UCF RESTORES-Trauma Therapy Program

UCF RESTORES-Trauma Therapy Program Currently, all treatment services are available at no cost to Florida residents.

UCF RESTORES is a clinical research and treatment facility redefining the way posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related concerns are understood, diagnosed and treated, with the goal of restoring lives, families, and communities. What began as a government-funded research initiative in 2011 has grown to serve as an invaluable resource to the Orlando community, the state of Flori

da and beyond. UCF RESTORES – recognized as a National Center of Excellence for First Responder Behavioral Health – adheres to a one-of-a-kind approach to treatment (including a uniquely condensed and successful three-week intensive outpatient program), combining evidence-based exposure therapy, emerging technology, one-on-one and group therapy sessions to help those suffering in the wake of trauma regain control of their daily lives. UCF RESTORES provides its evidence-based clinical treatment services to individuals experiencing PTSD and other trauma-related concerns, including first responders, front-line medical personnel and essential workers, military veterans, active-duty military personnel, survivors of sexual assault, survivors of mass violence, survivors of natural disasters and others affected by trauma. UCF RESTORES is led by Executive Director Deborah Beidel, Ph.D., ABPP, recognized as a leader in the future of health care and, on a regional level, as one of the “10 People Who Make Orlando a Better Place to Live.”

06/01/2026

Today, the Port St. Lucie Police Department stands alongside our brothers and sisters of the St. Lucie County Fire District as they mourn the loss of one of their own.

Behind every badge is a person who chose a life of service, sacrifice, and commitment to others. They answered the call when their community needed them most and left an impact that will never be forgotten.

While this loss is felt most deeply by those who served beside them, it is a loss shared by all of us. The bonds that unite the public safety profession extend far beyond agency lines. We are one family, and when one of us grieves, we all grieve.

To the firefighter’s family, friends, and the entire St. Lucie County Fire District, please know that you do not walk through this difficult time alone. The men and women of PSLPD stand with you, mourn with you, and keep you in our thoughts and prayers.

May we honor their life, remember their service, and carry forward the legacy they leave behind.

One Mission. One Community. One Family.

ICYMI: Building on our commitment to strengthening firefighter mental wellness from within departments, we’re excited to...
05/28/2026

ICYMI: Building on our commitment to strengthening firefighter mental wellness from within departments, we’re excited to share another opportunity through the UCF RESTORES 2nd Alarm Project.

Our Firefighter Mental Wellness Train-the-Trainer Program is designed to help agencies build lasting, in-house capacity to support mental health. Participants are trained to deliver our 3-hour, evidence-informed Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Course, helping ensure this critical knowledge stays embedded within your team.

The program includes a self-paced online curriculum, followed by a 2-day in-person workshop taking place June 25–26 at the Sarasota County Fire Department.

If your department is ready to take the next step in advancing peer-led mental wellness, register here: https://bookwhen.com/2ndalarmproject/e/ev-si765-20260324090000

Not able to attend this session? We still want to hear from you. Share your interest in future trainings here: https://airtable.com/appd6JqJ894JrohjF/shrtWwhfFCPaQsytk

We honor and remember the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.We also hold s...
05/25/2026

We honor and remember the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country.

We also hold space for the families, friends, and communities who carry their memory forward each day. Their loss is profound, and their legacy of courage and commitment endures.

At UCF RESTORES, we recognize the lasting impact of service and sacrifice, and we remain committed to supporting military members, veterans, and their families through our work.

We’ll be closed today in observance of Memorial Day and will reopen tomorrow, May 26.

The UCF RESTORES 2nd Alarm Project is hosting another Firefighter Mental Wellness Train-the-Trainer Program, a statewide...
05/22/2026

The UCF RESTORES 2nd Alarm Project is hosting another Firefighter Mental Wellness Train-the-Trainer Program, a statewide initiative offered at no cost to fire service agencies.

This program equips departments to build sustainable, in-house mental health training by preparing members of your team to deliver our 3-hour, evidence-informed Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Course.

Begin with a self-paced online curriculum, followed by a 2-day, in-person workshop June 25-26.

Register here: https://bookwhen.com/2ndalarmproject/e/ev-si765-20260324090000

Or can’t attend this session but interested in future trainings? Complete the interest form:
https://airtable.com/appd6JqJ894JrohjF/shrtWwhfFCPaQsytk

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel perform lifesaving work across our communities.EMS professionals are often th...
05/18/2026

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel perform lifesaving work across our communities.

EMS professionals are often the first point of contact in moments of crisis, providing rapid, skilled care under extraordinary pressure. Their work requires not only clinical expertise, but also resilience, composure, and deep compassion in the most challenging circumstances.

We are grateful for the vital role EMS teams play in safeguarding public health and supporting individuals and families during emergencies. Your commitment to service and care makes a profound and lasting impact every day.

Treatment begins with a conversation. Healing begins with reaching out.Recognizing when you need help and taking the fir...
05/15/2026

Treatment begins with a conversation. Healing begins with reaching out.

Recognizing when you need help and taking the first step to seek it can feel daunting, but it is the ultimate sign of strength. That’s why our process is designed to be clear, supportive, and confidential from the very first contact.

If you or someone you care about is struggling, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our clinical team is here to guide you through the next steps: from a brief screening and intake to connecting you with the care and resources that best fit your needs.

All services are confidential and provided at no cost.

New research conducted by the UCF RESTORES team highlights a critical insight for PTSD recovery: sleep is not just a sec...
05/14/2026

New research conducted by the UCF RESTORES team highlights a critical insight for PTSD recovery: sleep is not just a secondary symptom – it is central to healing.

The study examined whether integrating sleep-focused strategies into PTSD treatment improves long-term outcomes for service members. The findings were clear: addressing sleep directly leads to stronger, more sustained recovery.

Here were the key takeaways:
⭐Service members receiving trauma treatment with sleep-focused interventions showed lasting improvements in sleep quality and efficiency.
⭐Those receiving trauma treatment alone did not experience the same long-term sleep benefits – and in some cases saw sleep worsen over time.
⭐Better sleep was closely linked to reductions in PTSD symptoms overall.

These findings underscore an important shift in care: treating sleep is not separate from treating trauma, it is part of the pathway to recovery.

Read the full paper here:https://ucfrestores.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/61/2026/05/Improving-Sleep-and-PTSD-Outcomes-in-Service-Members.pdf

Our work alongside first responders has given us a deep understanding of the complex, cumulative challenges associated w...
05/11/2026

Our work alongside first responders has given us a deep understanding of the complex, cumulative challenges associated with policing. From repeated exposure to trauma to the ongoing demands of protecting public safety, officers face unique occupational stressors that require specialized support.

We remain committed to advancing evidence-based care, training, and resources that strengthen the long-term mental health and resilience of law enforcement professionals. This week, and every week, we support the law enforcement community and thank those who serve and protect with dedication and courage.

National Nurses Week serves as an opportunity to recognize the compassion, resilience, and clinical expertise nurses bri...
05/06/2026

National Nurses Week serves as an opportunity to recognize the compassion, resilience, and clinical expertise nurses bring to every patient interaction. Today on National Nurses Day, we want to extend our sincere gratitude to the nurses who support healing – not only physically, but emotionally – each and every day. Thank you for the essential role you play in caring for individuals, families, and communities.

UCF RESTORES is proud to offer the Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Train-the-Trainer Program- a no-cost initiative d...
04/30/2026

UCF RESTORES is proud to offer the Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Train-the-Trainer Program- a no-cost initiative designed to help departments build lasting mental wellness training from within.

This program prepares firefighters to take our 3-hour Firefighter Mental Health Awareness course back to their own departments and deliver it to their crews. Firefighters training firefighters to recognize stress, support their brothers and sisters, and strengthen the culture of looking out for one another. Built by the fire service, for the fire service.

We encourage departments to send members who are passionate about wellness and leadership, whether from peer teams, training divisions, or command staff, to help lead the movement toward stronger, healthier firehouses across Florida.

The goal is simple: bring the training home and keep it going.

For more information, email the team at [email protected].

Address

Psychology Building, University Of Central
Orlando, FL
32816

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+14078233910

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