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 802 reviews
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Amazing facility that is catered to the 1st responder. Nothing compares to the treatment you will receive at the COE. I owe my life to them. From the BHT's to the culinary, clinicians, admin, medical to housekeeping, all are amazing humans that are focused on your recovery.
When firefighters need help, this place saves lives. I was so so scared to ask for help, but knowing what I know now, I would have called sooner. Words don’t express the gratitude I feel for getting my life back. Making the call is the hardest part, but they are with you every step after that. It’s ok to not be ok, call your MAYDAY! If you are suffering, please call, you are worth it. And the sunsets are remarkable! I appreciate the little things again!
The Center of Excellence is a life changing facility for Firefighters. The staff is incredible, and the brotherhood is alive and well. I have friends and support for the rest of my life. If you are struggling with substance abuse or mental health please reach out to this place. This experience has changed my life forever.
It’s with thankfulness that I’m proud to write a 5 star review for the COE. From the very beginning they were passionate about my care. They left no stone unturned in creating opportunities for me to heal (and my 60+ brothers and sisters with me).The director Marc and the incredible CoE team encouraged me and helped care for me in ways that I couldn’t know and didn’t know that I needed help, from the moment of my arrival to my discharge date. Words cannot describe how much this place is ALL about IAFF Firefighters and Paramedics. I thought I knew what brotherhood in the fire service was before I got there. Nope. It was next level altogether, and we had many discussions about this among ourselves. I absolutely made some of the best friends forever at my time there. To my brothers I have this to say:You’re worth it. We need you. Call the intake center right now to get your life back. 844-244-1334. I put up walls for years and isolated to my own suffering. PTSD is way more common than I thought.It’s serious work because the ——- we’ve been through is hell. I met brothers and sisters from all over USA (and Canada) and we help each other because it’s what we do. But first and most importantly it’s a safe place to do the work of healing. It was great for me and I also saw lives transformed by putting the work in. Love the brothers and sisters, love the CoE team, but I really love being back in a new and different way for my family. ❤️Update: recently started a YT podcast called Resilience & Trauma Fitness for First Responders. It’s not fluff or hype. Authentic and real because PTSD is. Hope to bring value, guests, great stories and resources.
I am so happy that the IAFF offers treatments that are designed for First Responders! This facility really helped me when I was experiencing high anxiety, PTSD and depression. The staff was pretty remarkable! Thank you again
“This treatment center has been nothing short of life-changing for me. I came here feeling broken after other treatment programs, but from the moment I arrived, I felt a deep sense of hope and genuine care. Dr. Abby, Dr. Latte (sky's the limit), Dr. Korman—thank you for your patience, expertise, and for never giving up on me, even during my toughest moments. Each of you has been a lifeline in my journey, and I am forever grateful.Remi, the clinical director, is not only a mentor but also a true friend who stood by me when I struggled to find my way. Thank you for your unwavering support. My clinician, Ashley, held me accountable in ways that I needed most, and her guidance was essential in helping me see what I was truly capable of. I didn’t get to say it enough: thank you, Ashley, for helping me believe in myself again.To Ms. Vonnie—your warmth, wisdom, and kindness made every day feel like I had a family here. You treated each of us like your own, and that made all the difference. I’m so grateful to the entire team, from the compassionate nurses to the dedicated techs, the cooks who nourished us, and the staff who kept everything running smoothly. You all play such vital roles, and your care never went unnoticed.If you come into this program ready to do the work, your life can truly change forever. I’m walking away with a renewed belief in myself, and for that, I’ll be forever thankful. I feel incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with every staff member and fellow firefighters I met during my stay. This place gave me the tools I needed to rebuild, and I can’t thank everyone here enough.”To each and everyone of you who have made suggestions to better my life and become a better father. Thank you
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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

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