Rising to meet the need for qualified first responder care providers

The Certified First Responder Counselor Program was developed to give mental health clinicians and other individuals the tools needed to effectively reach and support first responders with cultural competence, expertise, confidence, and empathy. There are three program options to prepare people from different backgrounds to help first responders heal. The Certified First Responder Counselor, Associate, and Supporter programs are online, self-paced training programs with a certification exam required at the end. All of the tracks include specialized training on the unique needs of public safety professionals.

The curriculum was originally developed under Academy Hour by a mental health professional and training specialist who also has experience with law enforcement and first responders, in collaboration with officers and responders at all levels and in all areas, and with counselors and psychologists who work in this field.

Lighthouse and Academy Hour

In 2022, Lighthouse for Public Safety was honored to acquire Academy Hour, which included the Certified First Responder Counselor program. In alignment with Academy Hour’s mission, the team at Lighthouse is passionate about helping first responders truly thrive, on and off the job. As Lighthouse developed wellness apps for hundreds of public safety agencies over the years, we saw a gap in clinicians' and peer support leaders' readiness to navigate the first responder experience. We are thrilled to be able to “help you, help them.”

Dr. George Everly Jr., our Clinical and Educational Director, develops new courses and additional credentials and oversees the expansion of the program. More about Lighthouse at lighthousehw.org.

What we ask

Holding a Lighthouse credential, or actively engaging with this work without one, comes with a small set of principles. They describe the orientation we're building around, and clinicians at every stage of career share them.