Counseling for First Responders and Military

First responders, front-line workers, and members of the military often face unique stresses that can lead to mental health issues such as PTSD. However, many of these individuals do not seek help for fear of being seen as weak, retaliation at work, or because they do not know where to turn. Austin Counseling and Trauma Specialists provides counseling services specifically tailored to the needs of first responders and military personnel. Our highly trained counselors understand the culture of these groups and know how to best address the stresses they face. We are committed to providing quality care for those who serve our communities and our country.

There are many who fall under the term "First Responders". Police, Fire, EMS, Medical care providers, and Military. There may be others, like pilots, teachers, coworkers and even bystanders who could fall into this category at times. But here, we are talking about those who have jobs that put them in harms way and in situations of experiencing things that can often be dangerous, messy, frightening, and traumatic. The work of a first responder may be paid or volunteer but it is certainly difficult. There is a certain culture in these professions and there is a sense of family and belonging, most of the time. But that culture and bond can also lead to hurt and betrayal if some harmed or killed in the line of duty. The job can be seemingly harmless and you can feel fine, but then that one call happens that weighs on your mind or that one person that could not be saved haunts you thoughts. There is no one who is immune to trauma, stress, anxiety, mental overload, grief, sadness and fear. PTSD is very common among first responders as is vicarious trauma. Both are very treatable and there can be relief form the symptoms.  EMDR is a great method of treatment for PTSD and trauma in general and our Austin therapy practitioners at our center are trained and experienced in EMDR. 

At Austin Counseling and Trauma Specialists, we work to ensure all of our Austin therapists are trained and ready to work with trauma, grief, anxiety, and much more. We want to make sure that we are available to help those who are constantly helping their neighborhoods, cities, states, and country. If you have experienced something that you want to talk about, please reach out with confidence and trust that, here you will be heard, understood and helped in a safe and confidential setting. Whether job related or personal, we are here to support you and help you. 

At our counseling center in Cedar Park Tx, several of our counselors have worked in law enforcement as crisis counselors working with victims of crime at the scenes of crime and all of the first responder populations. Others have first responder family members and still others have done training of first responders and/or work closely with them in other roles. All of our counselors possess a special understanding of the culture of first responders and carry a special place in their hearts for you all. If you are a first responder or military, currently or previously, please feel free to reach out knowing you can receive assistance form someone who understands the culture, the challenges and sacrifices you have made and will work to ensure your comfort and confidentiality. Most of our counselors are trained in EMDR, a proven way to treat trauma!

If you are a first responder, front-line worker, or member of the military, active or retired, struggling with mental health issues, please call our Cedar Park mental health professionals today to ask questions or to set up a free confidential consultation. We would be happy to help you get on the road to recovery.