Top-Rated NYC Therapy for First Responders

  • 15 years experience working with people in crisis

  • Trained in several trauma-focused therapy methods

  • Boutique practice dedicated to supporting first responders and their loved ones

  • Expertise in helping those who have experienced trauma, including repeated trauma

  • Convenient online sessions to ensure confidentiality

  • Founder has lived experience being part of a first responder family

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Meet your NYC first responder mental health therapist

Kristen Plake, LCSW

As the daughter of a police officer who witnessed the aftermath of 9/11, I understand the unique challenges first responders face. This personal connection inspired me to found Frontline Wellness Group after 15 years working with individuals in crisis.

I bring both my professional expertise and genuine empathy to therapy. Licensed in NY, NJ, and Delaware, I create a warm, comfortable virtual therapy environment where first responders and their loved ones can safely work toward healing.

If you're struggling with the emotional impact of your service, know that you're not alone—and that peace is possible.

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My approach to counseling for first responders

I understand how difficult it can be to ask for help and explore the more difficult aspects of our experiences, especially when your profession (or your loved one's profession) encourages burying those feelings. That's why I'm dedicated to making therapy for first responders and their families as warm and compassionate as possible.

I use evidence-based methods specifically designed for those dealing with repeated trauma, including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and prolonged exposure therapy (PE). With these practical, research-backed approaches, you can release the mental (and physical) burden of your experiences.

Growing up with a father in law enforcement, I've seen the real impact of this work. I also understand that your experiences are unique, and we'll move at whatever pace feels right for you. My goal is simple: to help you find your way forward with someone who truly gets the weight you carry.

How to start first responder counseling

  • Step 1: Reach out

    Asking for help is often the hardest part. When you reach out through this quick form, you've already taken an important step for your mental health.

  • Step 2: Have a 10-minute consultation

    During this free, no-obligation call, you'll have the chance to ask questions and learn more about how I can help.

  • Step 3: Schedule your first appointment

    If we decide to move forward, we'll schedule your first session, and I’ll send you some forms to be completed prior to our first session. 

  • Step 4: Attend your first sessions

    At our first few appointments, we’ll get to know each other better, what your goals are, and create a plan for how to reach those goals through conversation and evidence-based treatment.

mental health services for first responders

Common reasons why first responders seek mental health care

  • First responders regularly witness situations most people never encounter in a lifetime. From horrific accidents to violence and death, these experiences can accumulate over time, taking a mental toll that people feel pressure to carry alone. Therapy provides a place to process these events and reduce the impact they have on your day-to-day life.

  • That heightened awareness that keeps you safe on the job? It's not so helpful when you can’t face your back to the door at a restaurant with your family or can't fall asleep because every little sound has you wide awake. Many first responders tell me they haven't felt truly relaxed in years—like there's always a part of their brain scanning for threats. We can develop practical strategies to help you dial down that alertness when you're off duty.

  • The combination of irregular shifts and traumatic experiences makes sleep especially challenging for first responders. At the same time, inconsistent sleep can make you feel even worse, creating a frustrating cycle. Together, we'll use evidence-based techniques to address insomnia and nightmares, restoring restful sleep.

  • Many first responders find it difficult to decompress after shifts and leave work stress at their job. This often results in bringing tension home, feeling emotionally distant from loved ones, or struggling to be fully present with family. Creating effective boundaries and transitions between your professional and personal life is essential, and we'll find practical ways to help you do that.

  • Notice yourself overreacting to minor frustrations but feel like you can't help yourself? Many first responders develop a heightened stress response that can make everyday annoyances feel intense. What starts as being decisive in emergency situations can spill over into impulsive reactions in your life outside of work. Developing better impulse control doesn't mean losing your edge at work—it means gaining more control about how and when you react.

  • The contrast between high-stakes work situations and ordinary life can sometimes make everything else seem trivial. Activities and relationships that once brought joy might feel flat or pointless. This emotional numbness isn't laziness or disinterest—it's often your mind's way of managing overwhelming experiences. Therapy can help reconnect you with what matters and rebuild a sense of meaning beyond the job.

  • The people who care about you most often understand you least when it comes to job stressors. This disconnect can lead to communication breakdowns, feeling misunderstood, or becoming easily triggered during everyday interactions. On the other hand, you want to protect your family from your pain, but it can leave you feeling isolated and alone. Learning to bridge this gap—without burdening loved ones with the heaviest aspects of your job—can help you feel more connected and fulfilled in your relationships.

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first responder mental health

Is my practice right for you?

I'm dedicated to supporting the mental health of first responders and their families. However, there might be some situations where I recommend other resources so you can get the care you need. Here are some examples:

  • If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health crisis, I encourage you to access the 988 Lifeline, which is available 24/7, right away.

  • Licensing restrictions prohibit us from working with people outside of these jurisdictions.

  • We exclusively offer virtual sessions to make sure that your care is as comfortable and confidential as possible.

  • We're happy to work with you in individual therapy alongside your participation in a support group.

Not sure if we're the right fit for each other? Reach out today to set up a free consultation.

FAQs about first responder trauma counseling

  • First responders often work within cultures that value strength, resilience, and composure under pressure. This can create significant barriers to seeking help. Many fear being perceived as "weak" or unreliable by colleagues, or worry about career repercussions.

    There's often an unspoken expectation to "handle it" without outside support. This stigma leads many to suffer silently until problems become severe. Plus, many first responders worry about confidentiality. There’s the concern that they won’t be able to access mental health care without others finding out. 

    At the same time, mental health is a serious concern in the profession. According to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), first responders, including law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS, experience mental health issues at a significantly higher rate than the general population.

    These issues can include but aren't limited to, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance use disorders. Unfortunately, first responders are also at a higher risk to take their own lives, highlighting the need for increased mental health awareness in these professions.

    Thankfully, attitudes toward mental health challenges are gradually starting to change—but that still doesn't mean it's easy to reach out for help. At Frontline Wellness Group, we're committed to fostering a non-judgmental environment where you can get mental health services from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

  • No, you don't need a diagnosis to work with a therapist.

    We understand the concerns that come with seeking therapy as a first responder. As a private pay practice, we're committed to protecting your confidentiality so you can get support privately. Our work together is about creating a space where you can process your experiences and improve your quality of life, not getting labeled with a diagnosis.

  • There's no single "best" therapy approach for first responders as each person's situation is unique. In my practice, I use a blend of evidence-based methods, including:

    • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

    • Trauma-informed cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT)

    • Prolonged exposure therapy (PE)

    and more. We'll work together to find the mix that's right for you.

Start working with an NYC first responder mental health professional today

You're so used to putting others first—now, it's time to take care of yourself. Reach out today to learn more about how specialized therapy for first responders and their loved ones can help.

Book a free a consultation