For fire fighters,
by fire fighters. It’s okay to ask for help.

Treatment for successful recovery from substance abuse, PTSD and other behavioral health issues exclusively for IAFF Members.

Our Center

The IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery is a one-of-a-kind treatment facility specializing in PTSD for professional fire service members who struggle with trauma, substance use, addiction, and other related behavioral health challenges. It is a safe haven for members to receive the help they need in taking the first steps toward recovery and share experiences with other members who have faced or overcome similar challenges.

Thoughtful Design

Designed from the ground up with fire fighters and emergency medical workers in mind, the Center sits on a 15-acre campus and includes a state-of-the-art gym and other features that encourage physical activity to help in recovery and preparing to return to the job.

Natural Serenity

Located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, just outside Washington, D.C., the IAFF Center of Excellence is surrounded by lush pine forest and features onsite areas for reflection and enjoying nature’s healing powers.

Knowledgeable Staff

The IAFF Center of Excellence is overseen by medical and clinical experts with extensive experience treating fire service members, guided by collaboration with the International Association of Fire Fighters. Our multidisciplinary team of licensed professionals understand the rigors of your job and know what it takes to help.

"My life has drastically changed for the better since receiving treatment at the IAFF Center of Excellence! Despite ongoing stresses and struggles, I remain strong in my recovery. I am following my aftercare program and feel as though I've been provided with the tools necessary to continue living my best life."

"For the first time in a long time I'm able to live without depression and anxiety controlling my life."

"I believe that happy people help people. I want to be that happy person who lifts others up. The foundation I got from the COE taught me that helping myself first allows me to genuinely help others. It’s about turning our pain into a source of strength for ourselves and our community."

About Our Program

Care for your unique needs

If you’re struggling with post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety or substance abuse disorders, you need treatment from professionals who understand the fire service culture and the unique pressures of your job. The IAFF Center of Excellence connects you to best-practice, evidence-based therapies delivered by clinicians who understand the types of trauma you experience on a day-to-day basis.

Our Partner: Advanced Recovery Systems

With sixteen treatment centers across the United States, the continuum of care provided by Advanced Recovery Systems is unsurpassed. The IAFF has partnered with Advanced Recovery Systems to provide members with specialized treatment for the everyday stressors that trigger PTSD, behavioral health issues and substance abuse.

Completely confidential treatment

Center staff cannot discuss your treatment with anyone — your fire department, family or friends — unless given explicit permission by you. This applies before, during and after your stay at the IAFF Center of Excellence.

We Can Help

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

You may be exposed to traumatic situations every day on the job. For this reason, fire fighters and emergency medical workers are twice as likely as the general population to experience PTSD. That’s why therapies to treat and recover from PTSD are first priority at the IAFF Center of Excellence. You’ll learn coping strategies, work through individual and group therapy sessions and participate in activities that will help you recover, build resilience and return to the job.

Substance Abuse

As part of the integrated, multi-disciplinary approach at the IAFF Center of Excellence, IAFF members struggling with substance use are offered the full continuum of care, from detox to intensive outpatient therapy, so they can get the necessary treatment to start living fuller lives.

Behavioral Health

Depression, anxiety, complicated grief and other behavioral health issues can also be brought on or worsened by the stresses of the job. However, through comprehensive medical and clinical care members can get behavioral health treatment in a caring and supportive atmosphere that understands the fire service culture.

Our reviews

Brian R.

I came here broken but found the right place for me. The the staff is great ,however the facility is in need of some mnt.

Eduardo Dorado M.

My experience there was nothing short of life-changing. The staff and clinicians gave me the tools I needed to come back home and face my problems head-on. I learned how to communicate better in my relationships and handle challenges in a healthy way. The environment was supportive, understanding, and full of people who genuinely care about your well-being.

As a firefighter, it’s hard to ask for help — but coming to the Center of Excellence was the best decision I’ve ever made. I left with hope, strength, and a new perspective on life. I’ll always be grateful for the IAFF Center of Excellence and the impact it’s had on me and my family. -Fast Eddie

Nick O.

The IAFF COE is a life changing experience. The staff and clinicians are amazing and truly embody a sense of caring about the patients and we are more than patients to them. Most clinicians have close ties to the fire service and understand our hurt, frustrations and lack of understanding of feelings in the fire service. The incredible support of brother and sister firefighters here is unlike anything I have ever seen and gave me a whole new outlook on the meaning of brotherhood. If you are on the fence, call them. It saved so many of us I cant count.

Josh K.

I just recently visited the IAFF Center of Excellence. It has truly changed my life, providing me with many new perspectives, tools in trade for a lifetime, hours of clinical therapy and a lifetime family of brothers and sisters who struggle day in and day out that understand. The Center of Excellence is located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland and is a testimony of a beautiful place. I raised my hand for help and what I got in return was the most uplifting care from a team that is excelling in clinical research, therapy and knowledge. Spending 37 days with firefighters, paramedics and people just like ourselves. I look forward to being back on a rig for the first time in a long time. As I transition back into personal, work and outside life I do it a much healthier version of myself.