Military & First Responders
We want to extend a warm welcome to you as you seek therapy. Your service to our country and community is greatly appreciated. We recognize that the demands of service can take a significant toll on you and your loved ones. We want you to know that seeking therapy is a sign of strength, and we are honored to be a part of your healing process.
Our goal is to provide a safe and welcoming environment where you can feel comfortable discussing your concerns and experiences, whether they are related to your service or civilian life. We are committed to listening to your needs and working with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique challenges.
Know that you are not alone and we are here to help you every step of the way. Thank you again for your service, and we look forward to supporting you in your journey toward wellness.
Military Members & Veterans
Whether serving at home or abroad, returning from military service can be a task of great difficulty. Transitioning back to civilian life is not an easy task and requires focus and dedication. However, this transition is not the only obstacle veterans face when returning home. Veterans might experience things during their service that can affect their long-term mental health, making the transition back to civilian life all the more difficult.
First Responders
The demands placed on first responders can significantly impact their mental well-being. Working in high-stress and high-stakes environments, often without sufficient time to decompress between incidents, compounds the toll on their mental health. These professionals face the challenge of consistently navigating intense situations, which can lead to emotional exhaustion and burnout.
Common Mental Health Concerns
The mental health needs of each veteran and first responder are different and we embrace that fact. There is no one-size-fits-all all solution. However, there are some commonalities among why military members, veterans & first responders seek mental health treatment:
Depression
Depression among military members and first responders often originates from stress, trauma, and the demanding nature of their roles, including long hours and separation from loved ones. However, stigma and concerns about career repercussions often prevent individuals from seeking the help they need. This isolation, coupled with feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, can exacerbate depression and elevate the risk of suicide.
Stress and post-traumatic stress disorder
Stress naturally comes with being in the military or a first responder. However, if signs of stress continue, it may signify something more. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is another widely reported issue and is a condition that occurs in people who have witnessed or experienced a traumatic event such as a serious accident, violence, or death. Symptoms include intrusive thoughts/vivid flashbacks, avoidance of traumatic reminders and triggers, alterations in mood and cognition, nightmares, and heightened reactions.
Substance abuse
Military members and first responders regularly come face to face with the kind of environments and incidents that most of us hope to avoid our whole lives. Coping mechanisms such as self-medication to alleviate symptoms of PTSD, depression, or anxiety, combined with easy access to prescription medications and alcohol, contribute to elevated rates of substance abuse within these populations. Additionally, the normalization of substance use as a means of bonding or coping within these occupational cultures may further exacerbate the problem.
Suicide & suicidal ideations
Military members and first responders face elevated risks of suicide and suicidal ideation due to high levels of occupational stress, exposure to trauma, and untreated mental health conditions such as PTSD and depression. Additionally, the stigma surrounding mental health issues and concerns about career advancement often deter individuals from seeking help, while access to firearms further increases the risk.
The stress and pressures of these jobs are unlike most occupations in the world. That is why mental health treatment should be considered by all military and first responders who feel they could use help. It is also very common for the family members and loved ones of veterans and first responders with mental health conditions to seek help for themselves. Family and loved ones can experience all the symptoms listed above, but luckily the very same services are available to them as well.