The Couch on Wheels Foundation, Inc.
Resources for Callers
Aunt Bertha - Social Care Network search engine
Westchester B.L.U.E. - Various referral numbers to areas support & peer support
Hotlines
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-8255
The national (USA) suicide hotline. Not first responder specific, but they can and will talk to anyone who needs help. We’ve been told by one of their founders they have a large number of first responders and veterans who volunteer.
A service that allows people in crisis to speak with a trained crisis counselor by texting “Start” or “Help” to 741-741.
Kristin Brooks Hopeline – 1-800-442-4673
Another national (USA) hotline for people suffering from mental health issues.
Suicide.org list of local helplines for all 50 states
Thousands of local call numbers for every state in the US.
Responder Specific
Chat openly and anonymously 24/7 with your First Responder peers
Copline (Law Enforcement Only) – 1-800-267-5463
Confidential 24/7 trained retired officers for callers that are dealing with various stressors law enforcement careers encounter both on and off the job
American Addiction Centers First Responder Lifeline - Gi (888) 969-6159
Addiction support for law enforcement
Safe Call Now – 1-206-459-3020
A 24/7 help line staffed by first responders for first responders and their family members. They can assist with treatment options for responders who are suffering from mental health, substance abuse and other personal issues.
Frontline Helpline – 1-866-676-7500
Run by Frontline Responder Services. Offer 24/7 coverage with first responder call-takers.
Veterans Crisis Line (Veterans only)- 1-800-273-8255 & press 1, or text 838255
A crisis line specifically for veterans of the US armed forces.
Suicide.org list of local helplines for all 50 states
Thousands of local call numbers for every state in the US.
First Responder Specific Resources
Clearinghouse for critical resources to improve the life expectancy and wellbeing of First Responders and their families
Resources to better equip law enforcement to successfully navigate the personal challenges that accompany their professional role
Law enforcement suicide Prevention resources
First Responder Center for Excellence
Education and research network committed to reducing first responder occupational illness, injuries and deaths. Strongly geared towards firefighters
first responder oriented mental health advocacy and education organization
Various tools, resources and peer support for first responders, especially those confronting Post traumatic Stress issues
Addiction/Recovery
Online Meetings/Groups
Area 51 First Responder Hang Out
Daily ~Noon EDT to ~3 a.m. EDT – Hosted by Code Green. A virtual hang out area for all first responders who need a place for live interaction and support from other first responders. https://zoom.us/j/802908905 Password: 338185 Meeting ID: 802 908 905
Daily 9 a.m. PDT/12 p.m. EDT to 10 a.m. PDT/1 p.m. EDT – Hosted by Code Green, but the meeting itself is run by a retired first responder who has experience with AA and peer support. https://zoom.us/j/479605085 Meeting ID: 479 605 085
Disaster Responder Assets Network
Daily, times vary – Open to first responders and frontline healthcare personnel. Peer support groups hosted by front line personnel trained in peer support. Groups are capped at 15 people. See website for specific times and access information.
First Responder Tailboard Talk
Tue/Thu 7 p.m. EDT until Jun 9, 2020 – Hosted by Responder Support Services https://zoom.us/j/91496392304 Password: 491858 Meeting ID: 914 9639 2304
Recovery Coaching Office Hours
M/W/F 10:30 a.m. PDT/1:30 p.m. EDT – Hosted by Code Green. However office hours are an open time to meet with Elizabeth, a retired EMT and Recovery Coach who has experience with peer support and AA. https://zoom.us/j/624776904 Meeting ID: 624 776 904
Responder2Responder
Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. EDT to 12:30 p.m. EDT. Hosted by firefighters certified in peer recovery support. https://zoom.us/j/867928234 Meeting ID: 867 928 234
Wednesdays, 4 p.m. PDT/7 p.m. EDT – via Instagram live @code9heroes. Hosted by Code9 founders Amber and Debbie. They will answer various mental health, stress, and addiction related questions sent in over the previous week.
Thursdays, 12:30 EDT. Hosted by Jacquie Torrance, LMHC on Facebook Live. Each week she discusses different helpful tips on coping with distancing.
12-step Programs (Online)
http://aa-intergroup.org/directory.php – Online AA meeting search tool
http://www.aaonlinemeeting.net/ – Online AA meeting search tool
https://al-anon.org/al-anon-meetings/ – Online Al-Anon meeting search tool
https://virtual-na.org/ – Online NA meeting search tool
https://na.org/meetingsearch/ – Online NA meeting search tool
Non-12 Step Groups (online)
Support/Therapy Websites (most paid)
7 Cups
Website/App – Utilizes both trained listeners and licensed therapists and counselors to provide services. Trained listeners are laypeople trained in active listening who provide free confidential support. Users can also establish a relationship with a licensed professional for a fee. Not first responder specific, but they allow you to pick your listener and therapist so you can find someone who you’re likely to be able to connect with.
BetterHelp
Website/App – Offers online counseling with licensed mental health professionals. Not first responder specific, but they try to match you with a counselor who meets your needs.
Talk Space
Website – Offers online therapy with licensed mental health providers. Intake counselor will match you with an appropriate therapist.
Self-Care Apps/websites
Calm
Website/App – Highly rated program for practicing meditation. Programs are aimed at learning meditation and improving stress, anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
Headspace
Website/App – Highly rated program for learning meditation and mindfulness and practicing both in everyday activities. Has guided meditation along with programs aimed at improving stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep.
The Mindfulness App
App – Has a guided introduction to mindfulness. Also has both guided and silent mindfulness sessions ranging from 3-30 minutes.
PsyberGuide
Website that rates a large number of mental health apps. Also contains lists of apps designed for specific conditions and apps that follow a specific treatment modality.
PTSD Coach
Website/App – Designed by the National Center for PTSD (a division of the VA). PTSD Coach provides information about diagnosing and treating PTSD, the ability to track symptoms, information on handling stress, and direct links to support and help.
Free mobile app designed to help build resilience, manage stress, and increase well-being during COVID-19 pandemic.
Guided meditation
Screenings
Mental health America (MHA) online depression screening
Operational Stress Questionnaire
COVID-19 Handouts/Guides
Improving First Responder Well-Being During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Hand out for responders
Tips for Providing Support to Others During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak
Tips on how to show care and empathy for someone during this difficult time.
Grief: Helping Someone Else After a Loss
Guide to supporting someone grieving a loss.
Helping People Manage Stress Associated with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak
Five key principles for health care providers, community leaders, and others concerned with the psychological welfare of the public.
Managing Stress Associated with the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak
Practical steps to take to deal with stress reactions
Strategies for Families to Adapt to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic
Learn strategies o to help your family adapt, cope, and build resilience during the pandemic.