First Responder Mental Health: A Clinician's Guide

This edited volume provides mental health clinicians with knowledge to effectively work with current and former first responders.  It provides strategies on how to best develop and adapt clinical assessment procedures and therapeutic interventions to better meet the unique needs found in these settings.  Chapters synthesize existing literature to introduce the reader to profession-specific factors issues that exist in these contexts and describe the challenges that can present when working with police, firefighters, EMS, emergency communications operators, crime scene investigators, and corrections personnel.

The book covers a range of topics that clinicians and trainees need to understand the relevant issues, develop effective treatment plans, and deliver appropriate psychological services in public safety settings.  First Responder Mental Health: A Clinician’s Guide will be essential reading for mental health professionals working with first responders, as well as those in training.

Dr. Michael Bourke is the former Chief Psychologist for the United States Marshals Service, where he created and headed the USMS Behavioral Analysis Unit.  He is currently in private practice in Springfield, Virginia, where he provides consultation and training in the areas of criminal and behavioral profiling, sex offending, and secondary traumatic stress within public safety professions.  Dr. Bourke is a former firefighter, prison psychologist, and career federal law enforcement officer. He is a current adjunct faculty member at The George Washington University and Nova Southeastern University.

Dr. Vincent Van Hasselt is a President's Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Director of the First Responder Research and Training Program at Nova Southeastern University.  His clinical and research interests are in the areas of critical incident stress management, crisis (hostage) negotiations, mental health problems, and behavioral health and peer support training for police officers and firefighters.  Dr. Van Hasselt is a certified police officer in the State of Florida. 

Dr. Sam J. Buser retired as the senior staff psychologist for one of the nation’s largest fire departments.  An Army veteran and former VA psychologist, he is Past-President of the Texas Psychological Association.  A frequent media presenter, he is the co-host of Leaving the Valley, a podcast on suicide prevention.  He has been recognized by the Texas Psychological Association for his Outstanding Contribution to Public Service in helping firefighters.