Skip to content First Responders of California offers specialized outpatient mental health treatment for first responders serving Santa Monica and surrounding communities. Firefighters, police officers, EMTs, dispatchers, and emergency medical staff experience unique levels of pressure that can affect both personal wellbeing and professional performance. Our virtual treatment model delivers high quality care while allowing you to remain active at work and at home. All services are private, supportive, and designed to meet the demands of first responder life.
Although services are provided virtually for Santa Monica, our operations are supported by two established California facilities that coordinate care and admissions. This structure gives every client professional oversight, reliable communication, and continuity of treatment. You receive the same quality guidance as you would from an in person program while benefiting from the convenience of outpatient care.
Santa Monica first responders work in a high visibility environment with constant demands from both local residents and visitors. Stress, trauma exposure, and long hours can contribute to anxiety, depression, and burnout. Our treatment programs are tailored to support emotional resilience and mental stability. Each client receives a personalized plan guided by experienced clinicians familiar with first responder culture.
At First Responders of California, care is based on respect, experience, and trust. We understand the demands of public service and the importance of confidentiality. Our approach combines compassion with clinical excellence so you never feel alone in your recovery.
Clinicians who specialize in first responder mental health
Flexible outpatient treatment with no residential stay
LGBTQ+ friendly and inclusive support
We provide a wide range of outpatient services to address emotional, psychological, and behavioral health needs. All treatment plans are individually developed and guided by evidence based practices. Support is consistent, structured, and adapted to your schedule.
Helps stabilize mood and support long term emotional balance.
Focused care after traumatic events to reduce distress and flashbacks.
Addresses persistent sadness, low energy, and motivation concerns.
Provides tools to manage stress, panic, and constant worry.
Comprehensive support for overall psychological wellbeing.
Encourages healthy responses and improved emotional control.
Compassionate support through loss and emotional recovery.
Combines medication with therapy to support symptom relief.
Customized plans reflect your unique experiences and needs.
Supports better sleep and healthier daily routine.
Addresses changes in emotional stability and energy levels.
Targets intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors.
Promotes healing from cumulative and acute trauma.
Helps reshape negative thinking patterns.
Builds emotional management and coping skills.
Clinically proven techniques for better mental health.
Strengthens relationships through shared understanding.
Focuses on mind, body, and lifestyle improvement.
Peer support in a guided therapeutic environment.
Encourages positive change with practical goals.
Reduces trauma response through structured processing.
Promotes flexibility and purpose driven living.
Care that fits your schedule without disrupting duty.
Santa Monica offers many calming activities to promote mental balance and relaxation. Engaging in healthy routines outside therapy can strengthen emotional wellbeing. These experiences support stress relief and overall quality of life.
Walks along the Santa Monica Pier
Beach meditation and yoga
Visiting Palisades Park
Exploring local art galleries
Cycling the beachfront path
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In urgent situations, immediate action is necessary. While our program focuses on outpatient treatment, emergency services should be used when safety is a concern. Santa Monica first responders and their families have access to comprehensive 24/7 crisis services through Los Angeles County Service Area 5’s behavioral health network, a dedicated local therapeutic transport team, and specialized emergency facilities with psychiatric care.
Dial 988 for immediate, confidential support 24/7. This national lifeline provides free crisis counseling for suicidal, mental health, and substance use-related crises. Trained counselors offer compassionate, judgment-free assistance and can deploy Sycamores Mobile Crisis Outreach Teams (MCOT) for in-person response when needed. The service is available to first responders experiencing crisis or to loved ones calling on their behalf. Text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for additional support options.
Call (800) 854-7771 for round-the-clock behavioral health support and emergency services. This comprehensive ACCESS Center serves as the primary entry point for mental health services in Los Angeles County, providing crisis assessments, deployment of Psychiatric Mobile Response Teams (PMRT) within sixty minutes of referral, service referrals and linkages throughout Service Area 5, gatekeeping of acute psychiatric beds, and coordination with Santa Monica’s specialized mental health response teams.
A dedicated behavioral health team serving Santa Monica through a partnership between the City of Santa Monica and LA County Department of Mental Health. These three-member teams include a driver, peer support specialist, and clinical social worker who assist Santa Monica Police and Fire personnel with 911 and non-emergency calls involving mental health crises. The team provides psychiatric transport to mental health facilities, crisis intervention and de-escalation, 5150 holds when necessary for safety, and connections to supportive case management and recovery-focused services. Teams work collaboratively with first responders to provide appropriate, compassionate mental health crisis response.
Located at 1250 16th Street, Santa Monica, call (424) 259-6000 for hospital information or (424) 259-8400 for the emergency center. This 281-bed medical center features the Nethercutt Emergency Center, Santa Monica’s only emergency department approved for pediatric care, treating nearly 50,000 patients annually. The emergency center provides comprehensive emergency psychiatric evaluation and stabilization available 24/7, crisis intervention services, coordination with UCLA Health’s extensive behavioral health network for specialized psychiatric care, and seamless integration with UCLA’s Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital for ongoing treatment needs.
Our care team includes psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed therapists, nurses, and support staff who share one mission — to help every client achieve long-term stability and wellness. Together, they create a nurturing environment where healing truly happens.
Our outpatient mental health program is designed to fit your life without uprooting it. Treatment is flexible, confidential, and accessible across California through virtual care. You can receive high-quality therapy while continuing work and family routines. This approach allows first responders to prioritize mental health without pausing professional duties.
The following questions address common concerns for Santa Monica first responders seeking care.
It allows you to receive structured therapy while continuing daily life and work.
If flexibility and privacy matter to you, virtual care may be a strong fit after evaluation.
We work with many major insurance providers. Contact us to verify coverage.
Yes. Equality and respect are central to our care.
Reach out by phone or through our website to speak with a specialist.
We operate two California facilities and serve clients statewide through virtual care.
Our virtual programs allow us to meet you where you are, making it possible to receive the compassionate, individualized care you deserve regardless of your location. Through secure and convenient online services, you can stay connected to experienced professionals without sacrificing comfort, flexibility, or quality of care.
Dedicated to the mental health of California’s bravest – firefighters, police officers, nurses, EMTs, and emergency service personnel.
Your courage saves lives; let us save yours. Contact First Responders of California today to begin your journey to mental wellness.
All calls are 100% free and confidential