State begins new training for mental health providers of first responders

ALBANY | Gov. Hochul has announced the release of a new online training for mental health professionals who currently work with or are considering working with first responders such as 911 dispatchers, law enforcement, emergency medical technicians and firefighters. The First Responder Mental Health and Cultural Awareness Training features content on first responder culture, mental health challenges and barriers that may prevent first responders from seeking mental health treatment. The training includes insights from the New York State First Responder Mental Health Needs Assessment championed by Governor Hochul, which included a survey completed by more than 6,000 first responders in New York State. "First responders do more than put their lives on the line; they also put them on hold, prioritizing the safety and wellbeing of New Yorkers every single day," Gov. Hochul said. "During First Responder Wellness week, we are taking care of our brave firefighters, EMTs, 911 dispatchers, emergency department personnel and members of law enforcement who always sacrifice for their communities and witness New York's toughest moments. It's up to us to take care of one another and give first responders the support they need." This training is a one-hour, awareness-level training for mental health professionals interested in working with first responders. It includes videos from responders and mental health professionals about the unique culture, issues, and challenges facing first responders from a mental health perspective. The training includes scenarios and interactive exercises to test the learner's knowledge. Mental health professionals that successfully complete the training can receive continuing education credit. There are a total of five modules covering the following topics: understanding the work of first responders; first responder culture; stressors and barriers to seeking care; understanding health disparities; and strategies to engage first responders. Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Acting Commissioner Terry O'Leary said, "Our first responders are witnesses to life's cruelest events, and it is vital that they receive the support they need to take care of themselves the way that they take care of others. This new training will provide mental health professionals with the insight they need to work with first responders and expand treatment options for first responders looking for help." Last February, Gov. Hochul unveiled the findings of the First Responder Mental Health Needs Assessment, noting that more than half of individuals working in public safety fields experience high levels of stress, burnout and mental health challenges. It also found that there is currently a lack of first responder culturally competent mental health professionals available to treat first responders. In response, the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services and the Office of Mental Health have released this training through their Learning Management Systems. Mental health professionals that complete the training will be eligible to receive continuing education credits. DHSES and OMH are working on additional trainings for mental health professionals, and those trainings will also be posted to the respective Learning Management Systems once they are ready. The launch of this training is part of Gov. Hochul's ongoing efforts to improve first responder mental health and wellness. In addition to the New York State First Responder Mental Health Needs Assessment, DHSES previously announced several other responder wellness resources. The new resources available include a Responder Wellness Program Primer Responder Wellness Program Primer, an informational resource intended to help state and local public safety agencies develop or enhance their responder wellness programs; a video that highlights the unique mental health needs of first responders; and the launch of a new website dedicated to first responder mental health and wellness. OMH also leads several initiatives to support first responder mental health, including CARES UP, which provides $3 million annually to uniformed personnel agencies and veterans' organizations to increase suicide prevention efforts and wellness programming. So far, this initiative has provided funding to 53 first responder agencies and 11 veteran-serving organizations via Onward Ops, helping them to integrate mental health and suicide prevention training with various wellness initiatives designed to enhance overall health. Building on this effort, Gov. Hochul's FY 2027 budget proposes establishing a First Responder Behavioral Health Center of Excellence to serve as a statewide training and technical assistance hub so departments of all sizes can develop peer support programs. By leveraging peer-to-peer relationships, the state can help break down barriers to care and ensure emergency personnel have the mental health resources they can rely on to stay safe and healthy on the job. In addition to the training and CARES UP, any New Yorker experiencing or who knows someone experiencing a behavioral health issue may contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which connects them to trained crisis counselors 24/7 to help those thinking about suicide, struggling with substance use, a mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. New York 988 call centers received more than 41,000 calls in February alone, making it the second-most active service nationally.

Signup for our newsletter

State begins new training for mental health providers of first responders

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS