HOPE


The Silent Struggle
A compilation of images showcases fire responders, encompassing a firefighter, a female police officer, a female paramedic, helicopter first responders, and a close-up shot of a policeman's cap
The Silent Struggle

Are you a First Responder experiencing anxiety?

You are the brave men and women who rush to the scene of emergencies and disasters. All we can do is hail you as heroes... which you are. You selflessly dedicate your lives to saving others, but behind the courage and resilience you display, we know many First Responders silently battle a hidden foe: anxiety. The demanding and often traumatic nature of your work can take a toll on your mental health, leading to significant anxiety disorders that are often overlooked.

Click to learn more about Sylvia Moir »

We offer a 10% discount to First Responders, Veterans, and their family members.

After a three-decade career in law enforcement, Sylvia Moir rarely questioned the intricate nature of her profession and the associated negative aspects. Her introduction to mindfulness training prompted her to bring this practice into the field. She garnered expertise in various aspects of policing, such as operations, investigations, management, and strategy during her time in Northern California, which significantly influenced her leadership style today.

Sylvia acknowledges both the rewards and challenges of modern policing, especially in complex environments and diverse communities. We love our affiliation with Sylvia. She inspires us and motivates us to provide our utmost effort in supporting the betterment of first responders' mental health.

 

The nature of your work

Perhaps you have attended the First Responders Resiliency Conference and heard Dr. Marisha Chilcott speak about mental health and proven solutions like Ketamine treatments in combination with psychotherapy. As paramedics, firefighters, police officers, emergency room doctors and nurses, 911 dispatchers or EMTs, you routinely face high-stress situations. You are exposed to life-threatening emergencies, accidents, natural disasters, and acts of violence on a daily basis. These experiences can be emotionally and psychologically overwhelming, and over time, they can lead to the development of anxiety disorders. This is where the services provided by BTC in Mental Health can be extremely helpful.

  • Your work experiences can be emotionally and psychologically overwhelming
  • Over time, traumatic experiences can lead to the development of anxiety disorders
  • Additional factors: demanding schedules, long and/or irregular work shifts, sleep deprivation lead to chronic stress
  • The pressure to make life-or-death decisions can also lead to mental overextension and exhaustion

 

Consequences of anxiety

The consequences of anxiety among First Responders can be severe and far-reaching. The following problems can be the results of unaddressed anxiety and unmanaged cumulative stress:

  • REDUCED JOB PERFORMANCE: Anxiety can impair your decision-making abilities, reaction times, and overall job performance
  • BURNOUT: Persistent anxiety can lead to burnout
  • SUBSTANCE ABUSE: Using alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism exacerbate mental health issues and potentially risk careers
  • STRAINED RELATIONSHIPS: Anxiety can strain relationships with family and friends
  • INCREASED SUICIDE RISK: The rate of suicide among First Responders is alarmingly high; untreated anxiety is a significant risk factor

Schedule a consultation

 

"There's too much to tell. Talk therapy only goes so far. Every time I tell a story I traumatize myself all over again. I've tried "EMDR" (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). It can help. I just want to be free. I had six sessions of ketamine+therapy last year in May/June. I felt the freedom - freedom from the loop.

Peace... Calm... Quiet in my brain..."

Anonymous First Responder
Treated at BTC

 

Two-tone blue circle graphic serves to visually divide sections on the BTC in Mental Health website, a non-profit organization focusing on Ketamine Therapy

Other Resources


We accept HSA & FSA as payment!

 

American flag featuring black stripes alongside one blue stripe symbolizes first responders to illustrate our mental health clinic works well with first responders

 

View our previous fundraiser

25 Million
First Responders in the US

We are fortunate to have 25 million courageous individuals who safeguard and serve our communities.

85 %
First Responders who have experienced symptoms related to mental health issue

Yes, that is 21,250,000 First Responders in need of our help and healing.

30 %
First Responders developing mental health problems

7.5 millions men and women who need immediate professional mental health to stop the downward spiral.

80 %
Efficacy rate of Ketamine-assisted Therapy

Imagine how many First Responders we could help at Be the Change in Mental Health. There is hope!

 

If we could treat every distressed responder with mental health disorders with Ketamine-assisted Therapy, we could help 20,000,000 First Responders on their "rapid and robust" healing journey.

Are you a family member or loved one of a First Responder?

If you are, visit this pageClick here

Firefighters clad in yellow attire collaborate as they hold a water hose, demonstrating teamwork

Offering hope and recovery with Ketamine-assisted Therapy (KAT)

We, at BTC in Mental Health, are committed to the healing of First Responders. We understand that coping with either a single horrific incident or a multitude of hard calls is an on-going process. Unlike a citizen who may be a victim and experience one terrible crime scene, as long as you are working you will be re-exposed to terrible things that in the moment require you to stuff your feelings and just get the job done.

  • Our primary therapeutic approach involves the use of Ketamine to enhance counseling provided by psychotherapists with specialized training.
  • Ketamine is classified as a dissociative anesthetic, possessing unique effects on both the mental and physical aspects of an individual.
  • Ketamine is LEGAL and FDA approved.
  • This medication has a high safety record.
  • Ketamine has a high efficacy and durability record.
  • Research has confirmed its efficacy as an antidepressant, leading to its current off-label usage in the treatment of various mental health conditions.
  • KAT helps first responders recharge and revamp their mental health.
  • We offer a comprehensive, well researched therapeutic program designed around your work schedule, whether Kelly, 48/96, 4x10, swings, or other scheduling considerations.
  • We initiate follow-up procedures to stay connected with you and help you to assess your progress.
  • We are committed to supporting your mental wellness and recovery.
  • You are not alone in this journey, and we are here to provide unwavering support every step of the way!
Nurse seated on the hospital hallway floor, her head cradled in her hand, illustrates the stress nurses may endure due to the demands of their profession

 

It is important to note that using Ketamine for anxiety and other mental health issues, although considered off-label, is entirely legal when administered under medical supervision. BTC in Mental Health does not provide quick-fix solutions; instead, we offer a comprehensive, well-researched therapeutic program that includes Ketamine and other treatments tailored to your specific needs.

Schedule a consultation

Schedule a consultation

Why BTC?

 

At BTC we believe in:

  • Compassion
  • Cultural Sensitivity
  • An urgency of treatment for First Responders for PTSD, Depression, Anxiety and Addiction
  • Unseen scars are just as significant as physical scars
  • Mental wellness is everyone's right
  • Seeking help shows strength and resilience
  • Fostering empathy and understanding to pave the way for a more supportive society for First Responders

At BTC our therapists:

  • Are trained specifically to address PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Addiction
  • Understand and take into consideration that cultural factors can significantly impact mental health, well-being, and communication
  • Create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all cultural backgrounds
  • Utilize open dialogue about PTSD, depression and anxiety
  • Believe that PTSD is an injury, not a disorder
  • Know that suffering, isolation, and feeling overwhelmed can be alleviated with treatment
  • Prioritize mental wellness and destigmatize mental injuries
  • Provide unwavering support every step of your wellness journey

First Responders work tirelessly to protect and save lives. However, you may also face the silent struggle of anxiety brought on by the nature of your work. If you or someone you know would benefit from the support and resources we offer at BTC, in order to combat anxiety and regain your mental well-being, please call our team at (707) 800-7568 or email us at info@btcmentalhealth.org to start the conversation. It would be our honor to help you recover from anxiety and regain your quality of life... because you deserve it.