Mental Health Counseling for First Responders

State-of-the-Art Mental Health Treatments in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

You put your health, safety, and life on the line every day to help others. What you see and experience on the job can take a toll on your mental health. NeuroHealth Treatment Centers is proud to offer counseling for first responders, as well as transformative treatment options for a variety of mental health challenges.

First responders have very high rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These issues are often compounded by irregular sleep schedules, social isolation, and unrelenting exposure to high-stress (and sometimes disturbing) situations. Sadly, first responder culture’s emphasis on strength and courage often makes reaching out for help seem like a sign of weakness.

At NeuroHealth Treatment Centers, we recognize and honor the sacrifices of these brave men and women by breaking through the stigma surrounding mental health care in the first responder community. The first step is a comprehensive mental health assessment that allows us to help you find individualized solutions for improving your mental health and overall well-being.

Our team provides first responders counseling in Fort Lauderdale and throughout South Florida. Call 954-417-7575 today for a FREE consultation. Any information you share with us will be held in the strictest confidence.

Why Counseling for First Responders Is So Important

To the general public, first responders might seem superhuman. Firefighters, paramedics and EMTs, and police officers seem to have an uncanny ability to set fear aside and run toward danger without hesitation.

You might see people on the worst day of their lives, whether it’s an auto accident, a medical emergency, or in the middle or in the aftermath of a crime. Extensive training helps you know what to do to help them, but your training probably didn’t cover how to process these events. This can lead to feelings of sadness, anger, and alienation.

First responders counseling is vital for helping this population cope with occupational trauma. The statistics are very clear on what happens when first responders don’t get the support they need:

• Globally, 1 in 7 first responders is suspected to have PTSD as a result of their regular duties (Clinical Psychology Review).
• Approximately 15% of emergency first responders develop depressive symptoms, while 10%–15% struggle with anxiety (Occupational Medicine).
• One study found that approximately 40% of first responders who sought counseling during the COVID-19 pandemic screened positive for a possible substance use disorder (The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse).
• Rates of suicidal ideation are nearly 10 times higher among first responders than the general population (Psychiatric Times).

You are a unique person, not a statistic. The first job of our clinical staff is to listen to your story and learn how we can treat you effectively. From there, we work with you to design a custom treatment plan based on your particular needs and goals.

Early intervention is essential for preventing a psychological issue from spiraling out of control. Timely counseling for first responders can not only improve your mental health but help you protect your relationships, rediscover purpose and satisfaction in your career, and avoid substance abuse and other dangerous activities.

What Are the Mental Health Issues of First Responders?

Led by Medical Director Dr. Regina Carney, NeuroHealth Treatment Centers provides counseling services and cutting-edge treatment options. We are fully equipped to help first responders suffering from occupational stress, traumatic incidents, and burnout.

Common mental health complaints among first responders include:

Depression

It is important to distinguish between temporary feelings of sadness after a traumatic event and chronic depressive symptoms. Signs of depressive disorder may include:

• Persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Loss of interest or pleasure in favorite activities
• Irritability
• Withdrawal from family and friends
• Fatigue and low energy
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Changes in weight without altering your diet
• Headaches, stomach pain, muscle aches, and other physical complaints
• Excess alcohol consumption or use of drugs
• Thoughts of death or suicide

Anxiety

Stress can make anyone feel anxious. The difference for first responders is that they are exposed to some of the most stressful situations imaginable on a regular basis. Constantly dealing with matters of life and death can lead to feelings well beyond “traditional” anxiety:

• Hypervigilance (i.e., always anticipating danger)
• Restlessness and difficulty relaxing
• Avoidance of triggers
• Irritability and short temper
• Difficulty focusing in high-pressure situations
• Sleep disturbances
• Physical and mental fatigue
• Headaches
• Muscle tension with no obvious cause
• Racing heart and shortness of breath
• Gastrointestinal distress

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

First responders and military personnel are regularly exposed to trauma in the course of their duties. Repeat exposure to stressful and traumatic events can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Intrusive memories or flashbacks of traumatic calls
• Fight-or-flight sensation when recalling these events
• Being easily startled
• Avoidance of people and places associated with the trauma
• Feeling numb
• Emotional detachment from family, friends, and coworkers
• Anger, irritability, and outbursts
• Hypervigilance
• Trouble concentrating, especially under pressure
• Reckless or self-destructive behavior

Substance Use

Many first responders turn to alcohol and drugs in an effort to cope with the constant pressure, irregular hours, and trauma of their jobs. Sadly, what might seem like an escape at first can develop into dependency or full-blown addiction.

Signs of substance abuse include increasing reliance on alcohol or drugs to feel relaxed, difficulty cutting back, and preoccupation with drinking or drug use. On-the-job errors and a decline in work performance may also be associated with substance abuse.

Suicidality

Thoughts of death or suicide should always be taken seriously. Long hours on duty, repeat exposure to trauma, and a culture that discourages asking for help put first responders at greater risk for suicidal thoughts and, potentially, suicide attempts.

Dial 988 if you are in the midst of a crisis. For help and resources closer to home, 211 Broward provides suicide and crisis services to people in and around Fort Lauderdale.

You are not alone if you are struggling and need help. Our personalized counseling for first responders offers a one-of-a-kind patient experience.

Whether you have received counseling and mental health support before or not, you will be surprised by the individual attention and compassionate care we provide at NeuroHealth Treatment Centers. Contact us today for a FREE consultation.

Personalized Treatments, Backed by Science

We specialize in innovative, non-invasive treatments that offer real hope:

Psychiatric Evaluations

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TMS Therapy (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)

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Spravato (Esketamine) Therapy

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Medication Management

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Psychotherapy & Consultations

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What Is the Best Type of Therapy for First Responders?

Many first responders think that counseling is little more than talking about their feelings. That prospect might not seem all that appealing, especially if the therapist has minimal understanding of what you go through as a first responder.

That is what sets NeuroHealth Treatment Centers apart. Our team understands first responders and the pressures they are under. We also recognize that talk therapy and medications may not be enough to help first responders find meaningful relief.

NeuroHealth Treatment Centers is at the leading edge of mental health care. We provide a wide range of innovative treatments that can complement therapy and medication, or serve as an alternative if traditional methods have proved ineffective:

TMS Therapy

During transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), targeted magnetic pulses are applied to brain regions associated with mood, emotional regulation, and executive function. The goal of TMS therapy is to stimulate underactive regions of the brain, which helps the brain function more effectively and reduces the symptoms of anxiety, depression, etc.

TMS therapy for first responders is painless, drug-free, and requires no downtime. We customize treatment to your symptoms and closely monitor your progress so each session helps you toward better mental health.

• TMS Therapy for Depression
• TMS Therapy for Anxiety
• TMS Therapy for PTSD

Ketamine Therapy

Low doses of ketamine temporarily alter consciousness and lead to dissociation. This can provide rapid relief from symptoms of trauma, depression, and anxiety.

Ketamine therapy is administered in a safe, comfortable environment by trained clinical staff. We take a full medical history and discuss the medications you are taking. This helps us determine your candidacy for ketamine therapy and design a safe and effective treatment plan just for you.

First responders should be aware that downtime is required after ketamine therapy. People are generally able to drive and resume other activities the day after treatment, but it is important to keep your shift schedule in mind when scheduling sessions.

SPRAVATO® (Esketamine)

First responders often develop major depressive disorder (MDD) from on-the-job trauma. If MDD does not respond to standard frontline treatments (such as medications and therapy), it is characterized as treatment-resistant depression (TRD).

SPRAVATO® is FDA-approved for the treatment of both MDD and TRD. Administered as a nasal spray at our Fort Lauderdale clinic, SPRAVATO® can start to alleviate depressive symptoms in just hours. Repeat sessions can prolong the relief from serious forms of depression.

Your comfort and safety are our top priority. We evaluate your candidacy for SPRAVATO® and monitor you for approximately 2 hours afterward to ensure that you tolerate treatment well. If you’ve tried medication and talk therapy for serious depression without success, SPRAVATO® may be the alternative you need.

Medication Management

Have you sought counseling or therapy before and been prescribed medication? Some first responders find that the side effects of psychiatric medications (such as drowsiness, reduced reaction times, loss of alertness, etc.) interfere with their duties.

With our medication management services, our team can help you find the right prescription and the right dosage without sacrificing job performance. This is not a one-and-done process; ongoing monitoring is key for getting the balance right. Your treatment plan is strictly confidential.

First responders counseling, TMS therapy, and SPRAVATO® are covered by most insurance. We also offer flexible financing for self-pay and out-of-pocket treatment. View our insurance and pricing options.

Making Treatment Accessible

Covered by Most Insurance Plans

Explore Counseling for First Responders Today

You’ve tried to suck it up, keep your head down, and act like nothing’s wrong. If your mental health is suffering and it’s affecting your job, your relationships, and your well-being, there is no shame in asking for help.

NeuroHealth Treatment Centers provides first responders counseling with compassion and discretion. The key to effective care for first responders is to tailor treatment to the demands placed on them by their work, and how those demands contribute to anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other psychiatric issues.

If you find it helpful to talk, our clinical staff is here to listen and offer therapeutic strategies for helping you cope. We can also discuss your suitability for TMS, ketamine therapy, and other pioneering options for superior mental health.

Call NeuroHealth Treatment Centers at 954-417-7575 or complete our confidential online contact form to book your FREE consultation. We offer counseling for first responders in Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Coral Springs, Pembroke Pines, and all of South Florida.