UCF RESTORES-Trauma Therapy Program

04/02/2026

To our partners, donors, supporters, and the individuals and families who have placed their trust in us – thank you. Your advocacy, generosity, and belief in our mission make this impact possible.

Because of you, we continue to deliver hope across so many communities and move closer to a world where mental wellness and resilience are accessible to every individual, every family, and every community.

See more of UCF RESTORES’ impact in our 2025 Annual Report:https://ucfrestores.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/61/2026/02/UCF-RESTORES-Annual-Report-2025.pdf

03/31/2026

Proud to be part of a university community that continues to set the standard in supporting military-connected students. At UCF RESTORES, we’re honored to contribute to these efforts by advancing trauma-informed care and mental health resources for those who have served. Congratulations to the entire UCF community on this well-deserved recognition!

03/31/2026

There’s still time to register!

Join Suwannee County Fire Rescue and Magnolia Therapy Center for the upcoming webinar, Building Rural Responder Resilience, on April 16 at 1pm.

This session will take an inside look at how a rural Florida department developed a practical mental wellness and peer support program tailored to the realities of rural response. Learn what worked, how resources were adapted, and take part in an interactive discussion with fellow first responders about building stronger support systems within your agency.

Spots are still available – don’t miss this opportunity to learn and connect.

Register today: https://bit.ly/48TnIqc

03/26/2026

We are proud to share that UCF RESTORES Executive Director Deborah Beidel, Ph.D., ABPP, representing the entire UCF RESTORES team, has been named a finalist for the Orlando Sentinel’s Central Floridian of the Year award.

This recognition celebrates Dr. Beidel’s leadership in deepening our understanding of trauma and advancing evidence-based treatments. It also honors the dedication of the UCF RESTORES team, whose tireless work supports individuals on their journey to healing from PTSD.

This distinction represents the collective impact of a community dedicated to advancing mental wellness and restoring lives. We extend our sincere thanks to the Orlando Sentinel for highlighting this work, and to our supporters and partners whose continued trust makes this mission possible every day.

We invite you to read more about this honor and the work being done right here at our University of Central Florida–based clinic and beyond (*please note that the article requires a subscription to view):

With trauma proliferating across the American landscape, Beidel — representing the entire UCF Restores team — is a finalist for the Orlando Sentinel’s Central Floridian of the Year award.

03/24/2026

In 2025, our RescueLine platforms connected with 722,268 users – including firefighters, law enforcement, dispatchers, and their families – providing confidential, 24/7 support from people who truly understand the challenges of public safety work.

Each platform was created to ensure support when it’s needed most, by those who know the job.

These platforms are just a few of the ways we’re making an impact. Discover more achievements and milestones in our 2025 Annual Report:https://ucfrestores.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/61/2026/02/UCF-RESTORES-Annual-Report-2025.pdf

03/23/2026

Rural first responders face unique challenges – but building strong mental wellness and peer support programs is possible in any department.

Join Suwannee County Fire Rescue and Magnolia Therapy Center for a free webinar, Building Rural Responder Resilience, for a real-world look at how a rural Florida department developed a practical mental wellness and peer support program. Participants will learn what worked, how resources were adapted for rural agencies, and have the opportunity to share ideas during an interactive discussion with fellow responders.

🗓 April 16
⏰ 1pm

Register: https://bit.ly/48TnIqc

03/20/2026

Nearly a decade after the tragedy at Pulse Nightclub, the work of healing and understanding trauma continues.

As the Pulse site is demolished to make way for a permanent memorial, this moment serves as both remembrance and reflection. The 2016 attack claimed 49 lives and injured many more, leaving a lasting impact on survivors, families, first responders, and the entire community.

In a recent episode of Engage by Central Florida Public Media, UCF RESTORES Executive Director Deborah Beidel, Ph.D., ABPP, discusses the long-term psychological effects of mass violence and the critical role of accessible, specialized care in supporting recovery.

Listen to the full episode here:

Nearly 10 years after the Pulse nightclub shooting, the building is demolished for a permanent memorial. Florida lawmakers are heading back to Tallahassee for unresolved issues.

03/20/2026

📣 Calling future EMS professionals (and anyone interested in mental wellness)! 🚑

We’re excited to spotlight The Mindset Project, a free, self‑paced online course offering four continuing education credits.

This course was designed with students entering the EMS field in mind – but it’s open to anyone who wants to better understand their mental health and prepare for the challenges of high‑pressure work.

You’ll learn how to differentiate stress from trauma (a module developed by UCF RESTORES!), how stress and traumatic experiences affect your body and brain, and build your own resilience toolkit.

Whether you’re a student, first responder, or just passionate about mental wellness, this course offers valuable insights with real-life applications and takeaways.

Enroll today and invest in your well‑being and professional growth:

Understand Stress vs. Trauma: Learn how to recognize the difference between normal "on-the-job" stress and the signs of long-term psychological trauma or PTSD.

03/19/2026

Reminder: Spots are still available!

Fire departments across Florida are invited to join the upcoming UCF RESTORES 2nd Alarm Project Firefighter Mental Wellness Train-the-Trainer Program – a no-cost opportunity designed to help agencies build sustainable, in-house mental health training.

This program prepares members of your team to deliver our 3-hour Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Course, helping departments strengthen support for their personnel from within.

Here are the details:
📅 March 24–25, 2026
📍 Tamarac, FL
💻 Includes a brief self-paced online curriculum review before the in-person workshop.

We encourage departments to send individuals involved in peer support, wellness initiatives, training divisions, or leadership who are passionate about advancing mental wellness in the fire service.

Reserve your spot today: https://bookwhen.com/2ndalarmproject/e/ev-si765-20260324090000

Can’t attend this session? Let us know you’re interested in future training opportunities: https://airtable.com/appd6JqJ894JrohjF/shrtWwhfFCPaQsytk

03/17/2026

Through our partnership with Central Florida Cares, UCF RESTORES is proud to offer REACT Peer Support Training at no cost to first responder agencies in Brevard, Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties.

Available through September 2026, this one-day training equips peer support team members with the skills to:

✔ Recognize stress injuries common among first responders
✔ Evaluate the presence of a stress injury in a peer
✔ Advocate for appropriate resources
✔ Coordinate higher levels of care

REACT is designed for firefighters, law enforcement officers, corrections personnel, dispatchers/telecommunicators, and EMS professionals who are committed to strengthening peer support within their agencies.

Limited classes are available. To learn more or schedule a class, email: REACTPeerSupport@ucf.edu.

03/16/2026

As news continues to unfold surrounding the escalating conflict in Iran and rising tensions in the region, many U.S. military veterans and first responders may find themselves experiencing difficult memories connected to their service.

For those who served in the Middle East, coverage of conflict, military operations, and political uncertainty can bring back emotions and experiences that have been “stored away” for months or even years. These reactions are a normal response to extraordinary experiences, and they deserve acknowledgment and support.

If the current news cycle is affecting you, consider reaching out to trusted friends, family members, or colleagues. Connection can make a powerful difference.

If you or someone close to you is experiencing symptoms of trauma or post-traumatic stress, the team at UCF RESTORES offers no-cost treatment consultations at (407) 823-3910.

03/14/2026

Help strengthen mental wellness in your department, starting from within.

The UCF RESTORES 2nd Alarm Project is hosting the Firefighter Mental Wellness Train-the-Trainer Program, a statewide initiative offered at no cost to fire service agencies. This program equips departments to build sustainable, in-house mental health training by preparing members of your team to deliver our 3-hour, evidence-informed Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Course.

By training internal instructors, agencies can promote greater credibility, consistency, and long-term support for the well-being of their personnel.

Begin with a self-paced online curriculum, followed by a 2-day, in-person workshop March 24–25, 2026.

Register here: https://bookwhen.com/2ndalarmproject/e/ev-si765-20260324090000

Or can’t attend this session but interested in future trainings? Complete the interest form:
https://airtable.com/appd6JqJ894JrohjF/shrtWwhfFCPaQsytk