Firefighters are expected to be heroes and may feel guilty or ashamed when they cannot meet that expectation.
Law enforcement officers and retirees may resent portrayals of them in the media and be subject to aggressive comments and behavior from the public.
Seeking help for stress-associated mental health challenges is a strength that helps current and retired members of the law enforcement and firefighting communities and their families care more effectively for themselves, each other, and the wider community.
Presby Psych clinicians have years of experience working clinically with first responders, couples, children, and families. As a trauma-informed organization, we are sensitive to stress-related disorders and are able to listen to distressing stories without fear or excessive curiosity. We are skilled in working with acute and post-traumatic stress and with alcohol and substance abuse issues that first responders often experience.
Call us at 704-554-9900 to arrange a consultation.
All sessions with law enforcement personnel, firefighters, retirees, and dependents are confidential. We do not report information about these clients to their law enforcement or firefighting superiors, organizations or agencies.
Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers, Retirees
Dispatchers and 911 operators
Spouses/Partners and Children
Anxiety
Burn out
Decreased interest in sex
Depression
Difficulty concentrating
Emotional numbness
Exaggerated guilt or shame
Exaggerated startle response
Hopelessness about the future
Increased alcohol, drug or food consumption
Irritability, angry outbursts, aggressive behavior
Isolating
Lack of interest in activities that used to provide pleasure
Loss of interest in work or family
Negative thoughts about people and society
Nightmares, recurring dreams, flashbacks
Physical symptoms
Reckless or aggressive behavior
Reliving in memory job-related traumatic incidents or events
Sleep disturbances
Suicidal thoughts or intent
Volatile emotional states
All Presby Psych clinicians are available to Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department Employees, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 9 Employees, Matthews Police Department Employees, Matthews Fire and EMS Department Employees, Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, and Pineville Police Department Employees, including all Retirees and Dependents.