First Responder Program
We treat the injuries others don't see
Law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, 911 operators, corrections officers, emergency room personnel, and other first responders are at increased risk of developing emotional challenges as they put themselves on the front lines of responding to crises and emergencies regularly. Managing stress, trauma, loss, and violence are typically part of the job. Unfortunately, science shows that repeated exposure to highly stressful and traumatic situations impacts mental health and wellbeing in complex ways.
Our clinic is committed to working with First Responders to foster a compassionate and healing environment for those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving. The goal of this treatment is symptom relief so that clients can rebuild their lives and establish a sense of security.
Components of treatment for First Responders includes:
- Treatment provided by skilled clinicians. Therapeutic focus on clinically supported trauma interventions and approaches that help first responders heal.
Treatment methods can include Prolonged Exposure (PE), Eye Movement
Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Cognitive
Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Appropriateness of treatment intervention
varies depending on client presentation.
- Programs that support resilience, and early identification of mental health challenges in organizations in a variety of First Responder Programs and Specialized assessment
Prevention and Resiliency Training
We are seeing an increasing trend of new first responders wishing to establish a relationship with a clinician and build psychological resilience PRIOR to trauma. Prevention and resiliency training for new members in a first responding profession increases the likelihood that they will seek help early in crisis, which betters outcomes. Resiliency training supports members in realistically anticipating challenges within their new career. In addition, they have a plan to manage potential post-traumatic stress injuries by using strategies from crisis management. An area of focus is also placed on how to effectively parent and partner while working in these professions.
Psychological Consultation and program development support
The trauma team at Psychology Matters are available for consultation to peer support programs, program development and executive coaching.Our familiarity with complex trauma treatment interventions, and mental health distribution models provides us with a unique perspectives in how to support the specific issues encountered with first responder work.