First Responder THERAPY Program

Police Officers and first responders are often overlooked when it comes to mental health. First responders not only encompass police, but also include paramedics, firefighters, dispatchers, and those who support these professions. First responders are required to manage critical situations on a regular basis, often without the support of qualified mental health professionals who can help them cope with the repeated trauma associated with their work.

To help first responders to provide the best service possible to the community, Pathways believes in providing specialized mental health services to first responders. The better equipped first responders are with effective tools to cope with the trauma of their profession, the better equipped they are to aid others in the community who are in need.

Pathways understands the budgetary restrictions under which most departments operate. For this reason, Pathways is pleased to provide services to first responders at a lower-than-average rate due to the importance of mental health in the first responder field. This does not come at the cost of quality, as Pathways employs highly qualified professionals who are either former first responders or first responders adjacent who are capable of providing high-quality services.

This program also provides nutritional counseling for first responders. Research indicates that nutrition plays a vital role not only in physical health, but also in mental health. This separates Pathways from other programs with a holistic approach to the mental health of our first responders. Depression, anxiety, vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and burnout are all valid and real situations that first responders face on a regular basis. By taking a holistic approach and considering existential circumstances like sleep habits, eating habits, food addictions, etc. our program separates itself from others in addressing the root causes for any concerns or issues a first responder may be experiencing.

Pathways also offers services to support therapists who provide therapy for first responders.

Pathways provides trauma-informed, holistic approach care to first responders in the form of annual wellness checks, ongoing therapy, relational therapy, critical incident assistance, and trainings, including:

• Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)
• Couples Therapy
• EMDR
• Critical Incident Debriefing
• Critical Incident Support
• Group Therapy
• Individual Talk Therapy

First responders can obtain services through contracted department mental health and wellness program contracts, private insurance, or a private pay basis. Face to face and virtual appointments are available now. This extends to families of first responders as well.

Geoffrey Latsch, MA
Program Director

Geoffrey brings a powerful combination of firsthand experience and academic achievement. As a veteran of both law enforcement and the military, Geoffrey understands the toll these roles can take. He was involved in numerous critical incidents during his time as a police officer. He also holds advanced degrees in Criminal Justice Leadership, equipping him to lead a program that is both compassionate and highly effective.

LeAnne Renteria, MA
Clinical Facilitator

With over 10 years of experience in law enforcement and an extensive background in mental health dating back to 2014, LeAnne specializes in working with police officers and first responders. She also brings a strong academic foundation, having taught at Rasmussen College and Adler Graduate School. Her dual perspective as a former officer and current clinician makes her uniquely qualified to serve this population.

Jerrod Brown, MA, MS, MS, MS, PhD
Program Advisor

A nationally recognized expert in trauma, neurodevelopment, and mental health, Jerrod offers a wealth of knowledge to the ongoing development of the program. His insights help shape effective strategies that address both the clinical and operational needs of first responders and military personnel.

Doctor Paul Novotny, PsyD, LP, LPCC
Clinical Supervisor

Paul serves as Clinical Supervisor for the First Responder Mental Health Program, bringing more than 20 years of experience providing behavioral health services across correctional, residential treatment, outpatient, and psychological assessment settings. Since serving as Clinical Supervisor since 2012, he has guided hundreds of clinicians in their professional development while specializing in trauma-informed care, psychological evaluations, EMDR, and evidence-based treatment approaches that support the unique mental health needs of first responders.