FOR FIRST RESPONDERS
Therapy
Individual & Couple Therapy for First Responders
About Us
Protecting the Ones Who Protect Us
We exist to strengthen first responders, their families, and the agencies that depend on them.
How We Help
Evidence-Based, Personalized Care
Every clinician on our team is trained in approaches that are backed by science and proven to help responders recover from trauma, stress, and burnout.
Common Focus Areas:
Post-traumatic and cumulative stress.
Relationships & family
Anger, anxiety, and sleep disruption
Identity after retirement or critical incidents
Grief, depression, and burnout
Clinician
Emily Fumarola
Emily Fumarola, LISW-S
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.
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.
In addition to her work with First Responders, Emily has extensive experience in:
Crisis Management
Trauma-Informed Care
EMDR. Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy
Her clinical focus includes treating individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and those navigating significant life transitions.
Founder & Psychologist
Dr. Erica Birkley
Dr. Erica Birkley is a highly experienced Clinical Psychologist bringing over 10 years of clinical expertise to her practice. She combines genuine warmth and strong empathy with rigorous, evidence-based care to support individuals navigating high-stress professions and profound life challenges.
Dr. Birkley specializes in providing focused, effective care to First Responders, Military Personnel, Healthcare Professionals, and other community members impacted by trauma and occupational stress.
Clinical Specialties
Dr. Birkley understands the unique demands placed on individuals in critical roles. Her clinical expertise is centered on the treatment of:
• Trauma and PTSD
• Acute and Chronic Stress
• Anger Management
• Depression and Mood Issues
• Grief and Loss
Personalized & Comprehensive Care
Dr. Birkley is committed to tailoring evidence-based approaches to meet the unique needs and goals of each client. Her practice is rooted in providing a safe, confidential, and validating environment where clients can process difficult experiences and develop sustainable coping strategies.
For clients who desire spiritual integration, Dr. Birkley also offers Christian bible-based counseling as an optional component alongside evidence-based treatment, ensuring support that aligns with their core values. She is deeply committed to supporting clients in their recovery journey, helping them move toward true healing and lasting resilience.
Dr. Erica Birkley specializes in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, sleep problems/insomnia, anger, and relationship issues for first responders and their spouses/partners.
Dr. Erica Birkley, PhD
Founder & Psychologist
Dr. Erica Birkley
Dr. Erica Birkley, PhD
Dr. Erica Birkley is a highly experienced Clinical Psychologist bringing over 10 years of clinical expertise to her practice. She combines genuine warmth and strong empathy with rigorous, evidence-based care to support individuals navigating high-stress professions and profound life challenges.
Dr. Birkley specializes in providing focused, effective care to First Responders, Military Personnel, Healthcare Professionals, and other community members impacted by trauma and occupational stress.
Clinical Specialties
Dr. Birkley understands the unique demands placed on individuals in critical roles. Her clinical expertise is centered on the treatment of:
• Trauma and PTSD
• Acute and Chronic Stress
• Anger Management
• Depression and Mood Issues
• Grief and Loss
Personalized & Comprehensive Care
Dr. Birkley is committed to tailoring evidence-based approaches to meet the unique needs and goals of each client. Her practice is rooted in providing a safe, confidential, and validating environment where clients can process difficult experiences and develop sustainable coping strategies.
For clients who desire spiritual integration, Dr. Birkley also offers Christian bible-based counseling as an optional component alongside evidence-based treatment, ensuring support that aligns with their core values. She is deeply committed to supporting clients in their recovery journey, helping them move toward true healing and lasting resilience.
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
Peer Support Teams
Therapies Offered for PTSD
Billing & Insurance
Out-of-Network Providers
Birkley Consulting has contracted with First Responder Departments, Municipalities, and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) to cover all or a portion of therapy services for members, on a discretionary basis.
Birkley Consulting clinicians are out-of-network providers. Our practice does accept private pay via Health Savings Account (HSA), Flexible Spending Account (FSA), and all major credit cards.
For individuals with insurance coverage, our practice will provide documentation of clinical services in the form of a Superbill that clients may submit to their insurance company for possible reimbursement depending on their insurance plan.
Clients are encouraged to contact their insurance provider in advance of their first session to discuss whether a prior-authorization is required from the clinician for services and if a Superbill is accepted as well as the estimated reimbursement to be expected.
For individuals with insurance coverage, Dr. Birkley can provide documentation of clinical services in the form of a Superbill that clients may submit to their insurance company for possible reimbursement depending on their insurance plan.
Clients are encouraged to contact their insurance provider in advance of their first session to discuss whether a prior-authorization is required from Dr. Birkley for services and if a Superbill is accepted as well as the estimated reimbursement to be expected.
We offer a sliding fee scale and our staff will assist clients with the application process
Partnerships to Improve Access to Therapy for First Responders
Our staff will assist new and existing clients in applications for therapy session funding and/or reimbursement.
We partner with non-profits for first responders to help increase access to high-quality therapy.
This confidential program offers reimbursement for PTSD treatment including outpatient therapy for current fulltime and volunteer firefighters, or those serving as such in the past five years, in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Mentaya is a service that helps therapists and clients by automating the process of submitting insurance claims for out-of-network therapy
You’ve spent your career taking care of others.
Now it’s time to take care of yourself.
Testimonials
What Our Therapy Clients Say
"I am truly grateful"
"You have been teaching me skills that help me stop myself from a downward spiral of which I am truly grateful, and others have noticed. I appreciate your kindness and patience – two wonderful qualities that accompany your professional demeanor, which has been helpful for me."
"Positive changes"
"We appreciate the positive changes you have made in our relationship and in me as a TBI survivor. You have been a huge blessing and we will miss you."
"I am now hopeful for the future."
"I want you to know your expertise has profoundly effected my life, You enabled me to change my negative thought processes and you taught me the tools I still use to manage anxiety. For the first time I am no longer suffering, I am now hopeful for the future, instead of apathetic."
"You were a true blessing."
"You were a true blessing when I need it the most. I know I have a long way to go, but I feel very well equipped to handle things thanks to you."
Two Convenient Locations
Birkley Consulting offers mental health treatment in-person as well as online via telehealth to clients located in Ohio and Kentucky.
1225 Birney Ln, Cincinnati OH 45230
7905 State Route 48, Maineville OH 45039
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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