First Responder Services
The positive impact of First Responders is immeasurable. They are exposed to significantly more traumatic experiences than the average person, negatively impacting their physical and mental health. This often leads to PTSD, depression, and unfortunately suicidal impulses. Metro Boston CIT-TTAC aims to raise awareness by bringing in partners and appropriate resources that can provide ongoing, long-term services. We hope to equip First Responders with tools to build upon their resiliency.
Below is a list of programs that provide support to police, active military and other first responders who endure unique on-duty and personal stresses and also understand the many obstacles in seeking help.
Somerville Police Department and Acton Police Department Peer Support Team hold up their Miranda Rights Mental Health Banner created by Officer David Betz of the Tufts University Police Department. Contact sozit@police.somerville.ma.us to learn more about how you can obtain one for your department.
L.E.A.D.E.R Program
McLean Hospital understands that police, active military and other first responders endure unique on-duty and personal stresses, and also face many obstacles in seeking help. The LEADER (Law Enforcement, Active Duty, Emergency Responder) program at McLean Hospital provides specialized mental health and addiction services, designed specifically for men and women in uniform. McLean offers a number of care options, including inpatient, residential, partial hospital and outpatient programs. For more information or to make a referral, please call 617.855.3141.
F.R.S.T
Westborough's First Responder Specialized Treatment Program (F.R.S.T) program specifically caters to the first responder population. Clinicians have an understanding of first responder culture through previous work experiences. Using a combination of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and critical incident stress management skills, they help First Responders to cope with stress management and trauma related to the job as well as personal/home life stressors and mental health issues without judgment or stigma. Call 508-329-6412
On-Site Academy
The goal of the On-Site Academy is to lessen the impact of critical incident stress event or events, and to accelerate recovery. Providing short term, intensive residential treatment center for rescue personnel who may be temporarily overwhelmed by the stress of their job, suffering from work-related cumulative or delayed critical incident stress or experiencing an acute, transient reaction to a critical incident, On-Site Academy is dedicated to maintaining the health, safety and well being of rescue personnel and their families, and to helping restore them to service in their chosen field, as soon as they are able. Call 978-874-0177
Counseling Services of Greater Boston
First Responder Counseling is a specialized treatment approach that focuses on the unique stressors experienced by law enforcement, firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical technicians (EMT’s). Their team of counselors has training that allows them to understand the pressures and dynamics of working in crisis and the impact of prolonged exposure to continuous high stress. All appointments are virtual. If you have any questions please email them at info@csgboston.com
Rollins Counseling Center
We specialize in providing confidential support to emergency responders and public safety personnel. Services available include EMDR, EMDR Intensives and Performance Enhancement. Call 978-999-2165
Resilience Behavioral Health
Resilience Behavioral Health understands the unique challenges faced by first responders in Massachusetts and their dedicated team is committed to providing tailored services that address first responders’ specific mental health needs. Focusing on creating a supportive and understanding environment, they offer a range of evidence-based therapies and resources designed to promote resilience, foster healing, and empower individuals to thrive personally and professionally.
First Responder Therapy Dogs
First Responder Therapy Dogs aims to addresses the mental health needs of first responders by providing emotional support with the use of trained therapy dogs. From firefighters to paramedics, dispatch centers, law enforcement, and search and rescue personnel, our therapy dogs provide the emotional support they need to navigate these intense experiences. With more than 500 certified therapy dogs, spanning 46 states, their goal is to provide this free service to as many first responders across the country as possible. Call 415-250-8107
24/7 Support Lines
Copline offers a confidential 24/7 hotline answered by retired law enforcement officers who provide assistance for fellow First Responders dealing with various stressors encountered both on and off the job: 800-267-5463
Safe Call Now is a confidential 24/7 crisis referral service specifically designed to help public safety employees, emergency services personnel, medical professionals, and their family members nationwide. All of Safe Call Now PEER Advocates are current or former first responders with a passion for helping those they serve alongside. Call: 206-459-3020
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 English and Spanish phone or text: 988 or 1-800-273-8255
Veterans Crisis Line for Veterans in crisis and their families and friends, including Veterans not registered with the VA. Dial 988 or 800.273.8255 and Press 1 to talk to someone, or text 838255; Chat Online
Resilience and Wellness Training
Eagle Eye Consulting & Training
Eagle Eye Consulting & Training offers specialized workshops and training programs tailors to the unique needs of military, veteran, first responder, corrections, healthcare, and other high-risk service sectors. These programs equip organizations and professionals with the knowledge and understanding needed to provide exceptional support and care. Their goal is to empower those who serve these dedicated communities with the tools and insights necessary to address the unique challenges faced by military personnel, veterans, first responders and health care workers, ensuring they receive the best possible services.
5-0 Mental Health
At 5-0 Mental Health their mission is to collaborate with law enforcement/mental health stakeholders to develop a comprehensive approach to address organizational needs. By cultivating stronger law enforcement support systems through family education and training we are able to provide the knowledge and tools to better support loved ones and build a more resilient, communicative, and effective team. . Culturally competent individual therapy is also available.
Social Media
Hope Beyond the Badge is a Podcast that brings Awareness, Inspiration and Conversation together for First Responders, Families and others interested in Mental Well-Being in First Response. Listen to their Podcast HERE
First Responder Wellness Podcast with Conrad Weaver dives deep into the mental health, resilience, and leadership challenges faced by first responders. Through engaging conversations with police, fire, EMS, dispatch, and wellness experts, this show delivers actionable leadership and wellness solutions, plus real-world strategies to help first responder leaders build healthier, more resilient teams.
Each episode highlights stories of courage, lessons in leadership, and tools for personal and organizational wellness. Whether you’re a chief, frontline responder, or wellness advocate, this podcast equips you with the insights and inspiration to lead well, live healthier, and strengthen the culture of your agency. Listen to their Podcast HERE
PTSD911 this documentary uses personal accounts to shed light on the profound trauma and hidden tolls of First Responders. More importantly however, it highlights the possibility of hope and healing. View the trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRq6rOy6qLM