The First Responder Support Network (FRSN) is a California 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that was founded in 1999 to prevent emergency responder suicides. FRSN offers the West Coast Post-trauma Retreat (WCPR) for first responders and the Significant Others and Spouses Retreat (SOS) for first responder significant others. The retreats are six-day residential programs and offer a unique setting to treat traumatic stress related to first responder work. The programs are a collaboration of clinicians, chaplains, and peers. We offer 1-2 WCPR retreats per month at our main Northern California facility, as well as 1-2 WCPR retreats a year at each of our satellite sites across the country. We offer 5 SOS retreats per year at our main Northern California facility.

The programs use both group and individual therapy, as well as education about symptoms, the human response to stress, acceptance and understanding about traumatic stress recovery, rescue personalities, proper use of medications, removal of stigma associated with obtaining help, a discussion of how families are affected by the participants’ symptoms, and how to overcome the symptoms of mental health disorders.

The programs focus on symptom reduction and wellness. They are not stand-alone programs; we encourage and assist participants to transition into mental health treatment in their community to continue their recovery work. Weekly support groups are also available.