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Behavioral Health Services and Family Support
Frederick County’s Behavioral Health Program promotes health, wellness, and resilience in career and volunteer personnel and their families. Our comprehensive services include behavioral health care and coordination, peer support, and family support.
The Behavioral Health Supervisor (BHS) provides support, education, short-term counseling, resources, and referrals to promote health, wellness, and resilience in career and volunteer personnel and their families. The supervisor also provides clinical consultation and support the DFRS Peer Support Team.
This position is a collaboration between DFRS and The Frederick County Health Department. The Behavioral Health Supervisor falls underneath the umbrella of the Frederick County Health Department, but is assigned to DFRS full-time. The BHS does not report to anyone with the Fire and Rescue chain of command.
All services are offered at no cost to DFRS staff, volunteers, and their immediate family members. Services are strictly confidential and are not associated with Fitness for Duty evaluations.
Natalie Bowers, MSW, MA, LMSW
DFRS Behavioral Health Supervisor
Contact Information:
(cell) 240-285-2580
Office location: 350 Montevue Lane
Frederick, MD 21702
*Please note the DFRS BHS can only work with DFRS personnel and their family members*
Program Goals: Frederick County’s Peer Support Program exists to educate, promote, and facilitate for the behavioral wellness of members and their families.
Mission: To collaborate, develop, and implement behavioral health awareness. Prevention, intervention, and post crisis strategies will provide members and their families an easy accessible, continuous, and confidential sources of information.
Vision: We recognize the unique environment and situations experienced by all of our members. Our Vision is to support a positive nurturing culture that promotes wholeness in behavioral wellness. Breaking down traditional stigmas through education, support, and confidentiality will improve the quality and longevity of life for members and families.
Values: We value behavioral wellness of the members and families through:
Confidentiality
Acceptance
Resilience
Education
Peer Support Team: Team established from rookies to veterans trained for the purpose of supporting peers through times of personal or professional crisis. These selected members are well-respected and trustworthy members. These members have all signed and agreed to uphold the confidentiality needed to provide members with the resources they desire. They can be reached at 301-600-PEER (7337), via email peersupport@frederickcountymd.gov or members can be reached using the phone numbers in the directory online.
Behavioral Health Contact Form
Contact Information:
Natalie Bowers, MSW, MA, LMSW
DFRS Behavioral Health Supervisor
(cell) 240-285-2580
Office location: 350 Montevue Lane
Frederick, MD 21702
*Please note the DFRS BHS can only work with DFRS personnel and their family members*
General Behavioral Health Information
The following government organizations are considered authorities in the mental health field and provide reliable information.
- National Center for PTSD
- National Institute of Mental Health
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
First Responder Specific Resources
The IAFF Behavioral Health Program
This page contains information on IAFF behavioral health training programs, resources and videos. Visit www.iaff.org/behavioral-health.
The IAFF Center of Excellence
This resource page includes a series of one-page guides on a variety of mental health and recovery topics relevant in the fire service, as well as information about treatment for first responders. Visit www.iaffrecoverycenter.com.
Everyone Goes Home
This program by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is designed to prevent firefighter line-of-duty deaths and injuries. It includes resources and trainings to help first responders and departments implement the 16 Firefighter Life Safety Initiatives. Visit www.everyonegoeshome.com.
OAPFF PEER Support
Organized by the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters (OAPFF), this website provides behavioral health information and peer support resources. Visit firefightermentalhealth.org.
Harbor of Grace Enhanced Recovery Center
A comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment program for first responders. 1-844-425-8333 or Harbor of Grace Enhanced Recovery Center
Boulder Crest Retreat
Non clinical program designed to cultivate and facilitate traumatic growth among those who struggle with PSTD. 540-554-2727 or Boulder Crest
Crisis Resources
9-8-8 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
If you are in crisis or distress, call 9-8-8 for free and confidential support 24/7.
Safe Call Now
1-206-459-3020 Staffed by trained first responders 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is also available for families. Can assist with treatment options for mental health, substance abuse , and personal related issues.
Firefighter/Family Crisis and Support Line
1-844-525-FIRE (3473) to access a 24/7 hotline for firefighters and family members and to speak with mental health counselors who are trained in fire service culture.
Education/Training Resources
For Those Who Love a First Responder
Instructed by Ali Rothrock, founder of On the Job and Off, this course educates spouses, friends, and family of first responders on the impacts of the job on mental health and what they can do to support their loved one. Visit www.virtualclassroom.nvfc.org.
Saving Those Who Save Others - Family Edition
This course is designed to assist fire department and EMS spouses and partners in understanding the life they live and the behavior of their spouse/partner. Visit www.ffbha.org.
Resources for Firefighter Families
Behavioral Health Program
Natalie Bowers, DFRS Behavioral Health Supervisor
240-285-2580
nbowers@frederickcountymd.gov
DFRS PEER Support Team
301-600-PEER (7337)
dfrspeersupport@frederickcountymd.gov