CLINICAL
RESOURCES
IT’S OK TO ASK FOR HELP
The resources on this website have been recommended by a member of the California fire service as a resource for their peers. Their listing on this website is not an endorsement. The California Fire Service Task Force on Behavioral Health, its members or its partnering organizations do not endorse any person, organization, activity, product or service.
WHERE TO GO TO FIND HELP
CRISIS LINES
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - 988
The national suicide hotline. Not first responder specific, but they can talk to anyone who needs help.
Safe Call Now - 1-206-459-3020
A 24/7 help line staffed by first responders for first responders and their family members. They can assist with treatment options for responders who are suffering from mental health, substance abuse and other personal issues.
Fire/EMS Helpline - 1-888-731-3473
Also known as Share the Load. A program run by the National Volunteer Fire Council. They have a help line, text-based help services, and have a collection of resources for people looking for help and support.
Frontline Helpline - 1-866-676-7500
Run by Frontline Responder Services. Offer 24/7 coverage with first responder call-takers.
Firefighter/ Family Crisis and Support Line: 844-525-FIRE (3473)
A 24/7 hotline for firefighters and family members and to speak with mental health counselors who are trained in fire service culture.
NATIONAL PROGRAMS
Firestrong.org — an online clearinghouse of information about firefighter post-traumatic stress, along with links to peer support resources offered by dozens of individual fire departments.
Local peer support programs — More and more individual departments and local unions are bringing peer support into the firehouse. Best resource is to contact your local union. We're compiling a list and will update with additional local information as it becomes available.
Significant Others and Spouses — Program from the First Responder Support Network aimed at helping family members of firefighters deal with family disruptions and issues arising from the stresses of the job.
The Sage Project by Shift Wellness - First Responder Spouse Retreat — Retreat provides insight, education, connection, wellness, and support as we explore the costs and rewards of being the spouse/partner of a First Responder.
IAFF Center for Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery — Comprehensive in-patient recovery center exclusively geared to firefighters. Treatment of substance abuse, post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI), depression and other psychological injuries linked to the job.
(READ: "Firefighters helping others learn to help themselves" -- Washington Post)
West Coast Post-Trauma Retreat — Recovery center geared toward firefighters and law enforcement. Small-group treatment with intensive debrief and counseling, driven by peer support and geared toward needs of first responders.
Public Safety Professionals Retreat — Intensive outpatient retreat that provides first responders the opportunity to learn and practice new coping skills while improving personal and professional relationships. RHR focuses on substance abuse, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, sleep disturbances, and other stress - and trauma-related symptoms.
First Responder Wellness - by Simple — Simple Recovery offers First Responders trauma-informed substance abuse and co-occurring mental health treatment designed with the help of First Responder organizations, respected addiction and mental health professionals, and strategic community partners.
Save a Warrior — SAW is a nationally recognized program, offering novel, judgement-free solutions to returning Veterans, Active Duty Service Members and First Responders with Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS).
Alvarado Parkway Institute — Center for Mental Health and Addictive Disorders offers hospital and outpatient services and is expanding to include residential treatment, home health, counseling, and pharmacy services.
First Responders First — Provide top-quality medical, psychological and emotional care in a safe confidential environment. This is a state-of-the-art substance and alcohol abuse treatment program created exclusively to serve First Responders
REGIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES
MAKE MENTAL HEALTH A PRIORITY
No matter how tough, no one is immune to the anguish that can build from a career of difficult calls.
All too often, we keep the anguish buried inside, afraid to be labeled as weak or unfit. "The 'suck it up, buttercup' mentality believes ... all you need to do is rub some dirt in it and get back out there." The thing is, the same line was used against SCBA, seat belts, turnouts and other safety equipment and practices that are saving firefighter lives. As with any injury, allowing this anguish to fester can lead to unhealthy habits, behaviors, and, sometimes, death. Mental health is medical health.