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.

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

Levels of care include:

Residential treatment

Intensive outpatient programs, outpatient programs, and online programs in California and Washington

Medical detox when clinically appropriate

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

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.