CULTURAL COMPETENCY 
FIRE SERVICE

At MI RESTORES in partnership with UCF RESTORES, we believe that understanding the unique culture of those seeking care is essential to delivering effective mental health treatment. Our Fire Service Cultural Competency Training Course empowers licensed mental health clinicians to effectively understand and address the specific clinical needs of firefighters. 

 

​​This is a fully online didactic training course and provides a comprehensive introduction to teh language, lifestyle, and occupational challenges of the fire service. Clinicians will hear directly from firefighters describing the demands of their profession and the unique lifestyle it fosters. They will also gain insights from academics and clinicians into the risk factors that increase firefighters' vulnerability to PTSD and related conditions, as well as learn how to tailor services to meet the needs of this distinct community.

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"Surveys of firefighters indicate that one of the major barriers to accessing care is the lack of clinicians who are knowledgeable about their occupation and lifestyle. This course is one avenue to address that shortage. As we launch this new online chapter, we remain deeply committed to supporting first responders and those who care for them." - UCF RESTORES Executive Director Deborah C. Beidel, Ph.D., ABPP

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​This course will address:​

• Firefighter culture, including values, traditions, and challenges unique to this community;

• The relationship between chronic exposure to trauma and its impact on firefighters' physical and mental health;

• The unique operational demands of firefighting, including shift schedules, team dynamics, and the physical and behavioral health risks inherent in the role; and,

• Evenidence-based treatment strategies to build trust and provide effective care for firefighter clients and their families.

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After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify the key aspects of firefighter culture, including language, customs, and occupational dynamics;

• Understand the connection between the physical and mental health risks of firefighting and their impact on daily life;

• Realize the factors that make firefighters particularly vulnerable to PTSD and other trauma-related conditions;

• Develop tailored treatment plans using efficacious, evidence-based approaches for first responder populations; and,

• Foster trust and understanding through culturally competent practices, improving therapeutic outcomes. 

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The course is approved by the American Psychological Association for 4.25 CE credits, and completion fulfills the step to registration on Redline Rescue, an online directory of clinicians who have completed specialized didactic and practical training to better understand (and better servce) firefighters and their families. 

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