Practical, Proven Support—While Continuing to Work

Intensive Outpatient Treatment for First Responders

Not every first responder needs—or can step away for—residential care. That’s why our Intensive Outpatient Programs in California and Washington provides flexible, high-impact treatment designed for police officers, firefighters, EMTs, dispatchers, and other public safety professionals who need support while continuing to serve their communities.

Our intensive outpatient services give clients access to the same culturally competent clinicians, evidence-based therapies, and peer community as our residential program—on an outpatient basis.

Why First Responders Choose Our Intensive Outpatient Program

Intensive outpatient care at First Responder Wellness is a trauma treatment program, targeting the depression, anxiety, substance use, porn addiction, infidelity, overspending, and other symptoms of traumatic stress injury. Our programming combines proven clinical methods with the cultural competence that first responders expect. Every client receives individual therapy with a licensed clinician trained to address trauma, stress injury, substance use, and co-occurring concerns. In addition, our group therapy sessions bring peers together in a safe environment to share experiences, learn tools, and build connection.

Specialized trauma modalities—such as EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and mindfulness-based stress management—are integrated to address the root causes of distress, not just the symptoms. We also extend care to families, offering education and optional sessions that help spouses and children strengthen communication and rebuild trust at home. Most importantly, clients join a peer community of fellow first responders, finding strength in the realization that they are not alone in their challenges.

What Intensive Outpatient Treatment Includes

Individual Therapy

One-on-one counseling with clinicians trained to treat trauma, stress injury, substance misuse, and co-occurring conditions.

Group Therapy

Groups specifically developed for public safety, where first responders learn new tools and realize they’re not alone.

Specialized Trauma Modalities

EMDR, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), mindfulness-based approaches, and stress-management training.

Family Support

Education and optional sessions for spouses and families, helping repair relationships and strengthen home support systems through weekly virtual and in-person, three-day intensives.

Peer Community

You’ll connect with other first responders facing similar challenges, building a network of trust and accountability.

Experiential Therapies

Open Water experience, fitness, and other ways to connect the mind and body

Is Outpatient Right for You?

Outpatient care may be the right fit if:

You’re experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, or substance use concerns, but remain functional in your role.
You want to build coping tools and resilience.
You’ve completed residential treatment and want continued support as you transition back into daily life.

If your symptoms are more acute—suicidal thoughts, severe substance use, or inability to function at work—residential treatment may be recommended first. We offer two levels of Outpatient Treatment, 6 hours per day or 3 hours per day. Contact us to learn more about whether outpatient is a fit.

“It was a very smooth process coming out of the program. I worked well with my case manager. I’ve been given the tools I need to get back to the real world and to the profession I love.”

Gus
Police Officer and Alumni

"When I first entered the rooms at First Responder Wellness, I wasn’t sure if this was the right place for me, but I began to hear other first responders share about their own challenges and their own symptoms of stress injury, I began to identify with them and hear the things that we had in common."

Peter
Program Alumnus