First Responder Mental Health

Chapter 1 Introduction.Part 1: Mental Health of First responders2. Police officers3. Firefighters4. Correctional officers5. Crime scene investigators6. Emergency communications operatorsPart 2: Assessment7. Pre-employment screenings and fitness for duty evaluations: law enforcement8. Pre-employment screenings and fitness for duty evaluations: fire services9. Background investigationsPart 3: Prevention Strategies10. Behavioral health training/peer support programs11. Safeguarding12. Wellness, self-care, and mindfulness13. CISM/debriefingsPart 4: Treatment approaches14. Cognitive-behavioral therapies15. EMDR16. Exposure therapies17. Pharmacologic treatments18. Virtual reality treatments19. Motivational interviewingPart 5; Special topics20. Role of the chaplaincy21. Clinicians awareness training22. Specialized inpatient programs: an illustration23. Mental health of retired first responders24. Employee assistance programs25. suicide prevention and intervention26. Posttraumatic stressPart 6: Advocacy27. Family support28. Role of first responder administrations29, Female first responders30. First responders of color31. Veterans32. LGBTQ Public safety professionals33. LEgal and legislative initiatives (PTSD law, CISM, peer support confidentiality)

Dr. Michael Bourke is the former Chief Psychologist for the United States Marshals Service, where he created and headed the USMS Behavioral Analysis Unit.  He is currently in private practice in Springfield, Virginia, where he provides consultation and training in the areas of criminal and behavioral profiling, sex offending, and secondary traumatic stress within public safety professions.  Dr. Bourke is a former firefighter, prison psychologist, and career federal law enforcement officer. He is a current adjunct faculty member at The George Washington University and Nova Southeastern University.

Dr. Vincent Van Hasselt is a President's Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Director of the First Responder Research and Training Program at Nova Southeastern University.  His clinical and research interests are in the areas of critical incident stress management, crisis (hostage) negotiations, mental health problems, and behavioral health and peer support training for police officers and firefighters.  Dr. Van Hasselt is a certified police officer in the State of Florida. 



Dr. Sam J. Buser retired as the senior staff psychologist for one of the nation's largest fire departments.  An Army veteran and former VA psychologist, he is Past-President of the Texas Psychological Association.  A frequent media presenter, he is the co-host of Leaving the Valley, a podcast on suicide prevention.  He has been recognized by the Texas Psychological Association for his Outstanding Contribution to Public Service in helping firefighters.