On August 1, 2026, a shooting at a Twin Falls restaurant took three lives and injured seven others. In the days since, many in our community, whether you were there, know someone who was, or simply live and work nearby, are carrying a heaviness that’s hard to put into words. If you’re feeling on edge, unable to relax in public places, or just not yourself, you’re not alone, and what you’re feeling has a name.
At Valiant Mental Health, we want Twin Falls residents, along with the first responders and law enforcement who ran toward danger that day, to know that support is available, and reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.
What’s Normal Right Now
In the immediate aftermath of a traumatic community event, it’s common to experience:
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Feeling on edge, easily startled, or hypervigilant in public spaces
- Avoiding restaurants, crowds, or places that remind you of the event
- Intrusive thoughts or images related to what happened
- Numbness, irritability, or a sense of unreality
For most people, these reactions ease with time, rest, and support from others. For some, they persist and begin to interfere with daily life, which is when professional support can make a real difference.
When It Becomes More Than a Passing Reaction
Per the DSM-5, symptoms that are severe and persist within the first month may meet criteria for Acute Stress Disorder. When similar symptoms continue beyond a month, and involve persistent re-experiencing, avoidance, and hyperarousal, it may become Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Both are recognized, treatable conditions, not a sign of personal weakness.
Support for the Broader Community
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one of the most well-supported approaches for processing a traumatic event, reducing avoidance, and rebuilding a sense of safety, without minimizing what happened. Learn more about our counseling and therapy services.
Medication, When It’s Needed
Medication isn’t usually the first step for acute reactions in the first days or weeks. When anxiety, sleep disruption, or hyperarousal persist and interfere with daily functioning, medication can be a helpful part of a broader treatment plan. Learn more about our approach to medication management.
A Note for First Responders and Law Enforcement
Officers, EMS, hospital staff, and the civilians who acted that day carry a different kind of exposure than the broader community. First responder culture often emphasizes pushing through and moving on to the next call, but occupational trauma is cumulative, and it adds up over a career, not just after one incident.
If you responded to this event, or have carried the weight of similar calls before it, we want you to know that seeking support is not a career risk or a sign of weakness. It’s a way of making sure you can keep doing the work you’ve chosen to do, for as long as you want to do it.
Telepsychiatry for Twin Falls and the Magic Valley
Our telepsychiatry services let Twin Falls residents and first responders access evaluation and ongoing care from home, without adding another obligation to an already difficult time.
When Is It Time to Reach Out?
Consider reaching out if:
- You’re avoiding places or situations that didn’t bother you before
- Sleep, concentration, or daily functioning has been disrupted for more than a few weeks
- Intrusive thoughts or images are hard to shake
- You responded to the event professionally and haven’t had space to process it
Crisis and Immediate Support Resources
If you or someone you know is in crisis, these resources are available right now:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988, available 24/7
- Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741
Why Choose Valiant Mental Health
- Trauma-informed, evidence-based care for the community and first responders
- Individualized treatment plans, not one-size-fits-all programs
- Convenient telepsychiatry for Twin Falls and the Magic Valley region
- A collaborative approach — you’re part of every decision
Learn more about our team here.
Frequently Asked Questions
I wasn’t at the restaurant. Is it normal to still feel affected?
Yes. Community-wide trauma affects people who weren’t physically present, especially in a smaller city where the event feels close to home. You don’t need to have been there to be impacted.
How long do these reactions typically last?
For many people, acute symptoms ease within a few weeks with rest, support, and time. When symptoms persist beyond a month or significantly interfere with daily life, professional support can help.
Do I need medication?
Not necessarily. Many people recover with therapy and support alone. Medication becomes appropriate when symptoms are more severe or persistent, and it’s always a collaborative decision.
Do you accept insurance?
Learn more on our insurance page.
Take the First Step
Whatever you’re carrying right now, you don’t have to carry it alone.
Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward feeling like yourself again.