50% =

Homes Destroyed × ANH × 1 × 100% =

Homes With Major Damage × ANH × 1 × 20% =

Homes With Minor Damage × ANH × 1 × 10% =

Disaster Unemployed × ANH × 1 × 10% =

Other1 × 80% =

TOTAL: =

1

If appropriate, the state may identify other loss category groups related to the disaster. These categories are not 

multiplied by a household size multiplier. The state should also identify a traumatic impact risk ratio for each additional 

loss category specified. Add rows as necessary.

2

Household size multiplier means the average number of people per household, or ANH. The national average is 2.5, but 

applicants should consult U.S. Census information for state or county averages.
CCP ISP Supplemental Instructions12 | Page

For each designated service area, complete the table of estimated number of people to be served 

(below). Use the following steps to complete the table:

1. For each loss category, list the total number of people who would benefit from CCP services 

based on the SAMHSA CMHS Needs Assessment Formula table.

2. Identify a percent multiplier for CCP services. These multipliers indicate the percentage of 

people the program expects to serve out of the total number of people who would benefit 

from CCP services in the designated area. Percent multipliers may vary between 60 and 80 

percent according to the loss category.

3. To determine the estimated number of people to be served through CCP services for each loss 

category, multiply the total number of people for each loss category by the percent multiplier: 

(total number of people who would benefit from CCP services) × (percent multiplier) = 

(number of people to be served through CCP services).

4. Sum the Number of People to be Served column items to identify a total for each designated

service area.

Loss Category

Total Number of People 

Who Would Benefit

From Services

Estimated Number of People To Be Served

Percent 

Multiplier 

Number of People 

to be Served

Dead

Hospitalized

Nonhospitalized Injured

Homes Destroyed 

Homes With Major Damage

Homes With Minor Damage

Disaster Unemployed

Other

TOTAL:
CCP ISP Supplemental Instructions13 | Page

Appendix B: Potential Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training 

Program (CCP) Positions

Typical CCP Positions and Job Descriptions

State CCP Program Manager/Director

● Acts as lead coordinator and manager for the state crisis counseling response and is the main 

point of contact (POC) for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the 

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Center for Mental Health 

Services (CMHS). 

● Oversees staffing, training, reporting, data analysis, and fiscal monitoring.

● Works with other disaster service agencies to ensure coordination of behavioral health response 

and no duplication of services.

● Conducts regular site visits to providers and accompanies crisis counselors as an observer to 

ensure appropriate services are delivered.

● Represents the CCP at high‐level meetings within the community and state leadership meetings.

● In some cases, often with smaller CCPs, may be the state disaster behavioral health (DBH)

coordinator (i.e., the individual identified by the state mental health authority as responsible for 

state DBH preparedness and response).

Team Leader

● Leads a team of crisis counselors in the field.

● Is usually an experienced DBH worker or behavioral health professional who supervises 

paraprofessional or less experienced crisis counselors.

● May help to assess people who require traditional mental health or substance use treatment.

● May be one of several team leads on staff with a provider, depending on the size and scope of 

the disaster.

● Trains, debriefs, and provides supervision for the crisis counselors.

● Uses data to conduct ongoing needs assessment.

● Coordinates data collection activities and reviews data form submissions for accuracy.

● Provides coordination and oversight of the crisis counselors’ plans of service.

● May perform crisis counseling as needed.

Crisis Counselor

● Works with individuals, families, and groups to provide outreach, emotional support, individual 

and group crisis counseling, public education, and referrals when needed.

● Is synonymous with term “outreach worker.”

● Represents program in the community and networks with other agencies and partners to ensure 

needs of survivors are met.

● Provides presentations to community groups on disaster reactions, coping skills, stress

management, and the CCP.
CCP ISP Supplemental Instructions14 | Page

Typical CCP Positions and Job Descriptions

Data/Evaluation Specialist

● Implements and oversees the CCP data collection activities and is the POC for entering data into 

the CCP web‐based system.

● Collects and analyzes data, collects provider and participant surveys, reports data to FEMA and 

SAMHSA CMHS, and provides data analysis and feedback to state and provider leadership staff 

to improve program services.

● Trains CCP staff on data collection forms. Works closely with the program manager to ensure 

accuracy of completed forms.

● Supports the program manager and team leaders.

Administrative Assistant

● Provides administrative support including, but not limited to, collecting and verifying timesheets, 

collecting data forms, ordering supplies, answering office phone calls, photocopying, faxing, and 

emailing CCP information.

● Schedules events and related training activities.

Consultant/Trainer

● Hired through the CCP to train program staff or provide consultation to program leadership.

● Should be experienced in the CCP model, training topics, and/or grant writing.

● Must be approved by FEMA and SAMHSA CMHS to conduct the trainings specified by the state.

Fiscal Specialist

● Tracks and monitors funds, reviews and submits requests for program budget modifications to 

FEMA and SAMHSA CMHS, and prepares fiscal reports.

● Performs quality control and oversight of program purchases.

● Works closely with CCP leadership staff to ensure that funds are accessible to providers and are 

being appropriately used for crisis counseling services.

● Ensures all contracts are appropriate and compliant with state and federal mandates.

● May be responsible for processing timesheets and payroll.

Additional Positions Encountered in the CCP

Provider Project Manager

● Often found in larger provider staffing plans.

● Acts as lead coordinator for the crisis counseling response at the provider agency and is the main 

POC for the state CCP program manager/director.

● Oversees staffing, training, reporting, and fiscal monitoring for the provider.

● Sometimes serves as a team leader.
CCP ISP Supplemental Instructions15 | Page

Additional Positions Encountered in the CCP

Community Liaison/Resource Linkage Coordinator

● Facilitates entry on behalf of CCP into local communities and works with community 

organizations.

● May serve as a cultural broker and as liaison between the CCP and a cultural group.

● Provides intensive resource linkage for survivors struggling to access disaster relief assistance.

● Networks with community resources to identify referral mechanisms.

● Provides training to crisis counselors and other service providers regarding referral resources and 

mechanisms.

Media/Social Media/Communications Specialist

● Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with representatives of business, 

community, media, public interest, and school groups.

● Writes, edits, and coordinates the design for internal and external CCP publications, the media, 

the internet, social media, marketing collateral, and other related materials.

● Assists in coordination of events, activities, and branding related to the promotion of the CCP.

● Serves as a media liaison for general and routine media inquiries and pitches in conjunction with 

project leadership.

Child Specialist 

● Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with representatives of community, day 

care, faith‐based, and school groups.

● Provides crisis counseling services for children and adolescents, parent education, and 

supportive family services focused on grief and loss.

● Promotes resilience and successful coping techniques using individual, group, and family 

evidence‐based strategies.

● Provides culturally sensitive education and training about the effects of trauma on young 

children and their families.

● Delivers training that includes reactions to disasters, creating safe environments, creating 

classroom communities, and healthy responses to life‐changing events.

Crisis Counseling Hotline Staff

● Provides emotional support in a compassionate and professional manner to individuals calling 

the program call line/hot line.

● Offers information and referrals to community services, using a warm handoff when possible. 

● Returns voicemails and emails from individuals contacting the program.

● Represents the program in the community and networks with other agencies and partners to 

ensure the needs of survivors are met.
CCP ISP Supplemental Instructions16 | Page

Additional Positions Encountered in the CCP

Senior Care Specialist

● Establishes and maintains cooperative relationships with representatives of community 

organizations and programs serving the needs of older adult populations. 

● Provides crisis counseling services for older adults and their families and caregivers.

● Promotes resilience and successful coping techniques using individual and group evidence‐based 

strategies. 

● Provides culturally sensitive education and training about the effects of trauma on older adults 

including reactions to disasters, creating safe environments, and healthy responses to life‐

changing events.

Web/Technology Specialist

● Writes, reviews, edits, and updates digital content for the program website, blogs, and other 

technology communication platforms. 

● Conducts research to stay informed of information and resources important to support and 

inform disaster survivors.

● Analyzes content performance metrics such as views and engagement to inform future content 

strategies. 

● Optimizes content for search engines and social media platforms to increase visibility and reach.

Information Technology Liaison 

● Serves as the first POC for program staff seeking technical assistance with hardware and 

software issues.

● Provides information about basic features and functioning internet browsing, mobile 

applications, and software, especially those items used to support the organization’s business 

functioning.

● Effectively advises and assists staff on appropriate actions. Identifies and escalates situations 

requiring attention.
CCP ISP Supplemental Instructions17 | Page

Appendix C: Tips for Completing SF‐424 and SF‐424a

This tip sheet provides additional information specifically related to Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training 

Program (CCP) applications. Please also refer to the instructions for the SF‐424 (OMB 4040‐004, expiration 

date 11/30/2025) and SF‐424a (OMB 4040‐0006, expiration date 02/28/2025).

Application for Federal Assistance (SF‐424)

Item No. Tip

1 Check “Application.”

2 Check “New.”

3 Leave blank.

4 Leave blank.

5a Leave blank.

5b Leave blank.

6 Leave blank.

7 Leave blank.

8a For the Immediate Services Program (ISP) application, enter the legal name of the applicant 

(the governor’s authorized representative [GAR]) and the organization (the state emergency 

management agency [SEMA]) that will undertake the assistance activity. This is the 

organization that has registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). Information 

on registering with SAM may be obtained by visiting SAM.gov.

8b For the ISP application, the Employer/Taxpayer Identification Number can be obtained from 

the SEMA.

For the Regular Services Program (RSP) application, it can be obtained from the department 

of mental health’s fiscal management office.

8c For the ISP application, the organization’s UEI is to be listed and can be obtained from the 

SEMA. The UEI is a unique 12‐character organization identifier received from SAM. 

Information on registering with SAM may be obtained by visiting the SAM.gov website. 

For the RSP application, the UEI can be obtained from the department of mental health’s 

fiscal management office.

8d Enter the GAR’s complete address here.

8e Enter the GAR’s department and division name here.

8f Typically, the disaster behavioral health coordinator’s contact information is entered here.

9 Only the first line for “Applicant 1” should be filled out. The type of applicant is “A. State 

Government.”
CCP ISP Supplemental Instructions18 | Page

Item No. Tip

10 The federal agency is the “Federal Emergency Management Agency.”

11 For both the ISP and the RSP, states should enter the CFDA number 97.032 and the CFDA title 

“Crisis Counseling.”

For the RSP, SAMHSA Grants Management also requires the SAMHSA CFDA number, 93.982,

and the CFDA title “DHHS Mental Health Disaster Assistance and Emergency Mental Health,” 

to be entered.

12 Per FEMA, leave the Funding Opportunity Number blank.

13 Leave blank.

14 The CCP application must correspond with areas listed in the Presidential disaster 

declaration. Generally, declarations specify counties as geographic units included in the 

declaration, but they may also specify parishes, municipalities, or other large geographic 

areas. Applicants should list declared counties, parishes, or municipalities to be served.

15 This may be listed as “Immediate Services Program (or Regular Services Program)—Crisis 

Counseling Assistance and Training Program,” or, if the state has already titled the project 

(e.g., Project Recovery), that title may be used instead.

16a Enter the two‐letter state abbreviation, followed by “‐all” (e.g., “MD‐all” for an

application from the State of Maryland).

16b This item should specify the state congressional districts included in the geographic units 

identified in item number 14. If the counties, parishes, or municipalities identified are all 

included in one state congressional district, then the code will include the two‐letter state 

abbreviation followed by the number of the congressional district (e.g., CA‐012). If the 

identified geographical area includes more than one congressional district, they should all be 

identified (e.g., NY‐105, NY‐106, NY‐107).

17 The ISP is a 60‐day program that begins on the date of the Presidential disaster declaration 

(day 0). Day 1 is the day after the declaration. Costs incurred to carry out services funded by 

the CCP may be reimbursed from the date of the disaster through the date the ISP 

application is submitted. Note that separate budgets are required for the projected program 

period and the reimbursable period leading up to the submission of the ISP application. For 

example, if the President declares a disaster March 1, the 60‐day ISP program period will 

begin that day, which is day 0. The 60‐day period will end April 30. However, the proposed 

project dates on the SF‐424 would be March 15 (accounting for the 14 days given to 

complete the ISP application) as a start date and April 30 as an end date. The reimbursable 

budget would represent those costs incurred from the date of declaration (or the date of the 

disaster, if prior to the declaration) through March 15. The RSP provides funding for up to 9 

months from the date the RSP is awarded. For example, if the ISP ended on April 30, the 

proposed project dates for the RSP might be May 1 through January 31.

18 The amount of requested federal assistance should be listed on line (a). In‐kind contributions 

should be listed on lines (c) or (d). There should be no program income listed on line (f). The

estimated amounts should be rounded to the nearest dollar.
CCP ISP Supplemental Instructions19 | Page

Item No. Tip

19 Disaster relief grants are exempt from this executive order. Applicants should check box “c.”

20 The state must answer this question in consultation with its fiscal management offices.

21 The signature block must be completed by the GAR or Chief Tribal Executive. No one else 

may sign for the Governor. An SF‐424 signed by anyone else will be returned and may delay 

processing of the application.

Budget Information—Non‐Construction Programs Form (SF‐424a)

Item No. Tip

1a Enter “Crisis Counseling” for the ISP and the RSP.

1b Enter 97.032 for the ISP and both 97.032 and 93.982 for the RSP.
CCP ISP Supplemental Instructions20 | Page

Appendix D: Allowable Crisis Counseling Assistance and Training 

Program (CCP) Services

Brief Educational or Supportive Contact

● Lasts for fewer than 15 minutes.

● Provides basic educational or emotional support to individuals or groups related to disaster 

reactions.

Individual Crisis Counseling

● Lasts for more than 15 minutes.

● Helps disaster survivors understand their situation and reactions, review their options, and 

connect with other individuals and agencies that may assist them.

● Includes working with an individual or family unit.

● Involves active listening by staff, who provide emotional support, identify and teach coping skills 

and stress management techniques, and help prioritize needs for the survivors.

Group Crisis Counseling

● Provides group members with emotional support and helps them to understand their situation 

and reactions and to review their options.

● May involve group activities, which must be appropriate to the age category and may be on 

emotional or practical concerns.

● Assists group members by referring them to other services and provides them with skills to 

cope with their situation and reactions.

● Involves situations in which group members do most of the talking.

Public Education

● Provides general educational information to survivors on disaster services available and key 

concepts of disaster behavioral health (DBH). 

● May involve such common activities as public speaking at community forums, in‐service group 

meetings, and local government meetings.

● Involves situations in which a crisis counselor does most of the talking and is presenting 

information.

Assessment, Referral, and Resource Linkage

● Assessment determines the need for referral to additional services, such as disaster relief or 

traditional mental health or substance use treatment.

● Referral directs survivors to formal mental health or substance use treatment if they are 

experiencing severe reactions.

● Referral may also direct survivors to other disaster relief resources that meet a wide range of 

physical, structural, or economic needs.

● Resource linkage connects disaster survivors with health and behavioral health services, disaster 

recovery resources, and tangible goods.
CCP ISP Supplemental Instructions21 | Page

Community Networking and Support

● Networking allows for stronger community coalitions to promote recovery and access to 

services. 

● Crisis counselors may be available at community events to provide a compassionate presence 

and crisis counseling services.

● These services involve coordinating with school personnel, community centers, community 

leaders, and/or faith‐based organizations in order to provide crisis counseling services.

Distribution of Educational Materials

● Typically includes flyers, brochures, tip sheets, guidance documents, or website content.

● Includes topics such as basic disaster information, key concepts of disaster behavioral health, 

disaster reactions and coping skills, and individual or community recovery or resilience.

● Should include materials that address the needs of special populations and are available in 

multiple languages.

● Does not include data collection tools, such as the Participant Feedback Survey and Provider 

Feedback Survey forms.

Media and Public Service Announcements

● This category of services refers to activities and public messaging conducted in partnership with 

media, state and local governments, charitable organizations, or other community brokers of 

information.

● Activities and messaging are designed to reach a large number of people in order to promote 

access to CCP services or to provide basic information concerning disaster, key concepts of 

disaster behavioral health, disaster reactions and coping skills, and individual or community 

recovery and resilience.

● Venues for this messaging are varied and might include media interviews with CCP 

spokespeople, television or radio public service announcements, use of websites or email, 

advertising, and social media such as Facebook and Twitter.