Confidential. Trusted. Effective.

First Responder Wellness

First responders dedicate their lives to serving others. Yet, that service comes with invisible costs: accumulated trauma, stress injuries, alcohol and substance misuse, relationship problems, and the strain of never being “off duty.”

Exclusively created for police, fire, EMS, corrections, dispatch, and other public safety professionals, First Responder Wellness is the nation’s premier treatment center dedicated to public safety personnel.

“We’ve had remarkable results—probably the best of any treatment center we’ve ever sent our first responders to. They treat them with the respect and dignity they deserve and they have long-term results."

Ret. Sgt. Nick Bauer
Seattle Police Department

What We Treat

Our programs address the full spectrum of first responder challenges, including:

Stress injuries and trauma exposure

Alcohol misuse and substance use

Depression, anxiety, hypervigilance, and sleep issues

Anger, relationship problems, and compassion fatigue

Organizational and cumulative stress

Overspending

Porn Addiction

Unresolved Critical Incident Trauma

“They are really air traffic controllers for wellness services. Sometimes the conversation starts and stops at First Responder Wellness.”

Dr. Cherylynn Lee
First Responder Psychologist

First Responder Programs & Services

Residential programs in California
Intensive outpatient programs in California and Washington
Drug & alcohol detox when needed
Online IOP currently available in California.
Family program and spouse support
Critical incident support
Primary mental health care - No substance use is needed in order to qualify for our programs.

Not sure where to begin? Reach out and our team will walk you through options.

"It just gave me that good feeling, like this is a place where I think deputies, other law enforcement, first responders, would feel safe."

Deputy Mike Lawson
Retired

“First Responder Wellness saved his life.”

Chief Michael Cash
Guadalupe Department of Public Safety

"I knew I needed help. I reached almost a rock bottom breaking point. I was the first person in our department who reached out and went to a program to get help. It was amazing. It was with competent clinicians, people who welcomed me, and my tribe with people in law enforcement."

Gus
Police Officer & Alumnus

"I felt like I was drowning, and couldn’t catch a breath. With that, I am now 2.5 years out [of the program]. I can still see the rainbows and the butterflies."

Kelly
Dispatcher & Alumna

For Departments & Leadership

Departments invest millions of dollars in every employee. Losing one to untreated trauma, substance use, or suicide is devastating—financially and on a human level. First Responder Wellness protects that investment and the lives behind it. With a proven 94% return to work rate and an average 70% reduction of PTSD (PLC5) scores, we ensure demonstrated ROI, working with department HR, peer support, and wellness units as needed every step of the way. Reach out to learn more about how we can help optimize your department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Transparency and trust are an integral part of our identity.

How fast can I get someone in?

Admissions are fast and confidential, on a rolling 7-day schedule — usually within days, not weeks.

Is this expensive?

Health insurance typically covers 99% of the cost of our program. Your medical insurance deductible and copays will apply.

What can participants expect?

A typical day may include structured group education sessions, individual counseling, gym time, and experiential therapies like equine therapy, stand-up paddleboarding, or breathwork.

Is the residential program a lockdown facility?

Not at all. Here, there are no hospital gowns, and no locked doors. Clients live in comfortable residential homes, eat together, and build camaraderie with peers.