Working in wildland fire exposes you to high-stress, dangerous environments and potentially traumatic events, contributing to an increased risk of mental health challenges. Mental health support is available.
As a federal wildland firefighter or dispatcher, you now have access to up to 16 free therapy sessions per year. The Wildland Fire Therapy Service is designed to address the unique needs of those in emergency management positions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the therapy service offer?
Eligible employees may schedule an initial consultation and up to 16 free therapy sessions per year. Providers are available in every state.
You can use the therapy service to address the effects of stress or trauma related to working in wildland fire, such as concerns about acute stress reactions, anxiety, grief, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or substance use.
How much does this service cost?
The therapy service is free.
Who is eligible for the therapy service?
You are eligible to use the therapy service if you served as a primary or secondary federal wildland firefighter or a federal dispatcher who worked in a full-time, permanent, seasonal, temporary, collateral duty, or administratively determined (AD) position. The service is also available to those who served in a federal role that directly supported operational wildland fire activities for up to six months after that role ends.
You can use the therapy service if you are experiencing mental health symptoms related to your work in wildland fire.
If I use this service, will my information be kept private?
Yes! When you use this service, your treatment records will be confidential and protected. They will not be shared with other individuals or organizations, including your employer.
All providers are independently licensed to provide mental health services and must adhere to all state licensure requirements, including the requirement to maintain confidentiality.
You can authorize your mental health provider to share your confidential health information with individuals of your choice, such as your primary care provider, but such disclosures will only occur if you provide written consent.
Why should I use this therapy service?
The therapy service is a new, free benefit for federal wildland fire personnel that recognizes the need for more robust mental health support given the unique stresses and challenges of this profession.
This service is unique in that it provides access to a network of mental health providers with expertise in working with emergency responders to better address the specialized needs of wildland firefighters and dispatchers.
You should use the therapy service when you need mid- to long-term therapy to address acute stress, anxiety, grief, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, or substance use concerns related to traumatic events or cumulative emotional strain from working in wildland fire.
How do I start using this service?
To access care through the Wildland Fire Therapy Service, call 1-800-424-4051. The call center will review your eligibility, triage your clinical needs, and connect you with therapy services in your area. This process will take about 15 minutes.
The call center can find a provider for you and identify the next available appointment, or you can use the therapy service website to find a provider of your choice after completing the initial screening with the call center. If the call center helps you find an appointment, you will still need to contact the provider to confirm the date and time for your session.
