Therapy for First Responders and Their Families in Ontario

First responders spend their careers running toward what everyone else runs from. I’m Charlene Sainz, a Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO #13312) based in Collingwood, working virtually with first responders and their partners across Ontario: police, fire, paramedics, dispatchers, corrections, and frontline healthcare. My work centres on trauma and cumulative operational stress, using EMDR, CBT, and somatic approaches, including the PEACE Resilience Model developed for first-responder mental health. Sessions are virtual and scheduled around shift work, including evenings and post-nights, and partners and families are welcome.

Worried about cost? Many first responders access therapy at little or no out-of-pocket cost. Most association benefit and extended health plans cover psychotherapy, and you simply submit the receipt, no referral needed. Ontario also provides presumptive WSIB coverage for work-related PTSD in first responders. Not sure what applies to you? Bring it up in the free consult and we’ll figure it out together.