FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
Psychological Testing Built for Real-World Public Safety
Clear, defensible evaluations aligned with International Association of Chiefs of Police and International Association of Fire Fighters standards.
Psychological Testing Services
We provide structured psychological evaluations for public safety agencies, designed to support hiring decisions, ensure fitness for duty, and protect both the agency and the individual.
Every evaluation follows a clearly defined process grounded in industry standards and ethical guidelines.
Post-Conditional Offer Evaluations
Built on Role-Specific Data
Each evaluation begins with a job-specific analysis.
Command staff are interviewed to identify:
• Traits of successful personnel
• Behaviors that signal risk or misalignment
• Department-specific expectations and culture
This information is translated into a formalized evaluation framework, ensuring candidates are assessed against what actually matters in your department.
How Candidates Are Evaluated:
Candidate responses are compared against:
• Large, validated first responder datasets
• Role-specific comparison groups (e.g., police candidates to police candidates)
This creates a percentile-based, data-informed profile instead of subjective opinion.
Ethical Considerations:
Information not directly relevant to the psychological suitability question will not be part of the report - this protects all parties ethically, including the agency/city client and the candidate being evaluated.
Fitness For Duty Evaluations (FFDE)
Criterion Standard:
(1) Objective evidence that the employee may be unable to safely or effectively perform a defined job and
(2) a reasonable basis for believing the cause may be attributable to a psychological condition or impairment.
ACP PPSS 2018
Industry Standard Ethical Comprehensive Approach:
Trained by field expert in public safety and forensic psychology, Dr. Dave Corey.
MMPI-3 is typically used.
Informed Consent and Disclosure and HIPAA Privacy Practices reviewed and signed by examinee to proceed with the evaluation.
Medical records if applicable are requested from the examinee.
Rating of fit or unfit-for-duty given.
Ethical Considerations:
Dr. Birkley cannot provide both FFDE and wellness visits due to a conflict of interest.
What This Means for Your Agency:
• Evaluations are triggered by observable, documented concerns
• Conclusions are based on evidence, not assumptions
• Reports are written to be clear, defensible, and actionable
Why Birkley
Ours are built specifically for:
Law enforcement, Fire service, EMS and dispatch
We understand the demands of the job, the stakes of the decision, and the responsibility carried by command staff.
Endorsements
From Police Officers at the Stress Inoculation & Recovery Training:
"Very informative and useful. Opened my eyes to things that have been going on in my life for some time now. Things that I was aware of, but no real knowledge of it.”
“Information provided is relative and actionable. This should be included as a part of a comprehensive wellness program for all public safety agencies.”
“If you’re a first responder you NEED the tools Dr. Birkley introduces you to at this training.”
“These types of trainings should be encouraged more due to the hesitation of first responders to talk about the topic.”
“Listen to a talk from Dr. Birkley and put her advice to action BEFORE you have an incident occur.”
From Firefighters at the Emotional Decon for the Fire Service Training:
“The session was very professional with the clinicians being more personable than one would perceive. Dr Birkley was able to open up about human elements in her personal life which definitely shows how committed she is in her career choice.”
Firefighter/Paramedic Following a Wellness Visit:
“Wellness visit went well. Thank you Emily for listening.”
From Business Owners Following Wellness at Work: Why and How to Invest in Mental Health
“Extremely beneficial!”
“Gave concrete, relevant ideas.”
“Discussion about how being able to better relate and care about your associates leads to improved morale and long term results.”
From Couples Training: Protect and Heal from Stress Exposure with your Homefront Partner:
“Very informative and something everyone needs to hear.”
“Worth the time spent.”
“I wish we went more in detail about some things and I would like to make an appointment.”
“Informative and very insightful about how trauma affects our relationships.”
From Trained Peer Supporters following: Stress, Mental Health Symptoms, and Hope in Treatment for Peer Supporters
“I think this session was extremely valuable to both my personal life and to be able to assist my peers. A lot of the techniques are simple, and just need a minimal amount of time and effort to have them succeed.”
“Very insightful. Very knowledgeable about situations and issues affecting law enforcement. Obvious desire to help."
“She gets it- knows how to speak the lingo and what’s important.”
“Incredible. Actionable content that can be used immediately.”
From Promoting Stress Recovery and Resilience for Public Safety Servants
“Erica was spot on with what First Responders go through with PTSD, stress, anxiety, and depression. She offered valuable information on how to cope and deal with these issues.”
“Uncomfortable but needed, especially for First Responders.”
From Officer Wellness Training: Communication, Conflict Resolution, and Healthy Relationships
“Thank you. For sharing Christian based ideas in the world of counseling. Especially in Law Enforcement. You are a city on a hill.”
“We can take small steps every day to improve our relationships and communication… nothing is beyond hope!”
“Thank you. For sharing Christian based ideas in the world of counseling. Especially in Law Enforcement. You are a city on a hill.”
“We can take small steps every day to improve our relationships and communication… nothing is beyond hope!”
“Relevant and timely. Great investment of time to spend with such a knowledgeable and awesome resource!”
“Very valuable for anyone in law enforcement careers or anyone that feels like the struggle with communicating at home or at work.”
Wellness Visit Testimonials
Fire Fighters
“It was very helpful but we only had so much time to cover stuff. Meeting again would cover more things in depth.”
“Topics important to me were covered.”
Dispatchers
“The visits are a great way to talk about anything in a safe non judgmental environment. The recommendations and support provided are very helpful.”
“The provider was very pleasant and easy to talk to. She was able to recommend services that I might find beneficial if the need ever arises.”
Police Officers
“Well visit went well, I think getting pass the stigma of mental health and law enforcement was a hard first step but going forward it should be easier.”
“Would prefer if these were scheduled like regular check ups, maybe a monthly thing.”
“I would not change the initial visit. It was a great initial conversation and brought a comfortableness to the program. A "get to know you" session which established trust.”
“I thought to be an informative meeting and have no suggestions for any improvements. I feel like many topics were covered and can’t think of any that were not talked about.”
“I thought the visit was well structured and left the floor open to anything comfortable worth talking about.”
“I did not go in seeking much, and probably got more than I was looking for. Very kind and easy to speak with.”
“First time doing anything like this, I think it went well.”
Let’s Build a Stronger Foundation for Wellness
Whether you’re an agency leader or an individual responder, lasting wellness starts with a conversation.
Therapy & Counseling
Agency Consulting
Ask a Question
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
Quick Links
Services
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.
© 2026 Birkley Consulting - Dr. Erica Birkley. All Rights Reserved. | Privacy | Terms | No Surprises Act | Site design by Naventive