Twenty years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the U.S. Gulf Coast, the region continues to navigate profound mental health impacts. Research consistently highlights that psychological consequences—including depression, PTSD, and pervasive anxiety—are among the most severe, pervasive, and enduring outcomes of climate disasters. Yet, narratives of post-traumatic growth and community resilience have emerged, offering vital insights into adaptation and recovery. This panel adopts an interdisciplinary, population health perspective, spotlighting the disproportionate mental health burdens on vulnerable populations and amplifying diverse lived experiences. By integrating firsthand community accounts, local responder perspectives, longitudinal research insights, and expertise from climate scientists, this session will explore comprehensive mental health outcomes and resilience strategies from the past two decades. Discussions will leverage Katrina's lessons to fortify vulnerable communities nationwide, illuminating pathways toward healing, resilience, and proactive preparation for future climate challenges.