Cases of quake-related stress will worsen in coming weeks, warns Canterbury Charity Hospital Trust chairman Philip Bagshaw.
The charity hospital is offering counselling using 21 volunteer counsellors and clinical psychologists, one of whom has travelled from Australia.
Mr Bagshaw says people react to traumatic events such as an earthquake in a variety of ways, including depression, anger, withdrawal and lethargy.
He says people who feel they need counselling should contact their family doctor first for a referral.
If they cannot get in touch with their GP, they can call the hospital directly on 03 360 2266.
