Business Details
7 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Recovery Partner for First Responders
First Responders First was founded in 2019 with a singular mission: to provide first responders with addiction treatment tailored to their unique needs. Our team of credentialed clinicians, including board-certified addiction specialists and trauma-experienced therapists, understands the distinct challenges faced by law enforcement, firefighters, and emergency personnel. We combine evidence-based therapies like EMDR and medication management with holistic approaches such as equine therapy and mindfulness practices. Our 1,100-acre facility in California's Angeles National Forest offers luxurious accommodations and recreational amenities designed to foster healing while maintaining strict confidentiality.With specialized programs for detoxification, trauma resolution, and aftercare support, we've helped hundreds of first responders achieve lasting recovery. Our approach emphasizes peer support through group therapy sessions exclusively for first responders, creating a community where individuals feel understood rather than judged. We work with most insurance providers and offer financial assistance through our scholarship foundation to ensure accessibility to treatment.
Services
Detoxification
EMDR Therapy
Group Therapy
Family Therapy
Equine Therapy
Aftercare Programs
12-Step Facilitation
Virtual IOP
Medication Management
Trauma Resolution
Details
- Year established: 2019
Highlights and features
- Exclusive focus on first responders' unique needs
- Luxurious 1,100-acre treatment facility in Angeles National Forest
- Specialized trauma therapies including EMDR and equine therapy
- Board-certified addiction specialists and first responder-experienced staff
- Comprehensive aftercare network and virtual IOP options
Associations and certifications
- California DHCS Lic #190114AP
- California DHCS Lic #190088AP (Outpatient)
What people say
Family and fellowship
Staff that cares
Safe healing environment
Trauma-informed care
Luxurious accommodations
Services
Detoxification
Our medically supervised detox program provides 24/7 monitoring and medication-assisted treatment to safely manage withdrawal symptoms. Specialized protocols address first responders' unique physiological needs while maintaining strict confidentiality. The program combines clinical expertise with comfortable accommodations to ensure safety and dignity during the detoxification process.
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) helps first responders process traumatic memories through guided bilateral stimulation. This evidence-based approach effectively treats PTSD and trauma-related disorders by reprocessing distressing experiences into adaptive resolutions. Our certified clinicians tailor sessions to address occupational trauma specific to emergency responders.
Group Therapy
First responder-exclusive group sessions create a safe space for shared experiences and mutual support. Evidence-based modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy address grief, trauma, and addiction recovery. The peer environment fosters connection and understanding among individuals with similar professional backgrounds.
Equine Therapy
Equine-Assisted Therapy promotes emotional growth through interactions with horses in a therapeutic setting. This experiential treatment helps develop trust, communication skills, and emotional regulation. The program leverages horses' responsive nature to facilitate self-awareness and personal growth for first responders recovering from trauma.
Virtual IOP
Our fully accredited online Intensive Outpatient Program delivers evidence-based care through secure video platforms. Virtual group therapy sessions maintain the first responder-exclusive environment while offering flexibility for those unable to attend in-person. The program includes structured schedules with certified clinicians and peer support networks.
People
Dr. Malcolm Wehrle
Medical Doctor & Addiction Specialist
Board-certified in Addiction Medicine and Anesthesiology, Dr. Wehrle has treated addiction for over 30 years. He graduated from USC School of Medicine and brings extensive experience in managing complex substance use disorders and co-occurring conditions through evidence-based medical approaches.
Eric Rivas
Director of Admissions
A retired 29-year law enforcement veteran, Eric Rivas specializes in connecting first responders with appropriate treatment resources. His background includes gang detection, narcotics enforcement, and mental wellness advocacy through Blue Anchor Wellness, where he serves as president.
Stan Sorensen
Lead Therapist
With 50 years in mental health, Stan Sorensen specializes in trauma recovery from both personal and professional perspectives. His experience includes directing trauma treatment centers and developing holistic approaches for individuals recovering from childhood abuse and occupational trauma.
Greg Maxwell
Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
A former law enforcement officer with 23 years of service, Greg Maxwell specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for first responders. His background includes crisis negotiation and mental evaluation team experience, bringing practical understanding to addiction and mental health treatment.
Wendy Colocho
Registered Nurse
Specializing in mental health and substance abuse nursing, Wendy Colocho provides compassionate care during the critical early stages of recovery. With experience in correctional healthcare and ongoing education in nursing science, she focuses on patient education and holistic rehabilitation approaches.
Questions
Are you exclusively for first responders?
Yes, we exclusively treat active, retired, and former first responders including law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and corrections officers.
Do you accept insurance?
We work with most major insurance providers. Our admissions team will verify your coverage and help maximize benefits for treatment.
What makes your program different?
Our first responder-only environment, trauma-specialized therapies, and luxurious 1,100-acre facility create a unique treatment experience tailored to emergency responders' needs.
Do you offer virtual treatment options?
Yes, our fully accredited online Intensive Outpatient Program provides first responder-exclusive group therapy and clinical support through secure video platforms.
Is family involvement allowed?
Family therapy sessions are available when feasible. We also offer virtual family participation through Zoom meetings to support recovery and relationship rebuilding.
What aftercare support do you provide?
Our aftercare network includes providers nationwide, virtual support groups, and an East LA Intensive Outpatient Program for continued care and community support.
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