Exclusively for IAFF members.
It’s okay to ask for help.

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

In response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the IAFF Center of Excellence has created some helpful resources for our patients and their families.

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.

gym and fitness center at IAFF

Thoughtful Design

Designed from the ground up with fire fighters 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.
outdoor space at IAFF

Natural Serenity

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

members sitting at table at IAFF

Knowledgeable Staff

The IAFF Center is overseen by Craig L. Katz, M.D., who designed a program for first responders in the aftermath of 9/11, and Abby Morris, M.D., an expert in the behavioral healthcare field. We understand the rigors of your job, and know what it takes to help.

What Our Patients Say

IAFF Center of Excellence
Excellent
4.9
Based on 811 reviews
review us on
The COE saved my life. Before I got here I was on edge, contemplating life as it was crumbling apart beneath me. I got here everyone was warm and welcoming, made some life long friends, learned a lot about myself, and why I do the things that I do that lead me to this point. Leaving here my mental health issues and substance abuse problems have subsided. I now have mental tools to handle everyday situations that I used to struggle with, support from several different outlets and the ability to recognize me falling back into the same patterns. Advanced recovery needs the IAFF, the IAFF does not need advanced recovery. The reason this place works so well is because it’s for firefighters with firefighters, the director and the staff understand that. Thanks again! I can’t wait to start the rest of my life.
Good place to get help! Talk with your brothers and make sure you sit around the fire pit and talk
I was “voluntold” to come here March 2022, and I’m very glad that I was. I am a much happier person than I was when I got here. I am ready & willing to face my challenges head on without the help of alcohol. If you think you need to come here, you do. They are all great, and want nothing but the best for you.
Man I can not be more thankful for the help and guidance I have received from the COE . I truly believe they have saved me from the dark place I was in, and have taught me how to cope and use the tools I have learned through my recovery to stay in the good place I am in today . Do not get me wrong I am still in recovery everyday to help me stay in my great state of mind I wanna stay in . You will never be the better person that you are looking for without putting in The work and learn everyday .PTSD and Tramua are real and we all need and deserve to be taken care of to help us through this long journey . I will never change my career or all the good and the bad we have seen and experienced , but wish we were made available these tools early on in our career .Thank you to all from theCOECaptain William Reed 27 years on the Rescue 💪🙏❤️
The IAFF Center Of Excellence was a tremendous and successful experience in my recovery. I highly recommend for all first responders that are dealing with substance abuse or mental health issues to attend. It has changed my life.
I came to the COE broken and left better than I’d ever imagined. The programming is excellent. The staff and Admin is on point. I made lifelong friendships and gained skills to manage my trauma.
Response from the owner: We are glad to receive such positive feedback about our staff and treatment programs. We hope to continue helping people, no matter where they are in their recovery.
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About Our Program

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.

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.

Our Partner: Advanced Recovery Systems

With eight 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 disorders and substance abuse.

iaff logo

We Can Help

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

You’re exposed to traumatic situations every day you’re on the job. For this reason, fire fighters and paramedics 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.

Substance Abuse

It is not uncommon when suffering from PTSD to experience co-occurring disorders, including alcohol and drug abuse as substances are sometimes used to self-medicate and escape symptoms. As part of the integrated, multi-disciplinary approach at the IAFF Center of Excellence, IAFF members struggling with addiction will receive the full continuum of care, from detox to outpatient therapy, so they can get the necessary treatment to start living fuller lives.

Behavioral Health

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

We Can Help

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

You’re exposed to traumatic situations every day you’re on the job. For this reason, fire fighters and paramedics 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.

Substance Abuse

It is not uncommon when suffering from PTSD to experience co-occurring disorders, including alcohol and drug abuse as substances are sometimes used to self-medicate and escape symptoms. As part of the integrated, multi-disciplinary approach at the IAFF Center of Excellence, IAFF members struggling with addiction will receive the full continuum of care, from detox to outpatient therapy, so they can get the necessary treatment to start living fuller lives.

Behavioral Health

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

Recovery Stories

Richard Stack IAFF Recovery Story

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