717-686-3420
shelby@forestviewwellness.com
Mental Health Therapy for
First Responders
Let’s be real—First Responders see and deal with things most people couldn’t handle for five minutes. Over time, that stuff piles up, even if you’re great at compartmentalizing. Therapy isn’t about being “broken” or "weak"—it’s about keeping yourself solid enough to keep doing the job and living your life outside of it.
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I am licensed mental health professional who has worked diligently to truly understand the First Responder world, which makes a significant difference in your care. I don't flinch at the tough stories and dark humor or try to fix the culture. I can help you process the weight of the work without judgment. Specialized, evidence-based therapy gives you tools to manage stress, sleep better, and reconnect with what matters most—on and off the job.
Initial Intake
Initial mental health therapy intakes typically take 45-60 minutes. During this session, I will encourage you to share your reasons for seeking support for your mental health and your goals for the process. As part of the intake, I will ask standard questions, including a brief family history, your mental health history, and any symptoms you may be experiencing. Additionally, I may request that you complete symptom inventories to assess possible difficulties like anxiety, depression, or PTSD, which will help determine the suitable type of therapy for you (such as CBT, ACT, or EMDR).
Sessions 1-3
In sessions 1-3, as a team you and I will assess whether we are suitable match to move forward with the mental health therapy relationship. Once we agree to work together, we will collaboratively develop your mental health treatment plan aimed at helping reach your therapy goals. Additionally, I may gather more background information, provide education on anxiety, depression, PTSD, other related topics, explore obstacles to your progress, and identify resources beyond therapy sessions.
Sessions 4-10
Sessions 4-10 will be dedicated to progressing towards your mental health therapy goals. This involves engaging in established evidence-based therapy, assessing your improvement through the readministering of mental health assessments, setting new therapy objectives as needed and ensuring you stay accountable for completing agreed upon action plans.
Sessions 10+
Depending on your progress in therapy, we may consider extending the time between our appointments. This will give you a chance to practice what you've learned independently. We'll also discuss your transition out of therapy, identify other goals for your treatment plan, address concerns about ending sessions, as well as include future steps if you feel the need to return.