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There is Hope on the Horizon

Resources

The resources provided here are updated frequently however ocasionally the links get changed or sites go dark or for whatever reason the link no longer connects with the listed site. Should you discover one of these please drop us a note here with a brief description of the issue encountered and we'll look into it. Thank you for visiting.

Copline:

24-hour hotline for law enforcement only answered by retired officers trained to be peer listeners and provide support for law enforcement officers and their families at 800-267-5463.
Call: 800-267-5463

Crisis Text Line:

24/7 counseling support for first responders who are struggling with a mental health crisis.
Text “BADGE” to 741741

Frontline Helpline: 

Staff of former first responders who offer support for first responders and their family members affected by their traumatic experiences.
Call: 866-676-7500.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

Network of local crisis centers that provides emotional support to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7.
Call: 800-273-8255

SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline:

Those experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters can call or text the 24/7, 365-day-a-year support line.
Call: 800-985-5990

Emergency Responders: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Strategies for coping before, during and after working during crisis situations. strategies for coping before, during and after working during crisis situations.
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First Responder Mental Health and Wellness, KaiserPermanente.org:

Advice for employers on how to address mental health and first responders.
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First Responders: Behavioral Health Concerns, Emergency Response, and Trauma, SAMHSA (PDF, 269 KB):

Report on the behavioral health risks and intervention needs of police and firefighters.
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First Responders Trauma and Suicide, Centre for Suicide Prevention:

Ways to recognize, prevent and address PTSD with a specific example of peer support in action.
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Mental Health Fact Sheet – First Responders, Veterans Affairs (PDF, 1 MB):

List of places that support first responders with meals, yoga therapy, comfort dogs and other needs.
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Suicide Prevention for Healthcare Professionals, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:

Hub for information on an online interactive screening program, including crisis help and support after a suicide loss.
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Supporting Mental Health in First Responders: Recommended Practices, BCFirstRespondersMentalHealth (PDF, 202 KB):

Workplace campaigns and strategies for education, intervention and treatment to address mental health.
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The Vicarious Trauma Toolkit, Office of Justice Programs, Department of Justice:

Tools and resources for first responders, those in the fields of victim services and other allied professionals.
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EMS Resilience:

Depression, PTSD and Suicide Prevention, EMS1: effects of the association between resilience and mental health.
Read Article

Addressing Suicide Among First Responders:

How Colleagues, Friends, and Family Can Help, Counseling@Northwestern: suggestions for what to do about the serious mental health issues first responders can face.
Read Article

America’s First Responders’ Struggle With PTSD and Depression, EMS1:

List of PTSD symptoms and warning about asking questions that can be triggering.
Read Article

EMS Resilience:

Depression, PTSD and Suicide Prevention, EMS1: effects of the association between resilience and mental health.
Read Article

Fire Departments Step Up Their Mental Health Game, American Psychological Association:

Initiatives that embrace peer support programs.
Read Article

Putting First Responders’ Mental Health on the Front Lines, Counseling Today:

Understanding first responders’ unique counseling needs.
Read Article

Trauma and First Responders:

When the Helpers Need Help, Psychology Today: importance of addressing PTSD and the stigma of getting help.
Read Article

First Responder Resilience: Caring for Public Servants, by Tania Glenn:

Guidance from a licensed clinician who helps first responders deal with burnout, PTSD and other mental health problems.
Get Book

Treating PTSD in First Responders: A Guide for Serving Those Who Serve, by Richard A. Bryant:

Publication that examines PTSD in first responders and the complicating factors, which include organizational stressors.
Get Book

EMS Resilience:

Depression, PTSD and Suicide Prevention, EMS1: effects of the association between resilience and mental health.
Read Article

Behavioral Health – First Responder Center for Excellence:

Curated videos, articles and presentations to help improve the physical and psychological health of first responders.
Learn More

The Code Green Campaign:

Organization that works to educate first responders on self care, peer care and advocate for systemic change in how mental health issues are addressed by their agencies.
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COVID-19 – Frontline Workers, Mental Health America (MHA):

Online mental health screening and information on coping strategies to address stress and anxiety to prevent burnout.
Learn More

Crisis Support Resources for Emergency Responders, Disaster Responder Assets Network (DRAN):

One-stop shop listing organizations and crisis lines for first responders and health care workers.
Learn More

Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance:

Organization that offers behavioral health workshops to fire departments, EMS and dispatch organizations, focusing on behavioral health awareness with a strong emphasis on suicide prevention.
Learn More

Supporting Mental Health in First Responders: Recommended Practices, First Responder Support Network::

Collaboration of emergency service peers and family members, mental health clinicians, and chaplains who volunteer to offer intensive retreats and ongoing support.
Learn More

EMS Resilience:

Depression, PTSD and Suicide Prevention, EMS1: effects of the association between resilience and mental health.
Read Article

Additional Resources

Help for Fire

Help For Fire specializes in providing psychological services for Firefighters, offering dedicated support to cope with the trauma and stress they endure. If you or a Firefighter you know needs assistance, call Help For Fire today for compassionate and personalized care. Their expert help empowers Firefighters to lead healthier and more resilient lives as they navigate the emotional challenges of their profession.

Help for Police

Help For Police offers specialized psychological services for law enforcement and public safety professionals. Their dedicated team provides comprehensive support to cope with the unique stress and trauma of their critical roles. If you are a police officer or public safety professional in need of expert assistance, Help For Police is here to offer compassionate care and support.

The Wounded Blue

At The Wounded Blue, their mission to improve the lives of injured officers comes to life through the strategic S.E.A.L. (Support, Assistance, Education, & Legislative Action) approach. With intentional efforts and a focus on meaningful change, they provide unwavering support, valuable assistance, and essential education to those who have sacrificed for the greater good. Their dedication to advocating for injured officers ensures they receive the care they deserve, transforming lives through their intentional endeavors. If an injured officer or someone they know needs help, The Wounded Blue encourages reaching out to them for support and empowerment on their journey toward recovery and renewal.

Next Rung

Next Rung exists to impact the lives of firefighters and first responders positively. Their mission is to combat mental health issues in the profession by providing high-quality resources and dedicated support. They are committed to helping those who selflessly protect and serve our communities, ensuring they have the resources they need for improved mental well-being. At Next Rung, they are here to help and support you on your journey.
nextrung.org
Call: 678-783-3686 (office)
Resources For Professional Counseling: (Text COUNSELING To 1.833.698.7864)
Resources for Professional Treatment Against Addiction: (Text TREATMENT to 1.833.698.7864)
There is Hope on the Horizon
Get In Touch

At Recovery First Treatment Centers, located in the beautiful Palm Springs area, we understand the unique challenges faced by first responders dealing with dual diagnosis. If you or a loved one is in need of support, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Give us a call at 866-993-4778, or fill out our online form to get more information, or to verify insurance and schedule a consultation with one of our qualified professionals. We are here to help and are dedicated to providing the highest level of care for our first responder community.

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