Mental Health: As thousands of homes have been destroyed and the Palisades Fire continues to rage across Southern California, people will face not only the immediate physical devastation but also the lasting psychological toll on affected communities.

With over 17,000 acres scorched, the human cost of this disaster goes far beyond the tangible destruction.

Studies have shown that wildfires can have both short and long-term effects on mental health and anxiety. 

Amir Afkhami is a psychiatry expert at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health. His work focuses on psychiatric services and education, behavioral health policy and the mental health consequences of conflict. He is available to provide insight on the mental health impact of wildfires and the lasting toll. Newswise/SP