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(855) 900-8437

For fire fighters,
by fire fighters. It’s okay to ask for help.

Treatment for successful recovery from substance abuse, PTSD and other behavioral health issues exclusively for IAFF Members. 

(855) 900-8437

Our Center

The IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery is a one-of-a-kind treatment facility specializing in PTSD for professional fire service members who struggle with trauma, substance use, addiction, and other related behavioral health challenges. It is a safe haven for members to receive the help they need in taking the first steps toward recovery and share experiences with other members who have faced or overcome similar challenges.

IAFF Center of Excellence - Admissions Entrance
Thoughtful Design

Designed from the ground up with fire fighters and emergency medical workers in mind, the Center sits on a 15-acre campus and includes a state-of-the-art gym and other features that encourage physical activity to help in recovery and preparing to return to the job.

Natural Serenity

Located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C., the IAFF Center of Excellence is surrounded by lush pine forest and features onsite areas for reflection and enjoying nature’s healing powers.

Knowledgeable Staff

The IAFF Center of Excellence is overseen by medical and clinical experts with extensive experience treating fire service members, guided by collaboration with the International Association of Fire Fighters. Our multidisciplinary team of licensed professionals understand the rigors of your job and know what it takes to help.

"My life has drastically changed for the better since receiving treatment at the IAFF Center of Excellence! Despite ongoing stresses and struggles, I remain strong in my recovery. I am following my aftercare program and feel as though I've been provided with the tools necessary to continue living my best life."
CORY HORSENS
CORY HORSENSIAFF Center of Excellence Alumni
"For the first time in a long time I'm able to live without depression and anxiety controlling my life."
STEPHEN SIMONSON
STEPHEN SIMONSONIAFF Center of Excellence Alumni
"I believe that happy people help people. I want to be that happy person who lifts others up. The foundation I got from the COE taught me that helping myself first allows me to genuinely help others. It’s about turning our pain into a source of strength for ourselves and our community."
TAMMY MASTIN
TAMMY MASTINIAFF Center of Excellence Alumni

About Our Program

IAFF Center of Excellence
IAFF Center of Excellence - Gym with American flag
IAFF Center of Excellence - dining area to share meals with peers
Care for your unique needs

If you’re struggling with post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety or substance abuse disorders, you need treatment from professionals who understand the fire service culture and the unique pressures of your job. The IAFF Center of Excellence connects you to best-practice, evidence-based therapies delivered by clinicians who understand the types of trauma you experience on a day-to-day basis.

Our Partner: Advanced Recovery Systems

With sixteen treatment centers across the United States, the continuum of care provided by Advanced Recovery Systems is unsurpassed. The IAFF has partnered with Advanced Recovery Systems to provide members with specialized treatment for the everyday stressors that trigger PTSD, behavioral health issues and substance abuse.

Completely confidential treatment

Center staff cannot discuss your treatment with anyone — your fire department, family or friends — unless given explicit permission by you. This applies before, during and after your stay at the IAFF Center of Excellence.

We Can Help

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

You may be exposed to traumatic situations every day on the job. For this reason, fire fighters and emergency medical workers are twice as likely as the general population to experience PTSD. That’s why therapies to treat and recover from PTSD are first priority at the IAFF Center of Excellence. You’ll learn coping strategies, work through individual and group therapy sessions and participate in activities that will help you recover, build resilience and return to the job.

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Substance Abuse

As part of the integrated, multi-disciplinary approach at the IAFF Center of Excellence, IAFF members struggling with substance use are offered the full continuum of care, from detox to intensive outpatient therapy, so they can get the necessary treatment to start living fuller lives.

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Behavioral Health

Depression, anxiety, complicated grief and other behavioral health issues can also be brought on or worsened by the stresses of the job. However, through comprehensive medical and clinical care members can get behavioral health treatment in a caring and supportive atmosphere that understands the fire service culture.

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Our reviews

Michael R.
Staff is great a specially the secretary and bht supervisor . . Had a great time and learned a lot. Would definitely recommend it for anyone needing help.
Patrick L.
I came here a broken man and could not hold my head up or look others in the eye and would cry uncontrollably. The therapist and staff worked hard with me and I am proud to say I am leaving this place a new and improved man and entering the final chapter of my life with a new outlook on life. I wish all my Brothers & Sisters who have problems no matter what they are would reach out and get help here believe me it’s worth it. I wanna leave you with one thought “ For 24 hours we take care of other people’s problems , when it turns 25 hours we face our own”. Don’t be afraid to face our own, don’t make them bigger than they are. We got this
meaux E.
Worth it 100%
Joel K.
There should be at least 3 of these facilities for firefighters. The need is great!! This facility is the only place I would trust to send fellow firefighters to get them mental health and substance issues addressed. The love that is shown is real and the brotherhood is still alive and well.
Ian P.
Giving it five stars solely on the life changing experience I had with Raina and her expert-level EMDR process and my Clinician, Dan and his care. If it weren't for these two, I have no idea where my life would be now. What they did truly changed and saved my life.
David W.
The IAFF Center of Excellence truly saved my life. The staff understands first responders on a level you won’t find anywhere else. I left with real tools, a clearer mind, and hope for the future. If you’re struggling, this is the place to be.

Recovery Stories

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Tammy-2

Tammy Mastin

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD
LOCAL 1311 PARAMEDIC

eric-fessenden-iaff

Eric Fessenden

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD
LOCAL 1664

Skip-Ockomon-Story

Skip Ockomon

ANDERSON, IN
LOCAL 1262

Autry-Lowry-1

Autry Lowry

BOSSIER CITY, LA
LOCAL 4015

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