Mental Health providers play a crucial role in responding to survivors following catastrophic natural disasters. However, prolonged exposure to traumatized communities and difficult conditions can lead to vicarious trauma, burnout and compassion fatigue. Unfortunately, there is a significant gap in the understanding of the risk and protective factors involved. There are a number of theories that could increase our understanding of how mental health professionals cope while working in such extreme conditions. Self Determination Theory (SDT) looks at coping from a personality trait perspective. SDT emphasizes that when individuals believe in their competence (self-efficacy) and are intrinsically motivated, they are more likely to pursue and demonstrate desired outcomes, increased resilience and well-being. The Transactional Theory of Stress and Coping however, highlights stress as a product of a transaction between a person and their environment. How the individual appraises their encounter with the environment determines how they will cope. Interviews with mental health providers deployed following the Turkish earthquakes in 2023 will be conducted to obtain relevant data. Based on these findings, the present study will seek to develop a guide designed to identify and strengthen protective factors and promote coping in mental health providers wanting to work in affected communities. Effectiveness will be evaluated to determine its potential impact on the well-being of mental health providers working with survivors. This guide will contribute to the preparedness and resilience of communities and act as part of the emergency response cycle in effective disaster response procedures.