Medically reviewed by Dr. Aaron Brown, DO, Medical Director. Last reviewed July 2026.
First responders run toward what the rest of us run from. Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and dispatchers spend their careers absorbing other people’s worst moments, and that exposure adds up. The mental health toll behind the badge is real, it is well documented, and it is treatable. This guide lays out what the research shows, why so many first responders struggle in silence, and the treatment and support options available to those who serve in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Many first responders are also veterans
A large share of first responders served in the military first. According to U.S. Department of Labor data, veterans make up roughly 19 percent of firefighters and about 25 percent of police officers, along with around 10 percent of EMTs, compared with only about 6 percent of the overall U.S. population who have served. For many of these men and women, that means two careers of repeated trauma exposure stacked on top of each other, first in uniform and then on the streets at home. It is one reason first responder mental health and veteran mental health are so closely linked, and why the same treatments often help both. If you served in the military, our Veteran Mental Health Resources page covers veteran-specific programs and coverage as well.
What the research says about first responder mental health
The numbers are sobering. A 2018 review from the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that about 30 percent of first responders develop behavioral health conditions, including depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, compared with 20 percent in the general population. The same body of research reported that 37 percent of fire and EMS professionals have contemplated suicide, nearly 10 times the rate of the average American adult.
Suicide is the starkest measure of the crisis. A widely cited 2018 white paper from the Ruderman Family Foundation found that in 2017, at least 103 firefighters and 140 police officers died by suicide, more than the 93 firefighters and 129 officers who died in the line of duty that year. PTSD and depression rates among firefighters and police officers have been found to be as much as five times higher than in the civilian population. For many first responders, the greater long-term danger is not the emergency itself, it is what the job leaves behind.
Why so many suffer in silence
If the need is this large, why do so few get help? Culture is a big part of it. First responders are trained to be the strong ones, to stay calm and keep going, and asking for help can feel like admitting weakness. Many worry about fitness-for-duty evaluations, losing a badge or certification, or being seen differently by their crew. Long shifts, irregular sleep, and repeated critical incidents wear people down while leaving little time to recover, so symptoms often go unspoken for years. None of that means the situation is hopeless. It means the right care has to be effective, confidential, and respectful of what these careers demand.
NeuroGlow is in-network with TRICARE
Eligible service members, veterans and military families can access Spravato (esketamine) — the FDA-approved treatment for treatment-resistant depression — as a covered benefit. Cost-share and prior-authorization rules vary by TRICARE plan, so we verify your benefits at no cost before you begin. Note that IV ketamine is used off-label and is typically self-pay. See our TRICARE coverage guide.
How ketamine and Spravato can help
For depression and PTSD that have not responded to traditional antidepressants and talk therapy, newer treatments are changing what recovery can look like. Spravato (esketamine) is FDA approved for treatment-resistant depression and for depression with acute suicidal thoughts or actions, and it can work far faster than standard medications. IV ketamine therapy is used off-label for depression and PTSD and has drawn strong interest for its rapid relief, which matters for someone who cannot afford to wait weeks to feel a difference. Our guide to ketamine for PTSD and C-PTSD goes deeper on how these treatments work for trauma. Speed and effectiveness are exactly why these options resonate with first responders who need to function at a high level and cannot put their lives on hold.
The NeuroGlow HERO Discount for those who serve
NeuroGlow created the HERO Discount to make care more accessible to the people who protect our communities. It takes 20% off all NeuroGlow self-pay services for first responders, police officers, EMTs, nurses, teachers, veterans, and municipal government officials. Whether you are exploring IV ketamine therapy, Spravato, or another treatment, the discount applies across our three North Texas locations in Flower Mound, McKinney, and Fort Worth.
If you are in crisis
If you or a first responder you know is in crisis, help is available right now, and you do not have to face it alone:
- 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988, any time, for any reason.
- Copline: 1-800-267-5463, a confidential support line for law enforcement answered by retired officers.
- Safe Call Now: 1-206-459-3020, confidential help for public safety employees and their families.
- Share the Load: the National Volunteer Fire Council’s mental health program for firefighters and EMS providers.
Reaching out is a sign of strength.
How NeuroGlow supports Dallas-Fort Worth first responders
NeuroGlow provides psychiatrist-led care at three North Texas locations in Flower Mound, McKinney, and Fort Worth. We understand that first responders need care that is effective, discreet, and built around demanding schedules. Our team can help you understand your options, apply the HERO Discount, and build a treatment plan around your goals. To talk it through, book a consultation or call 469-218-4410.
FAQs
Do first responders really have higher rates of PTSD and depression?
Yes. Research reviewed by SAMHSA found that about 30 percent of first responders develop behavioral health conditions like depression and PTSD, compared with 20 percent of the general population, and PTSD and depression rates can run several times higher than in civilians. Repeated exposure to trauma is the main driver.
Is treatment confidential?
Your care at NeuroGlow is private and protected by the same medical privacy laws that apply to any patient. We understand the concerns first responders have about fitness-for-duty and reputation, and we are glad to talk through those questions before you begin anything.
How fast do ketamine and Spravato work?
Many patients notice a difference within days rather than the weeks typical of standard antidepressants. Response varies from person to person, and our team will set realistic expectations for your situation.
Does the HERO Discount apply to first responders?
Yes. The 20% HERO Discount covers first responders, police officers, EMTs, nurses, teachers, veterans, and municipal government officials on all NeuroGlow self-pay services.
I am a veteran and a first responder. Which resources apply to me?
Both. Many first responders served in the military first, and the HERO Discount and our treatments apply either way. You may also want to see our Veteran Mental Health Resources page for veteran-specific programs and coverage such as TRICARE.
Where is NeuroGlow located?
NeuroGlow has three North Texas locations in Flower Mound, McKinney, and Fort Worth, serving first responders across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Exploring IV ketamine therapy? NeuroGlow provides physician-supervised ketamine infusions at three DFW clinics, with an integration-focused care plan. Learn about IV ketamine at NeuroGlow or call 469-218-4410.
Our community partners: NeuroGlow is proud to work alongside Spirit of a Hero and the American Warrior Association in supporting veterans and first responders across North Texas. Meet all of our partners.
