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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.

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

Recovery Stories

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Tammy-2

Tammy Mastin

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD
LOCAL 1311 PARAMEDIC

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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

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

Tim C.
1 day ago
This place is incredible. There is nothing like it anywhere else for first responders. Saved my life
From M.
2 days ago
The COE provided a safe environment for me, surrounded by fellow fireman dealing with deep issues. My experience was absolutely life changing! The COE has such a vast cadre of clinicians who took me and my needs seriously, while communicating with me as a person not just a number! I am now blessed with a second chance at life because of this place the tools and resources that assist me on my journey to recovery and rebuilding my life and family! Thank you
Response from the owner:Your thoughtful words mean a lot to our team. Thank you for sharing such generous encouragement. The IAFF Center of Excellence Team
k M.
2 days ago
I would recommend this place to any firefighter on my department. This place has great doctors, therapist, and counselors. Everyone was friendly and willing to help. The environment is judgement free. The food is good quality. This is not the place you've built rehab up to be. This is a place of recovery and finding yourself. I am glad I found this place.
Response from the owner:We're grateful for your recommendation and the kind words about our team. Thanks for taking the time to write this review. The IAFF Center of Excellence Team
Allie R.
2 days ago
Amazing experience with all the staff and peers. It was an eye opening journey with guides to help me love myself and live my best life. It feels great to be able to wake up and seize everyday for what it is! Thank you to all the clinicians, nursing staff, case managers, and everyone else!
Response from the owner:Reading such warm feedback means a lot to us. Thank you for recognizing our team. The IAFF Center of Excellence Team
Gregg G.
3 days ago
As a firefighter with 25 years of service this place was more than I expected. The clinicians are amazing and the peer support is best brother/sisters I could ask for. there will be hard days but if you work hard it will pay off.
Response from the owner:Our team is grateful for your generous feedback. Thanks for taking a moment to put it into words. The IAFF Center of Excellence Team
Forrestt M.
3 days ago
Kind and understanding staff, great group of guys and gals in treatment with you. Clean facilities and some of the best treatment for therapy i have ever done.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the thoughtful feedback. Our team appreciates the encouragement. The IAFF Center of Excellence Team
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