Wellness Visit
Purpose 1: Meet with a Therapist
It is estimated that over 50% of police officers, firefighter medics, and dispatchers have never sat down with a therapist. Wellness visits provide them with that opportunity to see what therapy is like, and learn many ways providers can be helpful.
Purpose 2: Build trust in seeking mental health help
Trust is hard earned and easily lost among first responders, with good reason. Wellness visits allow for them to test that the clinician maintains their privacy and confidentiality over time, even as they interact with command.
Purpose 3: Receive tailored referrals and specific recs
The strongest predictor of a first responder having a positive outcome in therapy is their relationship with the therapist - trust and a shared game plan for treatment. Everyone gets a list of culturally-competent clinicians, locations, & insurance info.
Wellness visits are NOT a medical appointment or therapy
In a typical wellness visit there is NO documentation by the clinician, no notes are taken on the content of what is talked about.
Everyone will receive a list of vetted clinicians in your area, EAP contact, and peer support.
Informed Consent
Clinician begins the visit by reviewing a written informed consent and disclosure document and HIPAA privacy practices with the first responder and answers questions.
Documentation by the clinician is mandated by law if there is a mandatory report (e.g., child abuse) of information pertaining directly to that report.
What you talk about is up to you
When an agency mandates that all first responders attend a wellness visit, it reduces stigma. Everyone meets with the clinician, including command.
What you talk about, if anything, is your choice. You will receive information on healthy sleep behaviors, social support, and breathing.
Emergency Communications Center Data
Before your session, you thought the wellness visit was going to be…
After your session, you thought the wellness visit was…
“Having been to several "therapists," I thought Erica was extremely kind and understanding. She listened and let the conversation lead itself. I genuinely would have liked more time with her.”
“The session went very well. Unfortunately this type of thing is not seen as a good thing by some. Peer pressure prevents some from seeking help. I hope that by being vocal about my experiences that it can help someone know that it is okay to not be okay.”
What was Helpful about the Wellness Visit?
First Responders were able to select more than one option
How likely are you to recommend well visits to other first responders?
Wellness Visit Testimonials
I'm glad the department made it mandatory
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Would appreciate if they occurred more often
•
Maybe a little more time next visit
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I'm glad the department made it mandatory • Would appreciate if they occurred more often • Maybe a little more time next visit •
Everything was covered
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I was able to speak freely and cover what I was feeling
•
Have them more often!!!!!
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Everything was covered • I was able to speak freely and cover what I was feeling • Have them more often!!!!! •
Working for an agency that provides well visits and related training is important to me.
4.76%
28.57%66.67%