Health and Mental Wellbeing for First Responders — Why Both Matter
Physical health and mental wellbeing are deeply connected for first responders. Here's what that link looks like in practice — and what you can do about it.
Real care, just a click away
Responders First: First Responder Therapy & Counselling in Alberta
Who We Serve
We are a network of mental health service providers who specialize in providing care to First Responders in Alberta.
Police + Peace Officers
Providing mental health support tailored to the high-pressure roles of police and peace officers, focusing on stress management, trauma recovery, and overall well-being.
CAF + Veterans
Offering specialized care for Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans, addressing PTSD, anxiety, and challenges related to transitioning to civilian life.
RCMP
Dedicated support for members of the RCMP, focusing on mental resilience, trauma processing, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Firefighters
Helping firefighters manage the physical and emotional demands of their role, with a focus on stress management, trauma care, and peer support.
Paramedic
Providing paramedics with access to mental health services to address burnout, trauma, and the challenges of high-stress emergency situations.
Healthcare Workers
Supporting healthcare workers in managing stress, burnout, and compassion fatigue, ensuring they can continue providing essential care while prioritizing their mental health.
First Responder Therapy
Therapy and Counselling Built Around the Job
First responder therapy works best when your therapist already understands shift work, critical incidents and the culture of the service you belong to.
Who we help
Police and peace officers, firefighters, paramedics and EMTs, correctional staff, healthcare workers, RCMP members, and Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans. Families of first responders are welcome to reach out too.
What first responder therapists treat
Post-traumatic stress and operational stress injuries, the build-up of critical incident stress, sleep problems linked to shift work and nightmares, burnout and compassion fatigue, anxiety, depression, and the strain the job can put on relationships.
How counselling is delivered
Depending on the provider, counselling can be in person or by secure video or phone, with approaches such as trauma-focused CBT, EMDR, CBT for insomnia and peer-informed support.
Where to start
Read about PTSD treatment for first responders in Alberta, or our guide on how to find a therapist who truly understands first responder culture. When you are ready, we will help you find a good fit.
Find Support Near You
Responders First helps first responders across Alberta. Choose your area to learn about local first responder therapy, or ask about virtual counselling from anywhere in the province.
Calgary
Calgary first responder therapy, including Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks and Chestermere.
Edmonton
Edmonton first responder therapy, including Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Spruce Grove and Leduc.
Red Deer
Red Deer first responder therapy for central Alberta, including Sylvan Lake, Lacombe and Innisfail.
Lethbridge
Lethbridge first responder therapy for southern Alberta, including Coaldale, Taber and Fort Macleod.
Medicine Hat
Medicine Hat first responder therapy for southeast Alberta, including Redcliff and Brooks.
Grande Prairie
Grande Prairie first responder therapy for the Peace Country, including Beaverlodge and Sexsmith.
Rural & Remote Alberta
Province-wide first responder counselling, including virtual sessions for smaller and remote communities.
How It Works
Curated Network of Clinics and Professionals
We vet thousands of clinics and professionals to ensure they are the best fit for the specialized needs of First Responders. Our network spans across the country and includes clinics in most major cities.
Direct Contact to Those Who Can Help
We match your needs with the right clinic or professional that currently has availability. Our team of experts will work with you to find the resources and support you need.
Our Programs & Services:
Supporting Your Well-Being
Our Approach:
Responders First is dedicated to providing confidential, professional, and accessible mental health support to first responders, healthcare workers, and front-line personnel in Alberta. We understand the unique stressors and traumas you face, and we offer evidence-based programs tailored to your needs. Our partners offer individual counselling, peer support groups, crisis intervention, and specialized training.
Programs:
Our partners can provide services for Individual Counselling, Peer Support Groups, Crisis Intervention, Workshops & Training and Family Support. Reach out to us today to learn more about what there is available to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a Cost to us Responders First?
Each clinic and professional will have their own fee schedule, but there is no cost or obligation in using our referral service.
Do the clinics you refer have remote or virtual sessions?
If a remote or virtual session is something you are looking for, we can accomodate that in our search. Most do provide some level of virtual appointments.
Is there a clinic in my town?
Unfortunately, not all towns and cities have the resources to meet the needs of everyone. If you are open to virtual appointments, you can work with clinics across your province.
Does Responders First run the clinics?
No, we do not run the clinics. We provide referrals only to independant clinics and professionals.
Reach out to us
Have questions? Feel free to contact us using the form below. We're here to help!
General Contact
Our Support Team
Our Responders First Knowledgebase
View all posts »Explore our collection of articles and guides curated for First Responders
Stress Management for Firefighters — What Actually Helps
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Stress Management for Police Officers — What Actually Helps
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Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Guide for Partners and Spouses of Healthcare Workers
Learn about PTSD in healthcare workers and support for partners/spouses in Alberta. Understand signs, resources, and how to navigate this mental health challenge.