FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
About Us
The Team Who Supports the People Who Serve
We exist to strengthen first responders, their families, and the agencies that depend on them.
Trust.
Respect.
Confidentiality.
About Us
Protecting the Ones Who Protect Us
We exist to strengthen first responders, their families, and the agencies that depend on them.
Meet Our Team
The Real People Behind The Practice
Birkley Consulting delivers evidence-based psychological services and consultation designed specifically for first responder culture. We help agencies build healthier systems, stronger teams, and a lasting culture of wellness that protects those who protect the rest of us.
We are a psychologist, clinicians, administrators, and consultants who believe first responders deserve the best. Each member of our team brings expertise and a commitment to serve with respect, compassion, and excellence.
Founder & Psychologist
Dr. Erica Birkley
Dr. Erica Birkley has dedicated more than a decade to serving first responders, veterans, and their families. She understands the unique stressors that come with a life of service and the courage it takes to ask for help.
Dr. Birkley opened a private practice in 2023 to provide effective, practical, and respectful care that helps first responders and their loved ones recover, reconnect, and thrive.
Dr. Birkley specializes in treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anger, depression, sleep problems, and relationship challenges.
PhD in Clinical Psychology, Purdue University
Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Trauma Treatment, Cincinnati VA Medical Center
Six years of service in the University of Cincinnati Department of Psychiatry, Associate Professor
Board Member of Bless the Badge Ministries
Dr. Erica Birkley, PhD
Emily Fumarola, LISW-S
Clinician
Emily Fumarola
Emily Fumarola is a dedicated Master’s-level, independently licensed clinician with over a
decade of experience in the mental health field. Her background includes extensive work in community mental health settings and a strong specialization in supporting First Responders. Coming from a military and first responder family, she brings both personal insight and professional expertise to her work, offering a deep understanding of the unique challenges these individuals face.
For many years, Emily served as a crisis response clinician in Montgomery County, where she worked directly alongside police and fire teams in high-stress situations. This experience reinforced her commitment to prioritizing the mental health and well-being of First Responders, providing critical support when it's needed most.
In addition to her work with First Responders, Emily has extensive experience in crisis
management, trauma-informed care, and EMDR. Her clinical focus includes treating individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and those navigating significant life transitions.
She also supports clients dealing with relationship challenges, child development concerns, and grief related to breakups or divorce. Emily’s therapeutic approach is client-centered and collaborative. She meets each individual
where they are, providing a safe, supportive environment that fosters healing and growth. She is passionate about helping clients feel seen, heard, and empowered on their journey toward well-being.
To learn more or schedule a consultation, please reach out. She would be honored to connect and explore whether it’s the right fit.
Professional Memberships
Peer Support Teams
Founder & Chief Clinician
Meet Dr. Birkley
Dr. Erica Birkley
Erica has invested over ten years of service to first responders, veterans, and their families. She has has expertise in PTSD, anger, depression, sleep, and couples.
Erica serves as a clinician on several peer support teams, and provides training and psychological testing to agencies in the greater Cincinnati area.
Erica is married to her high school sweetheart, and they are blessed with a baby boy and a school-aged daughter.
PhD in Clinical Psychology, Perdue University
Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Trauma Treatment, Cincinnati VA Medical Center
Provider in: Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART),
Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD),
Cognitive Processing Therapy
Michael Sechrist, LPC
LEO - Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Michael Sechrist has been in full-time law enforcement for 14 years. During that time, he has served as a patrol officer, K-9 handler, and detective. He currently works for a mid-sized agency in Southwest Ohio.
In addition, Michael is an active member of his county's Peer Support Team, with experience in group and individual interventions.
Michael is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the State of Ohio, and he holds his Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Michael is married and has three school-aged children. He and his family are active in their local church.
Jon Habig, LPC
LEO - Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
Jon has been a full-time law enforcement officer for more than two decades at the same mid-sized agency in Southwest Ohio. During that time, he has worked as a patrol officer, detective, training sergeant, and patrol sergeant. Jon has witnessed and experienced the impact of stress and trauma on first responders.
Jon is passionate about promoting mental wellness and breaking down stigmas in the first responder community. Jon volunteers his time as the board president of the Tri-State First Responder Peer Support Team. For the last two years, he has also
counseled first responders and military personnel at a local psychiatric hospital in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Andrew Birkley
Massage Therapist
Andrew has been a licensed massage therapist for the past 12 years helping people with the stress of the world we live in and how it manifests in our bodies.
Andrew can work with you in our office or come to your department to provide massage on-site to remove the burden of finding time outside of work to get a massage.
As dedicated provider of massage therapy at the VA's annual National Veterans Summer and Winter Sports Clinics, Andrew's services were integral in supporting the physical recovery and well-being of the participating disabled veterans after they spent the day surfing, sailing, or skiing.
He has had the privilege of providing tailored medical massage to a wide variety of clients including veterans with amputations, professional athletes, pregnant women, and first responders on-site and on-shift.
Learn more about massage here.
Janelle Harkin
Clinic Coordinator
Janelle Harkin is our Clinic Coordinator, ensuring that the office runs smoothly and that
client needs are met efficiently. It is important to her that clients feel welcomed and
supported, without fear of judgment.
She brings over four years of experience working in the behavioral health world with Dr. Birkley. She has a passion for working with veterans and first responders and is pursuing certification in coaching so that she may work with our client base in a broader capacity.
Janelle is a widow and mom to two mostly grown children in college and a dog. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, crafting, and playing the occasional video game.
Sarah Horton
Administrative Assistant
Sarah Horton serves as the Administrative Assistant, bringing over a decade of experience in client scheduling and clerical support. Known for her attention to detail and organizational skills, Sarah plays a key role in keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly.
Outside of work, she is a proud wife to a Sheriff's deputy and a devoted mother
to her 7-year-old son, balancing her professional and family life with dedication and care.
Jordan Binder
Doctor of Psychology Graduate Student
Jordan is a third-year Clinical Psychology doctoral student at Xavier University. He has had prior clinical, training and leadership experience at the Didi Hirsch Suicide Prevention Center, where he was directly serving on and supporting the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (“The Lifeline”).
Prior to graduate school, he contributed to ADHD and Dementia research conducted
at the University of California, Berkeley’s Hinshaw Lab and the Berkeley Psychophysiology
Laboratory, respectively.
As a psychologist in training, Jordan is committed to providing clinical and assessment services while adhering to the highest standards of ethics and scientific evidence available. Jordan primarily utilizes evidence-based skills and principles of cognitive behavioral therapies to inform treatment and best serve his clients.
Outside of his academic and clinical work, he finds balance through hiking, reading, video games and playing music.
What You Can Expect From Us
Highest Standard of Care
No shortcuts. No “good enough.”
Protection for Both Your People & Your Agency
Every session serves the individual and supports the bigger picture.
Every Person Matters
Nobody leaves feeling like a number. Everyone leaves feeling seen and deeply cared for.
Ready to Strengthen Your Agency?
Let’s start with a conversation about what your people need most. Every partnership begins with understanding, not assumptions.
We are committed to providing compassionate, confidential, and effective mental health care for individuals, families, and agencies.
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
- Psalm 46:1
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This publication is designed to provide general information prepared by a professional in regard to the subject matter covered. It is not intended to provide psychological or clinical advice. Although prepared by a professional, this publication should not be utilized as a substitute for professional service in specific situations. If mental health advice or other expert assistance is required, the service of a professional should be sought.
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