UCF RESTORES-Trauma Therapy Program

09/03/2026

When a mental health crisis happens, knowing where to turn can make all the difference.

UCF RESTORES’ First Responder Resource Library includes a directory of mental health and crisis centers across Florida, helping first responders, their families and agencies identify resources in their communities.

The directory includes contact information for behavioral health centers, crisis stabilization units and hospitals across the state. Resources marked with an asterisk also offer special accommodations for first responders.

Save this resource and share it with someone who may need it: https://ucfrestores.com/first-responder-resource-library/mental-health-crisis-centers/.

All resources labeled with an asterisk (*) have special accommodations for first responders.

08/31/2026

While first responders may be the ones answering the call, the impact of their work can extend far beyond the scene. The stories, emotions, and experiences they bring home can affect the people closest to them, too.

For partners of first responders, this can sometimes lead to secondary traumatic stress (STS).

As the spouse of a firefighter-paramedic, UCF RESTORES Deputy Executive Director Kellie O’Dare, Ph.D., understands this experience personally. In our Stronger Together video series, Dr. O’Dare explains what STS is, signs to watch for, and strategies partners can use to care for their own well-being while continuing to support their first responder.

Watch the video to learn more about recognizing STS and the importance of staying : https://youtu.be/xkDMTufUVPI?si=6BdHNPUCgwDf56h5.

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

08/27/2026

What does effective PTSD treatment look like?

At UCF RESTORES, our research continues to show the potential of intensive, evidence-based trauma treatment for veterans and first responders.

Among participants in our 3-week Intensive Outpatient Program, we found that 66% of veterans with combat-related PTSD and 76% of first responder participants no longer met diagnostic criteria for PTSD following treatment.

In a limited-subject clinical trial of our VR treatment tool, 100% of participants no longer met diagnostic criteria after just two weeks.

These outcomes underscore what is possible when innovative research and accessible, specialized care come together.

Learn more about UCF RESTORES’ approach to trauma treatment and the research behind it: https://ucfrestores.com/.

08/25/2026

Keep your peer support skills sharp.

Peer support is an ongoing commitment, and having a refresher can help keep the skills and strategies you learned in REACT training top of mind.

If you’ve already completed UCF RESTORES’ REACT Peer Support Training, the REACT Peer Support Refresher gives you quick access to key information from the course to support you in conversations with those who may need help.

Whether you’re looking for a reminder of what you learned or want to revisit resources before supporting a colleague, the refresher is available whenever you need it.

Access the REACT Peer Support Refresher here:

This site was designed to provide you with quick access to the information learned in the REACT course provided by UCF RESTORES to aid in conversations as you provide support to others.

08/20/2026

New research is helping us better understand where opportunities exist to strengthen the behavioral health of Florida’s fire-rescue community.

A new report from UCF RESTORES, developed in partnership with the Florida Department of Health (DOH) and the Florida Division of State Fire Marshal, highlights the need for support across a first responder’s entire career, stronger connections for retired and inactive responders, occupationally informed behavioral health care, leadership engagement, and strategies tailored to the unique experiences of fire and EMS professionals.

Many thanks to EMS World - Emergency Medical Services for spotlighting this important research and helping bring these findings to the first responder community.

Read the full article to learn more about the findings and what they mean for the future of responder su***de prevention: https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/emsworld/feature/new-report-shows-gaps-opportunities-responder-su***de-prevention.

UCF RESTORES found nearly 60% of su***de deaths between January 1999 and March 2026 were among responders holding both fire and EMS credentials.

08/11/2026

📢 Seeking Applicants for Mental Health Clinician Position 📢

UCF RESTORES is looking for a qualified candidate to fill an open Mental Health Clinician II role and join a team of experienced, licensed mental health professionals. Clinicians are responsible for providing evidence-based treatments to clients with anxiety, stress, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder. To learn more about the role or apply, visit https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/.

08/07/2026

Every Purple Heart represents a story.

A story of courage in the face of danger.

A story of sacrifice made in service to others.

A story that forever becomes part of history.

On Purple Heart Day, we honor those stories and the remarkable individuals behind them. We are grateful to every Purple Heart recipient and to the families whose strength and support make their service possible.

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.

08/04/2026

Behavioral health programs don't happen overnight, they're built with the right tools, leadership, and commitment.

Originally developed by the 2nd Alarm Project, the free Behavioral Health Access Program (BHAP) Toolkit continues to be available to first responder agencies looking to build or strengthen sustainable, comprehensive behavioral health programs.

From peer support and leadership engagement to clinician partnerships, family resources, and crisis response planning, the BHAP Toolkit provides practical, evidence-informed guidance that agencies can put into action.

UCF RESTORES is proud to continue offering this invaluable resource while expanding upon the tools and support available to meet the evolving behavioral health needs of first responders.

Access the free toolkit today:

Welcome! First Responder Behavioral Health Access Program (BHAP) Toolkit is an initiative crafted by our dedicated team in collaboration with valued partners. This toolkit is your gateway to equipping your team with a wealth of comprehensive tools and resources, enabling you to establish and enhance...

07/30/2026

UCF RESTORES Executive Director Deborah Beidel, Ph.D., ABPP, recently joined the Congressional Fire Services Institute's What's Next? Mini Symposium Series to share how Florida is advancing firefighter mental wellness.

In her presentation, “Building a Statewide Mental Wellness Framework for Firefighters”, Dr. Beidel highlights Florida's collaborative approach to supporting firefighters through expanded clinical care, peer support training, research, and the development of the Mental Wellness Incident Management Team following major critical incidents.

Watch Dr. Beidel's presentation and learn more by visiting: https://ucfrestores.com/whats-next-mini-symposium-series-health/.

What’s Next? Mini Symposium Series on Health UCF Trustee Chair and Pegasus Professor Deborah C. Beidel, who serves as executive director of UCF RESTORES, recently participated in the Congressional Fire Services Institute’s “What’s Next?” Mini Symposium Series. This educational program expl...

07/28/2026

New research from UCF RESTORES is helping shape a more coordinated approach to protecting the behavioral health of Florida's firefighters.

Produced in partnership with the Florida Department of Health (DOH) and the Florida Division of the State Fire Marshal, this first-of-its-kind analysis examined nearly three decades of data to better understand when, where, and among whom losses are occurring across Florida's fire service. The findings arrive alongside the rollout of the Florida State Fire Marshal's Zero Su***de Prevention Framework – presented in detail at the 2026 Florida Fire Chiefs Association Executive Development Conference earlier this month – which provides industry leaders with an evidence-informed roadmap to strengthen prevention, intervention, and long-term support.

This work represents an important step forward in building a culture where behavioral health is supported across every stage of a firefighter's career – from signup through daily duty, and into retirement.

Read more about the research and key findings, plus the Zero Su***de Prevention Framework: https://ucfrestores.com/floridas-zero-su***de-framework/. | University of Central Florida