A career as a police officer, firefighter, or other type of first responder can certainly be rewarding. Serving the community and working closely with those in need of assistance can give individuals a profound sense of pride and purpose when working to make the world just a little bit better through this kind of work.
Bayside Marin also understands that the type of work first responders provide leaves them more inclined to suffer from PTSD or drug & alcohol addiction. We provide addiction & PTSD treatment for first responders when they need help the most.
Understanding the Experiences of a First Responder
By having this type of respected and important profession, a person is also at risk of bearing witness to or directly experiencing trauma, which could lead to the onset of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. PTSD is a mental health condition that can adversely affect not only a first responder’s ability to carry out his or her job responsibilities, but it can also negatively impact an individual’s ability to live a healthy, productive life.
For this reason, it is important for first responders, the organizations they work for, and their loved ones to be attuned to identifying the signs and symptoms of this type of mental health concern. When it becomes apparent that PTSD is impacting your life as you make every effort to carry out your responsibilities as a first responder, know that hope and help is available.
Our Treatment Approach
At Bayside Marin, we understand the effects that posttraumatic stress disorder can have on a person’s life, which is why we not only have top notch programming in place for this special population, but we also employ a former police offer to assist first responders in getting the help they need. Our liaison to first responders possesses a law enforcement background, education and training as a mental health professional, and an unparalleled dedication to helping the men and women who choose to have such noble professions.
In contacting Bayside to begin the admissions process, first responders will speak to this knowledgeable staff member, who will be able to help them in the following ways:
- An initial phone assessment can be completed that can preliminarily determine if Bayside’s treatment can meet the individual’s needs.
- Insurance benefits can be verified, and it can be determined if treatment at Bayside Marin will be covered by insurance.
- A formal intake can be scheduled and completed so that the full scope of the individual’s concerns can be understood. Additionally, consent can be granted during the intake process so that our staff can speak to family members or other loved ones if it will be helpful to the individual’s recovery process.
From the first phone call to Bayside and until treatment is complete, first responders will be in regular contact with the aforementioned staff member, who will also be able to help with any additional treatment needs should a new issue arise during the course of treatment.
Treatment Therapies for First Responders
The care that is available to first responders has helped countless men and women in several states, including California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Hawaii, and Massachusetts to name a few. Additionally, via a strong partnership with the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA), Bayside’s first responders program for firefighters, police officers, and other response units, is on target to help even more men and women overcome PTSD, chemical dependency concerns, and other mental health issues that are known to affect this population.
When partaking in treatment at Bayside Marin, first responders can expect to benefit from the following methods of care:
- Individual therapy sessions can take place 2 or more times per week. Depending upon the needs of the person, sessions can be added to an individual’s customized treatment plan when necessary.
- Group therapy sessions are part of the care supplied to first responders, as we believe that much can be gained when individuals battling similar concerns can work with and encourage one another while healing.
- Holistic and movement therapy opportunities have been purposely chosen for the care available to first responders. So that this population can reap the benefits of healing and recovering in body as well, mindfulness meditation, yoga, acupuncture, gym time, qui gong, art therapy, and music therapy are woven into each person’s treatment.
- So as to teach effective coping skills and increase each person’s self-awareness, first responders benefit from our utilization of the Seeking Safety curriculum. This approach to first responders with PTSD helps to form a solid emotional foundation so that deeper concerns and issues related to trauma can be cared for without overwhelming the individuals receiving treatment.
Once treatment at Bayside Marin is nearing completion, our compassionate staff begins formulating a discharge plan for each person. We strive to help first responders remain successful long after leaving our center, so we create thorough aftercare plans and link those we treat with the resources and referrals required to continue on the path of healing and recovery.
Contact Us Today
If you or an important person in your life would like to learn more about how Bayside Marin is prepared to help first responders overcome PTSD, addiction, and other mental health or behavioral concerns, or to begin the admissions process, feel free to contact us at your convenience.
At Bayside Marin, we want to provide the best substance abuse & PTSD treatment for law enforcement & first responders in need. Call us today!
