24/10/2026
🚨 First responder wellness programs are growing, but the research needed to determine what works is still developing.
A RAND study examined mental health and wellness programs for first responders and law enforcement personnel and developed a research agenda for future U.S. Department of Homeland Security wellness efforts.
Researchers:
• Screened 3,012 sources and included 91 in the review
• Interviewed 18 subject-matter experts
• Assessed five DHS wellness programs for readiness for evaluation
🔎 Key findings:
✅ The most commonly studied programs included group prevention and skills training, psychotherapy, physical fitness, and mindfulness.
✅ The literature found some evidence supporting psychotherapy and mindfulness for reducing mental health symptoms.
✅ Physical fitness programs were generally associated with positive outcomes.
✅ Interview participants viewed su***de prevention training, physical fitness, mindfulness, and mandatory postvention efforts as potentially effective.
⚠️ Major barriers included:
• Stigma around seeking support
• Confidentiality concerns
• Fear of professional consequences
• Limited time and resources
• Insufficient leadership support
• Lack of awareness about available services
• Limited data collection and evaluation capacity
Why does this matter?
A program cannot be considered effective simply because it exists. Agencies need clear goals, appropriate outcome measures, participant buy-in, leadership support, confidentiality protections, and ongoing evaluation.
First responder wellness research should measure more than whether employees learned information. It should examine mental health outcomes, help-seeking, participation, sustainability, organizational culture, and whether programs actually improve well-being.
The authors recommend larger samples, more rigorous study designs, standardized data collection, and research that includes first responders in the design process.
What wellness programs should agencies prioritize for stronger evaluation?
Reference:
Labriola, M. M., Donaghy, J. P., Keyes, T., & Kang, S. J. (2025). First responder and law enforcement mental health and wellness research development. *RAND Health Quarterly, 12*(4), 6.
