Start Moving On
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Why the PFFA is Investing in Mental Health Care
We understand the significant mental and emotional challenges faced by those in the fire profession. The high-stress situations and traumatic events encountered on the job can impact mental health—not only for fire personnel but also for their families. To provide comprehensive support, we've partnered with Start Moving On, a mental health provider specializing in care for fire service professionals and their loved ones.
Our goal is to offer mental wellness services that go beyond traditional Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), ensuring members receive culturally competent care that addresses the unique demands of the fire service. With SMO, we aim to provide firefighters with the specialized support needed to cope with the psychological and emotional aspects of their work, promoting long-term mental well-being and resilience.
SMO is an available Employee Assistance Program option for members located in Yavapai County.
Why PFFA Offers This Benefit
The PFFA Healthcare Trust partners with Start Moving On to offer specialized mental health support tailored to fire service professionals and their families. With a focus on crisis intervention and long-term care, Start Moving On provides confidential, trusted services that address the unique challenges of the job, including trauma and high-stress situations. This partnership supports both mental and emotional well-being, helping reduce burnout, build resilience, and ensure comprehensive care for all members of the fire service family.
Benefits of Start Moving On
First responders, administrative staff, and their families require specialized mental health services that address their unique experiences. With Start Moving On, the benefits include:
01
Tailored Trauma Care
SMO specializes in treating the mental health challenges common among first responders, offering evidence-based treatments for trauma and stress-related conditions.
02
Up to 12 Free Counseling Sessions
All enrolled employees, their spouses, and children can receive up to 12 free licensed counseling sessions per year, at no additional cost.
03
Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD)
Immediate onsite peer support and counselors are available for stress debriefing and management following critical incidents.
04
24/7 On-Call Support
Chiefs, department leadership, and HR have access to 24/7 support for mental health guidance and crisis management.
04
Seamless Crisis Management
SMO can assess and coordinate care for members in crisis, ensuring a smooth transition to higher levels of care when needed, including hospitalization, follow-up, and return-to-work planning.
04
Resiliency Training
Firefighters can participate in mental performance, awareness, and resiliency training to strengthen mental health and prepare for future challenges.
Our Partner
Start Moving On
We’ve partnered with Start Moving On to provide a dedicated mental health oversight program for our members. Founded by Dr. Debbie Ritterbush, PhD, SMO has over 10 years of experience providing culturally competent care to first responders. Their team of licensed professionals offers a range of services, from trauma therapy to mental wellness training.
SMO is licensed and credentialed in the State of Arizona, ensuring high standards of care. Their evidence-based treatments target the specific mental health needs of first responders, helping to improve therapy outcomes and long-term well-being.
With Start Moving On as our partner, you can be confident that you’ll receive the support you need in a safe, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment.
Who is Eligible?
The mental health benefit provided through Start Moving On is available to all plan-enrolled members of the PFFA Healthcare Trust, including:
Employees | Spouses | Children
This benefit includes up to 12 free counseling sessions per year, ensuring you and your family have access to professional mental health care when you need it, at no additional cost.