UCF RESTORES-Trauma Therapy Program

04/28/2026

“In the fire and EMS world, you would never want to pick up a tool for the first time in the middle of a call. You learn how to use it during training so it becomes second nature when you need it.” – UCF RESTORES Deputy Executive Director Kellie O’Dare, Ph.D.

Retirement can bring a loss of structure, identity, and daily connection – especially for first responders. That’s why continued peer support matters.

In case you missed it, UCF RESTORES is featured in World, sharing how REACT for Retirees is helping individuals navigate this transition with support, purpose, and community.

Take a moment to read the full story:

UCF Restores’ REACT program helps active and retired first responders find support before crisis hits.

04/24/2026

Stress doesn’t have to steal your peace. As part of , let’s do more than just notice the way stress impacts our body and mind – let’s act.

Stress touches all of u – at work, at home, and in between. But you don’t have to navigate it alone. UCF RESTORES has curated a Stress Resource Library filled with tools, tips, and strategies to help you understand and manage stress in healthier ways.

From quick coping strategies to deeper resources for long‑term wellness, find something that meets you where you are.

Explore the library here:

Coping with Stress Part 1 Coping with Stress Part 2 Healthy Sleeping Coping with Sadness & Depression Stress & Anger Management

04/21/2026

In case you missed it: UCF RESTORES has partnered with Florida Cares 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, advocate for appropriate resources, and 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

04/20/2026

“It’s not hyperbole to say that peer support has saved lives.” – Jeff Orrange, Orlando Fire Department

Peer support plays a critical role in the well-being of first responders – not just during their careers, but long after.

In a recent EMS World feature, UCF RESTORES shares how REACT for Retirees is helping bridge the gap and ensure support continues when it’s needed most.

Read more:

UCF Restores’ REACT program helps active and retired first responders find support before crisis hits.

04/16/2026

April is National Counseling Awareness Month.

At UCF RESTORES, we see every day how powerful counseling can be for individuals navigating trauma, stress, and other mental health challenges.

Our dedicated clinicians provide more than care – they offer a path toward hope and healing through innovative, science-backed treatments that help individuals, families, and communities reclaim their lives.

We encourage everyone to recognize the strength it takes to seek help, celebrate the counselors, clinicians and mental health professionals who guide others toward healing and help break the stigma by encouraging open conversations about mental health and well-being.

If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone. Support is always available.

Request an Appointment or Consultation Phone Inquiries General inquiries and treatment consultations: (407) 823-3910 Single Session Consultation Program: (407) 823-1657 Note: If a UCF RESTORES team member is unavailable to answer the phone, please leave a message noting the best time for us to reach...

04/13/2026

Public safety telecommunicators, often known as dispatchers, are the calm, steady voices on the other end of the line during life’s most critical moments.

As the first point of contact in an emergency, they provide guidance, reassurance, and vital information to callers while coordinating rapid responses from law enforcement, firefighters, and medical personnel.

Their ability to remain composed under pressure, communicate clearly, and manage multiple urgent situations at once plays a crucial role in protecting both the public and the first responders heading to the scene.

Celebrate with us by recognizing the invaluable contributions of these dedicated professionals and thank them for their commitment to keeping our communities safe.

At UCF RESTORES, we understand the unseen challenges dispatchers and other first responders face every day, and we are grateful for the essential role they play in public safety.

04/10/2026

“We teach first responders how to be the first line of support for their brothers and sisters in distress, regardless of the cause.” – UCF RESTORES Executive Director Deborah Beidel, Ph.D., ABPP

UCF RESTORES is proud to be featured in EMS World, highlighting the importance of extending peer support beyond active service.

Through REACT for Retirees, we’re helping first responders stay connected, supported, and engaged during one of the most significant transitions of their lives – because, while a career may end, the need for community does not.

Read the full article here:

UCF Restores’ REACT program helps active and retired first responders find support before crisis hits.

04/09/2026

⏳ One week to go!

There’s still time to register for the upcoming webinar, Building Rural Responder Resilience, taking place April 16 at 1pm.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn strategies that can help strengthen resilience and support within your department.

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

04/08/2026

📢 Seeking Applicants for Mental Health Clinician Position 📢

UCF RESTORES is looking for a qualified candidate to fill an open Mental Health Clinician II role and join a team of experienced, licensed mental health professionals. Clinicians are responsible for providing evidence-based treatments to clients with anxiety, stress, trauma, and post-traumatic stress disorder. To learn more about the role or apply, visit https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/.

04/07/2026

PTSD doesn’t look the same way for everyone.

New research from UCF RESTORES found that first responders and veterans experience four different PTSD symptom patterns, shaped by the types of trauma they face in the line of duty.

🚒 Firefighters and EMS professionals were more likely to experience symptoms like intrusive memories, sleep problems, and difficulty concentrating.

🚓 Law enforcement officers were more likely to experience heightened startle responses and panic-like reactions.

🎖️ Veterans were more likely to experience severe symptoms across multiple areas.

Why does this matter?

Because when we understand that PTSD may look differently for different groups, we can move beyond a one-size-fits-all approach and match treatment to specific symptoms, which leads to more effective care.

Research like this helps ensure that those who serve our communities receive support that truly meets their needs.

Read the full research paper here:https://ucfrestores.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/61/2026/03/Latent-typologies-of-PTSD-among-first-responders.pdf

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!