Counseling for First Responders

You’ve seen things that most people never have to see. You try to leave work at work but that’s getting harder to do. Maybe a loved one tells you that even when you are physically present, you still aren’t there emotionally. And maybe that’s causing problems. Between shift work, long hours, critical incidents, departmental politics, and the ever-growing focus of public attention and criticism – it’s all adding up to burnout and disillusionment from a job you once loved. 

Compared to the general population, the rates of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts are higher amongst first responders. More officers die from suicide than in the line of duty and even in the smallest departments, the rate of suicide is four times the national average. 

You think about seeing a professional but worry about privacy and whether it will affect your career (For more on this, please read the article at the bottom of this page, “Six Myths that Stop Cops from Getting Counseling.”) Or, maybe you think that no one can understand if they haven’t “been there, done that” themselves. We get it. We get you. 

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Here’s how Integrity Psychological Services Helps First Responders:

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Integrity Psychological Services specializes in providing police officers and other first responders with highly effective treatment that’s specifically geared to the types of issues that first responders face. We understand police culture and its challenges. 

We specialize in the use of evidence-backed counseling solutions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR for trauma and related mental health issues. These are the gold-standard treatments and are shown in research studies to provide excellent outcomes in a relatively short period of time. 

If you suspect that you might be dealing with the aftereffects of trauma and/or are noticing any of the following problems, it may benefit you to consult with a licensed mental health professional who specializes in treating first responders:



 

•  Feeling triggered by places, time of day, certain smells or noises.

• Having dreams/nightmares about the event or having very vivid mental images.

• You’re having trouble concentrating, sleeping, or are feeling jumpy “for no reason.” 

• You’re avoiding situations/people/places that remind you of the trauma.

• You’re struggling with an inner dialogue that is full of guilt or shame (eg. “I should have fought harder.”)

• You find yourself feeling more down or helpless or are crying more often.

• You find that plans for the future don’t seem to matter anymore.

• You struggle with thoughts that you are to blame.

• You struggle with thoughts that the world is very dangerous.

• You notice that you’re drinking more because of your traumatic experience.



Most of our clients report a significant relief of symptoms and improvement within just one to three sessions (but a complete course of treatment is generally between 8 to 16 sessions.) 

Call or send us an email today so that we can match you with one of our therapists who specializes in working with first responders. We can help!