Bend Group Expands Access to Trauma Care
Local psychologists formed the Bend Resilience Project after an Oct. 15 school shooting to connect residents with specialized trauma support.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Mental Health
Local psychologists formed the volunteer-led Bend Resilience Project less than 24 hours after the Oct. 15 shooting at Silver Rail Elementary. The group is working to improve access to specialized trauma support in Central Oregon.
Why it matters
The group was formed because there is no established roadmap for responding to such events, and local psychologists felt called to step up. Its efforts aim to expand the number of clinicians trained in evidence-based trauma treatment in the region.
The group's directory lists 60 local licensed trauma therapists, and its upcoming two-day course can train up to 60 mental health professionals. It is not yet clear how many of these clinicians will be reached or when the planned school-based interventions will start.
The players
Bend Resilience Project
A volunteer-led group of local psychologists formed after the Oct. 15 shooting to expand access to evidence-based trauma care in Central Oregon.
Ashley Niemeyer
A Bend psychologist who said the group may begin coordinating school-based group interventions for elementary school children.
Central Oregon Association of Psychologists
A regional professional association of psychologists with which the Bend Resilience Project is working on its response efforts.
The details
The Bend Resilience Project offers free educational talks, online resources on common trauma reactions, and training for mental health professionals with national trauma response experts. A trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy course is scheduled for Dec. 4 and 5 at Central Oregon Community College.
Timeline
Oct. 15: Shooting at Silver Rail Elementary
Less than 24 hours later: Bend Resilience Project formed by local psychologists
Dec. 4 and 5, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Two-day trauma-focused CBT course
Health Landscape
The Bend effort applies evidence-based trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, a treatment developed and refined by national trauma response experts, at the local community level. It reflects a broader shift toward training regional clinicians to deliver established trauma treatments rather than relying solely on outside responders.
Residents seeking trauma support can use the group's directory of 60 local licensed trauma therapists and its free online resources on common trauma reactions. The group also notes guidance on when to seek professional help.
The takeaway
Recognizing common trauma reactions and knowing when to seek professional help are practical first steps for anyone affected by a traumatic event. Free educational resources from local providers can help residents identify when additional support is needed.
What happens next
A two-day trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy course for up to 60 local mental health professionals is scheduled for Dec. 4 and 5 at Central Oregon Community College.
Further reading
For related coverage, see Mental Health reporting on local access to trauma treatment.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Bulletin.
