SUPPORT
We understand the fire life, sometimes it's beyond our own understanding. We are here to support you and offer you some helpful guidance.
When seeking therapists it may be a benefit to seek out a Culturally Competent Clinician. Cultural competence is the ability to understand, communicate with and effectively interact with people across different cultures. For a clinician or mental health provider, this means having a working understanding of the unique needs, experience and value system of the client in treatment. An understanding of the Fire way of life, day in day out at the firehouse and it’s duties, family home life for the firefighter and the families. In no means am I trying to debunk any therapist or clinician that want to help our firefighters.
Here are a few questions the IAFF have listed in seeking out a clinician...
When screening a clinician, it’s critical to get answers to the following questions:
1️⃣Do you have experience working with fire fighters or other emergency responders, including EMS, police or military populations? If so, tell me about it.
2️⃣What evidence-based practices do you use to treat post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety and co-occurring substance abuse?
3️⃣How many sessions does it typically take for you to complete your initial assessment?
4️⃣Do you offer appointments within 24 hours or have access to an on-call clinician?
5️⃣If an individual has a psychiatric emergency and needs inpatient care, what facility or hospital do you refer to?
6️⃣Do you work closely with a prescriber for individuals who need medication?
7️⃣Would you be willing to participate in experiential training to gain a better understanding of the daily experiences of fire service personnel?
MYNDA OHS, PHD
MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDER FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
AND THEIR FAMILIES ONLY
Author of “FULLY INVOLVED” Book
Ashley J. Ramstead, M.A. LMFT 113535
Program Director | Clinical Art Therapist
Jackie Metcalfe, LMFT9362, ATBC 15-131
Clinical Director | Clinical Art Therapist
Revitalizing Minds Project
31727 Mulholland Hwy
Malibu, California 90265
(310) 896-5233 | www.RevitalizingMindsProject.com
Simple Recovery
1-888-743-0940
Kristen Jensen
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA)