074 Police Psychologists Heather Kersten And Emily Jirikowic Talk First Responder Mental Health

Send us Fan Mail Send us a textOn today’s show, I’m so happy to have Dr. Heather Kersten and Dr. Emily Jirikowic who are co-founders of First Responder's PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES. The good doctors who are most commonly referred to as police psychologists provide debriefings, crisis intervention, and trauma treatment. They have realized the importance of psychoeducation and face-time with members to build trust and gain acceptance in a field requiring specialized skill and ability.These doctors work on the front lines with first responders in the most trying of times and provide much-needed support. ​In today’s episode, we discuss:·      Dr. Kersten and Dr. Jirikowic’s First Responders Psychological Services.·      When a debriefing is appropriate and what one looks like.·      Their role in crisis intervention with first responders.·      What psycho evaluations are and when they are conducted.·      Both doctors experience starting their careers working in the prison system with sex offenders.·      Having police officers in their immediate family and the unique perspective that gives them.·      What P.T.S.D. is and how it can be misunderstood.·      How to prevent P.T.S.D. and lessen its effects. ·      Suicide prevention and best practices dealing with suicidal subjects.·      How do members deal or don’t deal with leaving police work and reintegrating into a “normal lifestyle.” All of this and more on today’s episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.Visit Emily and Heather on their website!Read Weekends at Bellevue: Nine Years on the Night Shift at the Psych ER and Tribe. Enjoy the Cops and Writer's book series.Please visit the Cops and Writers website.If you have a question for the sarge, hit him up at his email.Come join the fun at the Cops and Writers Facebook groupSuidie hotline: 1-800-273-8255Check out 053 Police Chaplain George Papachristou on the Cops and Writers PodcastConsider buying me a coffee :-)What would you do if you lost the one you loved the most? How far would you go to quench your thirst for vengeance?https://a.co/d/2UsJPbaSupport the show What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click thSupport the show