Description

First responders operate within a distinct occupational culture shaped by trauma exposure, high-stakes decision-making, and rigid hierarchies—all of which impact how they access and engage in mental health care. This presentation equips mental health professionals with the evidence-based frameworks, tools, and cultural humility required to provide ethical, responsive care to law enforcement, fire service, EMS, dispatch, and other first responder populations. Grounded in research and enriched by the presenter’s lived experience as a police and public safety psychologist, this training addresses the intersectionality of occupational identity, barriersto care, suicide prevention, and treatment engagement strategies. Attendees will learn torecognize cultural values, navigate confidentiality challenges, and align their clinical style withthe communication needs of responders. Reflection activities and case examples will support self-awareness and growth toward more culturally competent practice.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this presentation, participants will:

• Define cultural competence, sensitivity, and humility in the context of mental health care for first responders.

• Identify key characteristics of first responder occupational culture and how these impact help-seeking behavior.

• Recognize common barriers to mental health engagement and how culturally informed strategies can reduce stigma and improve access to care.

• Describe effective, culturally competent approaches to suicide risk assessment, safety planning, and lethal means counseling with law enforcement clients.

• Engage in self-reflection to identify personal assumptions, biases, or gaps in cultural awareness related to serving first responder populations.

• Identify at least two reputable resources—including books, organizations, and continuing education opportunities—to deepen cultural competence

Presented by:

Dr. Jena Casas, Ph.D. Licensed Clinical and Police and Public Safety Psychologist

Continuing Education Units:

2.5 CEUs (inlcudes 2 suicide prevention CEUs)

Certification Board Information

This training is approved for continuing education units by the boards listed here. Additional specifications can be found below.

NAADAC (The Association for Addiction Professionals)

This course has been approved by CASAT, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for the below # of CEUs. NAADAC Provider #98165. CASAT is responsible for all aspects of its programming.

CEUs: 2.5

Skills Groups

This course applies to the following Client Skill Groups as defined by NAADAC:

• Clinical Assessment

• Treatment Plan

• Counseling Services

• Documentation

• Case Management

NBCC (National Board for Certified Counselors)

CASAT has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6492. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CASAT is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. (Continuing education hours and CEU's are synonymous for purposes of issuing CEU's from CASAT Learning)

Qualifies for NBCC Credit: No

NCB (Nevada Certification Board)

This course is NOT approved by the Nevada Certification Board.

Presentation materials are not for reproduction or distribution without specific written authorization. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in our courses are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of CASAT.

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