Mental Health Resources for First Responders
The Division is proud to support our first responder partners throughout the state who work tirelessly throughout the various disasters that impact Florida. Being a first responder requires resiliency and strength, both mentally and physically. Still, disasters take a toll. If you are a first responder in need of emotional support, the following resources are available to assist you.
- 2nd Alarm Project – The 2nd Alarm Project, funded by SAMHSA, offers behavioral health resources to firefighters (career, volunteer and retirees) and fire departments across the Florida Panhandle.
- UCF Restores – UCF Restores is a nonprofit clinical research center and treatment clinic established to change the way post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related concerns are understood, diagnosed and treated.
- To learn more about UCF Restores services, call (407) 823-3910
- Those interested in the UCF Restores Single-Session Consultation Program can call (407) 823-1657
- Disaster Distress Helpline – SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline provides 24/7 crisis counseling and support to individuals experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters.
- Call (800) 985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” for English or “Hablanos” for Spanish to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
- Spanish speakers can call the hotline and press “2” for bilingual support. Callers can also connect with counselors in over 100 other languages through 3rd-party interpretation services.
- TTY (800) 846-8517
- Florida 211 Network – United Way’s 211 Network partners with hundreds of organizations, businesses and government agencies to provide a multitude of resources, including mental wellness care and local health and community services.
- Call 2-1-1, available 24/7
- For individuals who prefer to text, chat online or search local 211 online resources can find local 211 contact information here.
- SAMHSA Disaster Mobile App – The free SAMHSA Disaster App offers first responders immediate access for any type of traumatic event at every phase of response, including pre-deployment preparation, on-the-ground assistance and post-deployment resources.
- A Guide to Managing Stress for Disaster Responder and First Responders: https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/SAMHSA_Digital_Download/pep22-01-01-003.pdf
- Tips for Supervisors of Disaster Responders: Helping Staff Manage Stress When Returning to Work, SAMHSA
- Tips for Disaster Responders: Returning to Work, SAMHSA
- Tips for Disaster Responders: Understanding Compassion Fatigue, SAMHSA
- Emergency Responder Self-Care Plan
