Law enforcement officers, first responders, and members of the military often work in inherently stressful and unpredictable environments, routinely finding themselves immersed in volatile and hazardous circumstances. Whether responding to emergencies, assisting with a crisis, conducting investigations, or maintaining public order, these professionals navigate a landscape fraught with potential danger, stress, and trauma. As a result, this community and their loved ones may need to help from time to time. This can include mental health support, resources for coping with loss and transition, or immediate crisis support. This page serves as a guide for many of those resources, specific to these communities. Additionally, our Community Suicide Prevention page can help anyone navigate the world of mental health resources and discover which resources may work best for them.
Resources for Law Enforcement & Their Family Members
To effectively manage the challenges mentioned above, law enforcement agencies should prioritize comprehensive preparation and training initiatives that equip officers with the skills and resources necessary to address any scenario they may encounter in the line of duty. The purpose of the Suicide Prevention, Intervention & Postvention resource is to provide training and suggestions that can help them to do so.
Resource |
Location
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Services |
Contact |
Nationwide |
National Law Enforcement Officers' Hotline for mental health crisis calls. |
1 (800) 267 - 5463
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Nationwide |
Resource guide for dealing with grief and loss in the Law Enforcement Community.
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Nationwide |
Training and Resources for Law Enforcement and families to cope with the suicide of a loved ones. |
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Nationwide |
Training and Resources for Fire Fighters and families to cope with the suicide of a loved ones. |
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Law Enforcement Family Resources
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International |
Guides, tools, and resources for the family members of Law Enforcement. |
(707) 836 - 6767 |
Nationwide |
Resource for supporting children and family survivors of police line- of-duty deaths. |
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Suicide Prevention Resource Center: The Role of Law Enforcement Officers in Preventing Suicide
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Nationwide |
This sheet provides Law Enforcement with resources and details on how to identify and respond to people in suicidal distress.
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(877) 483 – 7772 Web: http://www.sprc.org
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Department of Justice Report on Best Practices to Address Law Enforcement Officer Wellness |
Nationwide |
A report on best practices to address law enforcement officer wellness, including support for officers experiencing substance use disorders, mental health issues, or trauma related symptoms. |
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The Comprehensive Framework for Law Enforcement Suicide Prevention |
Nationwide |
A report based on five task force groups that were formed to identify recommendations and considerations for the policing profession as it relates to suicide prevention efforts in an agency or department. |
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Resources for First Responders & Their Family Members
Resource |
Location
|
Services |
Contact |
Maple Valley, WA
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A non-profit volunteer helpline and crisis services organization for first responders. |
(425) 243 - 5092 |
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Nationwide |
24-hour crisis referral service for all public safety employees, all emergency services personnel, and their family members nationwide. |
(206) 459 - 3020 |
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Nationwide |
Training and Resources for First Responders and families to cope with the suicide of a loved ones.
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Statewide |
A community dedicated to local peer support team development, creating educational and mentorship partnerships, establishing a Clinician Response Team, and fostering communication.
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(360) 943 - 3030 |
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Nationwide |
Education and resources for first responders to work through healing and traumatic experiences. |
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The West Coast |
An organization that offers retreats, training, and resources for First Responders and their families to cope with and move through trauma. |
(415)-721-9789 |
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Nationwide |
An organization that offers resources for trainings, counseling, education and other programs for those who have lost a loved on in the line of duty. |
(573)-346-4911 cops@nationalcops.org |
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Nationwide |
This organization provides financial support to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty as well as families enduring significant financial hardship due to tragic circumstances. his organization. |
(646) 822 – 4236 |
Resources for Military Members, Veterans, and Their Families
Resource |
Location
|
Services |
Contact |
Nationwide |
24/7 Call and text support for veterans who are in crisis. |
Call 988 (press 1) Or 1(800)-273-8255 Or text 838255 |
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TAPS 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline |
Nationwide |
A hotline for members of the military or veterans who are experiencing thoughts of suicide |
1-800-959-TAPS (8277) |
Spokane, Seattle, Puyallup, & Shelton, WA |
Monthly In-Person Support Groups for Families & Friends of U.S. Military/Veterans Who Have Died by Suicide |
(800) 959 - 8277 |
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Nationwide |
A 24/7 military peer support program staffed by veterans. The aim to provide immediate, confidential, ongoing support to every member of the US military community. |
Call or Text: 1-(855)-838-8255 |
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Nationwide |
A confidential call center with 24/7 access to counseling call services for veterans and their families. |
(877)-927-8387
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The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs offers a comprehensive guide and resources to identify and find mental health support for veterans and their families. There is information on types of services and treatment offered, who qualifies, and how cost is covered.
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Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care will connect you support if you are experiencing thoughts of suicide. Their purpose is to collaborate with behavioral health providers and community organizations to support veterans navigating emotional or mental health crises. They serve to provide suicide prevention care coordinators, suicide prevention case managers, safety toolkits, gun safety locks, and other useful resources. |
The Washington State Resources for Veterans, Families & Caregivers provides an extensive sheet with resources for veteran and military mental health support all across Washinton State. The list includes contact information, descriptions, regions and populations served.
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The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention contains resources, statics, and education for the topic of suicide and mental health in the veteran community. Some of these resources include confidential helplines, text lines, and access to crisis responders for those in the veteran community or their families. |