First Responder Counseling in Castle Rock, CO
You run toward danger while everyone else runs away. We're here when you need backup. Confidential trauma therapy for police, fire, EMS, and dispatchers.
Book a Free ConsultationYou've seen things most people can't imagine. You've held it together when everything was falling apart. You've gone back to work the next day like nothing happened – because that's what you do. But the weight of it adds up. And somewhere along the line, the stuff you've carried starts to carry you.
Maybe it's the call that won't leave your head. The sleep that wont come. The short fuse with your family. Or just a feeling that something's off – like you're going through the motions but not really there anymore.
Asking for help isn't weakness. It takes more guts to face what's going on inside than it does to run into a burning building or roll up on a bad scene. At South Denver Therapy, we provide confidential, specialized counseling for first responders throughout Colorado. No judgment. No reports to your department. Just real help from someone who understands your world.
Why First Responders Need Specialized Mental Health Support
First responder work is different. It's not just "stressful" – it's repeated exposure to trauma, death, violence, and human suffering that most people never experience even once. That kind of exposure changes the brain. It changes how you process emotions, how you sleep, how you relate to the people you love.
Regular therapy often doesn't cut it for first responders. You don't need someone who's going to be shocked by what you tell them or try to apply textbook solutions to problems they can't understand. You need a therapist who gets it – the culture, the dark humor, the brotherhood and sisterhood, the pride, and the weight.
We specialize in trauma treatment and have extensive experience working with first responders. You won't have to spend sessions explaining why certain calls stick with you or deal with someone who dosent understand the job. We get straight to work.
Who We Help
We provide counseling for all first responders and emergency services personnel:
Police Officers & Law Enforcement
Firefighters & Fire Rescue
EMTs & Paramedics
911 Dispatchers & Telecommunicators
Corrections Officers
ER Nurses & Hospital Staff
Common Challenges First Responders Face
Cumulative Trauma
The calls add up. Each difficult scene leaves a mark, even when you handle it perfectly in the moment. Over time, the accumulated weight of what you've witnessed starts affecting you in ways you might not even recognize.
Critical Incident Stress
Some calls hit different. A pediatric death. A mass casualty event. A call that reminds you of someone you love. These critical incidents can trigger symptoms even in the most experienced responders.
Hypervigilance
The alertness that keeps you safe on duty makes it hard to relax off duty. You're constantly scanning for threats, always on edge, never fully able to turn it off – even at home with your family.
Sleep Problems
Shift work already disrupts your sleep. Add nightmares, racing thoughts, and an inability to "turn off" your brain, and real rest becomes nearly impossible.
Relationship Strain
The emotional walls that protect you at work create distance at home. Your family doesn't understand why you're withdrawn, irritable, or emotionally unavailable. Intimacy and communication suffer.
Substance Use
Alcohol to unwind. Something to help you sleep. Something to take the edge off. What starts as coping can become its own problem, adding another layer to deal with.
If you're having thoughts of suicide or self-harm: You're not alone, and help is available right now. Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. For first responders specifically, CopLine offers confidential support from retired officers at 1-800-267-5463.
Our Approach: Trauma-Informed Care That Fits Your World
We don't do therapy that involves sitting around talking about your feelings for months on end. Our approach is direct, evidence-based, and focused on getting you actual results. We understand that first responders are problem-solvers – you want to know what's wrong and how to fix it.
What Makes Our Approach Different
- No sugarcoating. We can handle hearing about the hard stuff without flinching.
- Direct communication. We'll tell you what we're seeing and give you straight answers.
- Practical tools. You'll learn techniques you can actually use on shift and at home.
- Flexible scheduling. We work around shifts, overtime, and the reality of your job.
- Your pace. We go as fast or slow as you need – you stay in control.
- Results focus. The goal is to help you feel better and function better, not to keep you in therapy forever.
EMDR Therapy for First Responder Trauma
We specialize in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) – one of the most effective treatments for trauma and PTSD. It's been extensively researched and is used by trauma therapists working with first responders nationwide.
Why First Responders Like EMDR
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR doesn't require you to describe every detail of traumatic calls. You don't have to relive the worst moments out loud. Instead, EMDR helps your brain process stuck memories so they stop triggering the same intense reactions – the flashbacks, the nightmares, the physical responses.
Carissa is EMDRIA-certified, meaning she's completed advanced training and clinical supervision in EMDR therapy beyond basic training. She's helped numerous first responders process critical incidents and cumulative trauma.
Learn more about EMDR therapy →Read: EMDR for Veterans and First Responders →
Supporting First Responder Families
The job affects everyone at home, not just the person wearing the badge or uniform. Spouses carry their own burden – the worry every time you leave for shift, the emotional distance when you come home, the feeling of being shut out. Kids pick up on the stress even when nobody talks about it.
Individual Therapy for First Responder Family Members
We provide individual counseling to help family members navigate:
- Processing your own anxiety and stress related to your loved one's job
- Coping when your spouse or parent is struggling with trauma symptoms
- Understanding how to support them without losing yourself
- Managing the emotional distance and communication breakdowns
- Building your own resilience and support systems
- Working through resentment, fear, or grief you may be carrying
Confidentiality and Your Career
Your Sessions Stay Private. Period.
We understand why first responders hesitate to seek help. Worrying about your career, your reputation, or having to explain yourself to the department keeps a lot of people from getting the support they need.
Here's what you need to know about working with us:
- We are a private practice – completely separate from any department or agency
- We do NOT report to your employer, EAP, or department leadership
- Your records are protected by therapist-client confidentiality
- What you say in session stays in session
- Telehealth option available if you want extra privacy and don't want to risk running into anyone
Many first responders specifically choose a private therapist like us instead of going through department resources for exactly this reason. Your mental health is your business.
Serving First Responders Throughout the Denver Metro & Colorado
We work with first responders from agencies across the region, including:
In-person sessions available in Castle Rock. Telehealth available for first responders anywhere in Colorado.
Why Choose South Denver Therapy
Meet Carissa Keeter
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) • EMDRIA CertifiedCarissa specializes in trauma treatment and has extensive experience working with first responders. She's direct, doesn't waste time, and won't be shocked by anything you tell her. Her approach is practical and results-focused – she understands you're not looking to "process feelings" for years on end. You want to feel better and get back to your life. That's what she helps you do.
Learn more about CarissaAward-Winning Care
Voted Best of the Best in Mental Health for Castle Rock in 2024 and 2025.
Trauma Expertise
EMDRIA-certified EMDR therapist specializing in trauma treatment and PTSD.
Complete Confidentiality
Private practice with no connection to your department. What happens here stays here.
Flexible Hours
Open 6am-10pm Monday-Saturday. We work around your shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will my department find out I'm in therapy?
No. We are a private practice completely separate from any department or agency. Your sessions are protected by therapist-client confidentiality. We don't report to departments, and your records stay private. Many first responders specifically choose private therapists like us for this reason.
Do you actually understand what first responders go through?
Yes. Carissa specializes in trauma therapy and has extensive experience working with first responders. She understands the culture, the dark humor, the things you can't unsee, and why talking to someone who doesn't get it feels pointless. You won't have to explain why certain calls stick with you or deal with someone who's shocked by what you've experienced.
How is EMDR different from regular talk therapy?
EMDR doesn't require you to talk through every detail of traumatic calls or incidents. Instead, it helps your brain process stuck memories so they stop triggering the same reactions. Many first responders prefer EMDR because it's more direct and doesn't feel like "sitting around talking about feelings" for months on end.
Can I do therapy without coming to an office?
Yes. We offer secure telehealth sessions for first responders anywhere in Colorado. This works well for those who want extra privacy, have unpredictable schedules, or don't want to risk running into anyone at a local office.
What does first responder counseling cost?
Sessions are $175 for 60 minutes. Many clients get reimbursed through their out-of-network insurance benefits. Visit our FAQs page to learn how Mentaya can help you recover a significant portion of your costs.
Do you work with schedules that change constantly?
Yes. We understand shift work and offer flexible scheduling including early morning and evening appointments. We're open 6am to 10pm Monday through Saturday. If you need to reschedule because of a shift change or mandatory overtime, we get it.
You Run Toward Danger—We're Here When You Need Backup
You've spent your career helping others. It's okay to let someone help you. Take the first step – schedule a free, confidential consultation and see if we're a good fit.
Book Your Free ConsultationOr call us at (720) 663-8046