Mental/Behavioral Health

From the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC): Emergency responders face unique challenges that can have a significant impact on behavioral health, and it is important that they have access to providers that understand this. The providers listed in this directory are vetted behavioral health professionals that either have firsthand experience with the fire and emergency services or have completed a training course through the Firefighter Behavioral Health Alliance to educate them on the fire service and the specific challenges they face. In addition to licensed healthcare professionals, there are other resources for assistance such as chaplains and peer support specialists. The directory is updated once a month as new providers are added.

From the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC): The Psychologically Healthy Fire Departments: Implementation Toolkit is designed to help fire department leaders promote and foster well-being among their members. Having a healthy and engaged workforce creates successful, high-performing departments. The toolkit covers the six key categories of member involvement, health and safety, member growth and development, work-life balance, member recognition, and effective communication. Each category is examined along with specific actions that can be taken, special issues to consider, case studies from successful departments, and additional resources.

From the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, Mental Health First Aid for Fire and EMS focuses on the unique experiences and needs of firefighters and EMS personnel and is a valuable resource that can make a difference in their lives, their families’ lives and the communities in which they live. Firefighters and EMS workers learn about the importance of early intervention and how, as first responders, they can intervene in the field and provide direct assistance to someone who is experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis.