Department Policies & Resources

Creating Clear Paths to Support

Most departments already have policies around mental health, critical incidents, and leave. The issue is not whether a policy exists, but whether it can be used in real time.

When a supervisor recognizes a problem, there should be no question about what happens next.

Who to call. Where to refer. How to move someone off the line if needed. That requires a connected system of resources. The FR Health family of companies - First Responder Wellness, The Counseling Team International, & Shift Wellness Retreats & Multi-Day Workshops - was created to meet that need.

Supporting First Responders

Departments that do this well rely on three distinct but connected capabilities:

Proactive programming that helps prevent issues from escalating

Reactive treatment when a higher level of care is needed

Ongoing support that personnel can access early

First Responder Wellness: Structured Treatment for First Responders

First Responder Wellness provides treatment designed specifically for those who serve.

This includes care for:

Post traumatic stress
Anxiety and depression
Burnout and cumulative stress
Substance misuse when present

Programs are structured to support stabilization, treatment, and return to duty.

Levels of care include:

Residential treatment
Intensive outpatient programs, outpatient programs, and online programs in California and Washington
Medical detox when clinically appropriate

FR Wellness is typically used when symptoms are impacting performance or when a higher level of support is required.

TCTI: Ongoing Support & Early Intervention

TCTI provides behavioral health services that can be accessed before issues escalate.

Services include:

Individual counseling for first responders
Family counseling and support
Trauma-focused therapy
Wellness visits and check-ins

TCTI is designed to be accessible and practical. It allows personnel to address stress, trauma, and other concerns early, without needing to enter a higher level of care.

How These Programs Work Together

Each program serves a different role.

TCTI supports early intervention and ongoing care
First Responder Wellness delivers structured treatment when needed
Shift Wellness Retreats & Multi-Day Workshops provide opportunities for healing

Together, they create a system where:

Personnel have access to support at any stage
Issues are addressed before they escalate
Return-to-duty decisions are structured

This reduces confusion and stress for leadership and improves outcomes for personnel.

Working with FR Health

In a department with a clear system to utilize services like those offered by FR Health:

Supervisors recognize changes in behavior or performance
Personnel are referred to appropriate support without delay
Confidentiality is clearly communicated
Higher levels of care are used when necessary
Return-to-duty decisions are consistent and based on readiness

This creates a more stable and predictable process for both the individual and the department.