Therapy for first responders

Emergency response vehicles, including a police car and fire truck, with flashing lights, are positioned behind yellow caution tape. Thick smoke or steam rises, indicating a fire or hazardous incident, in front of a modern glass building.

Law-Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, Active Military, and Veterans

Being in one of these professions presents unique challenges when it comes to finding a competent therapist. The therapist needs to know your agency culture, have an idea of the work environment, is savvy about keeping information safe, and provides effective treatment while helping people to continue to function. You want a competent therapist that gets you and your work, while also being discrete.

Common items that first responders come to therapy for:

  • Managing anger

  • Sleep difficulty

  • Relationship challenges

  • Substance use

  • How to shut off after work (being always hyper-alert)

  • The anniversaries of certain days

  • Not caring about anything anymore

  • The “usta’s” - “I usta do jujitsu, bike and spend time with my family…. it’s been a while though.”

  • Not wanting to live anymore

Confidential therapy

Matt Rensi Counseling offers confidential therapy that helps get first responders back to themselves so they can enjoy their family and lives again.

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Clinical Partners

Matt Rensi Counseling currently works with or has worked with the following agencies:

  • Santa Clara County Sheriff

  • Santa Clara City Fire

  • San Jose Fire Department

  • Polk County Sheriff

  • Gilroy Fire Department

  • The Headstrong Project (Military/Veterans)

  • SOF Network (For special forces)

  • The Gilroy Strong Resiliency Center (People impacted by the Gilroy Garlic Festival Shooting)

  • The 526 Center (Santa Clara County Sheriff officers that were impacted by the VTA Shooting)

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The 526 Resiliency Center

What is it?

The 526 Resiliency Center is a program of the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, Victim Services Unit. The Center was established after the May 26, 2021 mass shooting at the Valley Transportation Authority in San Jose, CA. The Center is grant funded by the Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime and supports all those impacted by the shooting. All services provided are free and confidential.

Who is eligible?

If you were employed with the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office on May 26, 2021, you are eligible to access completely free mental health services. All services provided are confidential. Appointments and consultations can be scheduled directly by contacting Matt Rensi Counseling.