For an 8-year-old earthquake victim presenting with night terrors and flashbacks, what intervention is appropriate?

Referring the child to a clinical psychologist is appropriate in this scenario because the symptoms of night terrors and flashbacks indicate the child is experiencing significant emotional distress likely related to trauma from the earthquake. A clinical psychologist specializes in treating such psychological issues, particularly trauma-related disorders in children, and can provide evidence-based therapeutic interventions suitable for their developmental stage. This professional support is crucial for helping the child process the traumatic event, develop coping strategies, and work through their feelings in a safe environment.

While other options may also offer some level of support, they do not address the need for specialized intervention. For example, administering a sedative does not tackle the root cause of the distress and may not be appropriate for long-term management of trauma symptoms. Providing parental support during sleep can be beneficial, but it is more of a short-term solution and does not replace the need for professional psychological intervention. Encouraging play therapy could be useful, but it should be considered part of a broader therapeutic approach led by a qualified mental health professional rather than a standalone recommendation for trauma.