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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

Gregg G.
14 hours 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.
IAFF COE C.
22 hours ago
Jake w. firefighter, this place has really helped me. at first when you get here its a little confusing with the medical evaluation and where you get placed in either med a or b but other then that id say be open minded this place is a tool and its how you use it. if you take full advantage then hopefully it benefits you. the classes are everyday 3 times a day with amazing instructors, this place is not meant to fix you its meant to help you fix your self. you will get home sick but just know we all are here for recovery. you will have some high days and low days but push through and this program will help you. be the buffalo.
Forrestt M.
24 hours 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.
Grant R.
6 days ago
Best decision I’ve ever made. I was so hesitant to make the phone call, but am so thankful that I did. 40 days at the COE and my perspective of life has changed in such a positive way. If you are struggling with anything at all, pick up the phone and call the COE.
Response from the owner:Many thanks for the encouraging review. We're grateful you took a moment to share it. The IAFF Center of Excellence Team
Drew S.
1 week ago
The staff is amazing. The people are fantastic. Know you’re not alone. Everyone here is working on themselves but they will not let you drown. This place is the definition of brotherhood
Response from the owner:Your kind words mean a lot to our team. Thank you for taking the time to share them. The IAFF Center of Excellence Team
Ryan D.
1 week ago
Amazing. Highly recommend for any IAFF Brother or Sister in need.
Response from the owner:Thanks for the recommendation! We appreciate your support. The IAFF Center of Excellence Team
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