First Responder Mental Health Services
Resource KitPartnershipsApplicantsContinuing Ed
About the Program
First responders are routinely exposed to high-stress, high-risk, and traumatic situations as part of their professional responsibility to protect others. Over time, these experiences can have a significant cumulative impact on mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
The First Responder Mental Health Services program at Pillars of Wellness is designed specifically to support law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS professionals, and other frontline personnel through confidential, trauma-informed, and culturally competent mental health care.
Our clinicians understand the unique pressures of public safety work—including shift schedules, exposure to critical incidents, organizational stress, and stigma around seeking support. We partner with individuals and departments to provide whole-person care that strengthens resilience, reduces burnout, and promotes long-term wellness—both on and off the job.
Who This Program Supports
This program is designed for:
- Law enforcement officers
- Firefighters
- Paramedics and EMTs
- Dispatchers and frontline crisis personnel
- Retired first responders navigating transition or cumulative trauma
Suitable for:
- Individuals
- Departments and agencies
- Peer support and leadership teams
What You Can Expect
First Responder Mental Health Services provides confidential, trauma-informed care designed specifically for the unique challenges of public safety work.
All services are delivered in a confidential, trauma-informed, judgment-free environment with an understanding of public safety culture.
Clinical Mental Health Services
- Individual therapy (in-person or telehealth)
- Trauma-informed care for acute or cumulative incidents
- Support for anxiety, depression, grief, and moral injury
- Stress management and burnout prevention
- Education on sleep, nutrition, physical wellness, and social support
Organizational Wellness Services
- Annual Resilience Checks
- Department-specific wellness workshops
- Pre-employment psychological evaluations
- Fitness for Duty evaluations
- On-site support through Wellness Success Consultants
- Mental health education materials and readiness checklists
Program Format
Session Length: 50–60 minutes
Delivery Method: In-person / Telehealth / On-site department services
Frequency: Weekly, Biweekly, or As needed
Staff Access: Available through agency and departmental partnerships
Coverage Area: Northwest Indiana with statewide telehealth access
Program Impact
First responders face unique occupational stressors that significantly impact mental health and well-being.
85% of first responders experience symptoms related to a mental health condition, highlighting the urgent need for accessible, confidential support services.
Police officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty, underscoring the critical importance of proactive mental health intervention.
Rates of PTSD and depression are up to 5x higher among first responders than in the general population, reflecting the cumulative impact of trauma exposure.
Meet Our Clinicians
Specialists:
- Dr. Ashley Michalski, Psy.D., HSPP, LCAC
- Dr. Shaun Wehle, Psy.D., HSPP, LCAC
- Sonja, MBA, MS.Ed, LMHC, NCC
- Jason Kniola, LMHC, LCAC, NCC
Our First Responder Mental Health team includes licensed clinicians with specialized training in trauma-informed care, occupational stress, PTSD treatment, and public safety culture. Our clinicians understand the unique pressures of first responder work and provide confidential, culturally competent support.
Pillars of Wellness is a community-based mental health organization providing therapy, education, and specialty programs across Indiana and surrounding regions.
Resource Kit for First Responders
Immediate support and peer resources:
- Copline: 1-800-267-5463 (24/7, confidential)
- Fire/EMS Helpline: nvfc.org/helpline
- Code Green Campaign: codegreencampaign.org
- Safe Call Now: 206-459-3020 | safecallnowusa.org
- Be Well Indiana: Call 2-1-1 | in.gov/bewellindiana
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
Indiana-Specific Contacts:
- Indiana State Police Chaplain: Daniel Coffey | 📞 317-234-4637 | 📧 dcoffey@isp.in.gov
Partnership Information
Pillars of Wellness’ First Responder Mental Health Services proudly partners with public safety organizations throughout Northwest Indiana. We are committed to expanding access to confidential, high-quality mental health support for those who serve our communities—and we would be honored to partner with you.
We offer:
- Streamlined referrals with confidential clinical care
- Department consultations and customized wellness planning
- Tailored workshops and trainings based on department needs
- Ethical coordination and communication with leadership (with appropriate consent)
Applicant Information
Interested in working for Pillars?
We are expanding our First Responder Mental Health Services and seeking clinicians who want to make a meaningful impact.
Current opportunities include:
- Lead Clinician to shape and grow the program
- Therapists interested in trauma care, occupational stress, and department partnerships
As part of this team, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Lead clinical innovation and wellness outreach
- Collaborate within a multidisciplinary, mission-driven team
- Develop workshops, consultations, and specialized services
- Grow into leadership roles with regional visibility
Program-Related Continuing Education Courses
These courses are excellent resources for counselors hoping to advance their skillset in specific interest areas. Click here to view all our continuing education courses.
Support Starts Here
Those who serve our communities deserve care and support in return. If you’re a first responder seeking confidential mental health support, or a department looking to strengthen wellness initiatives for your team, we’re here to help. You don’t have to face these challenges alone.