Resources — Tactical Chaplain

Please find retreats and services that are low or no cost to first responders below.

We Back Blue | The Nation's premier police advocacy organization.

International Law Enforcement Officers' Hotline Our vision is to remove the stigma associated with an officer's decision to keep his/her emotions inside for fear of retribution and/or retaliatory action if his/her personal information, feelings, and state of mind is revealed to his/her agency. Call to confidentially share your stories, vent, or seek resources with well-trained retired police officers who answer the calls.

The Wounded Blue's Mission is to improve the lives of injured and disabled Law Enforcement Officers through Support, Education, Assistance, and Legislation. Never Forgotten Never Alone | Contact Wounded Blue for confidential Peer Support.

Fox panel calls for refunding police following spike in violent crime | VIDEO CLIP | 4:23 |

Matt has no affiliation with the retreats or rehab centers listed below and is not endorsing them. Matt just feels like a lot of first responders are not aware of potentially useful resources. Please do your own research into each of these organizations and make your own decision about applying or attending. Ask each organization if you can speak to people who have completed their program recently, and ask a lot of questions.

Matt has confidentially heard numerous stories from first responders and veterans, who have found great healing in attending retreats or going to rehab centers where their peers were only other first responders and veterans versus the general population. No cop or firemen wants to open up with the same kinds of people they’ve locked up or run medical calls on. Cops doing substance abuse programs can’t even admit what their occupation is.

If you are aware of other retreats or rehab centers that are specifically for first responders and veterans please let Matt know so he can add them.

If you have not yet listened to the podcasts that Matt has been interviewed on, his philosophy is more about proactively teaching tools on how to continue to find meaning and growth despite the adversity of these professions - not waiting until there is a crisis or breakdown and then mental health and peer support services reactively offering help. However, if you’ve reached a point where you feel you’ve lost hope or meaning please consider these options.

There may be limited slots as well as limited dates the retreats are held - so Matt suggests applying to more than one to increase your odds of getting a slot somewhere.

Free retreats for those struggling with PTSD, substance abuse, and/or suicidal ideation:

https://bouldercrest.org/

https://saveawarrior.org/

https://www.warriorsascent.org/

https://www.thespartaproject.org/

Retreat with fees but insurance or your agency might pay and they do offer scholarships:

https://www.frsn.org/west-coast-post-trauma-retreat.html

PTSD and Substance Rehab Facilities :

https://www.warriorsheart.com/

https://the1stcall.org/

https://www.firstresponder-wellness.com/

https://www.firstrespondersfirst.com/