Our Center

The first recovery center designed specifically for IAFF members

Who We Are

Created through an innovative partnership with Advanced Recovery Systems, a nationwide leader in rehabilitation and behavioral health, the IAFF Center of Excellence is a flagship recovery center exclusively for IAFF members. Here, fire fighters and paramedics who struggle with substance use disorders and behavioral health issues, such as PTSD, depression or anxiety, can heal in a safe space among their brothers and sisters.
IAFF and Advanced Recovery Systems Logos

Set in Serenity

Located just outside Washington, DC, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, our 15-acre facility includes a pool, basketball court, gym and comfortable residential accommodations and 64 beds.

Designed for Fire Fighters

We want you to feel at home at the IAFF Center for Excellence. That’s why we designed it with the firehouse in mind, to make treatment as comfortable as possible. You’ll find familiar touches throughout the common areas and residences.

State-of-the-Art Amenities

Our fully equipped gym, pool and outdoor volleyball, basketball and reflection areas encourage physical activity and mental clarity to heal the body, mind and spirit.

Our Staff

At the IAFF Center of Excellence, you’ll form relationships with doctors, nurses and other clinicians who will help you on your way to recovery. During your treatment, it is our goal to deliver the highest-quality care possible. That’s why we’ve chosen senior staff with extensive experience and a commitment to care.

Marc Rattigan, Executive Director

As the executive director of the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery, Marc Rattigan promotes positive team interactions to support exceptional patient care for IAFF Members. Marc comes from a long line of firefighters, including his father, uncle, and grandfather. A combat veteran with 21 years of service in the United States Army, Marc values teamwork and dedication to help people who are struggling with behavioral health and addiction.

Dr. Abby Morris, Medical Director

A graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine, Dr. Morris is responsible for all inpatient care, training and future planning and for developing a continuum of care that will follow each client throughout their stay at the center. Previous to her appointment to the IAFF Center of Excellence, Dr. Morris was the Medical Director of a 24-bed inpatient facility that treated addiction and behavioral health disorders.

Marisa Hall, Director of Nursing

Marisa Hall is the nursing director at the IAFF Center of Excellence, where she oversees patient care and staffing while serving as the facility risk manager. As a nurse, Marisa listens empathically, acts with compassion and serves with purpose. As a leader, she ensures that each member of her team goes above and beyond to connect, advocate and exemplify nursing standards of care. With more than 10 years of health care experience, Marisa extends her focus on healing and quality care by giving back to IAFF members who serve their local communities.

What to Expect During Treatment

Treatment at the IAFF Center of Excellence is evidence-based, which means each step on your path to recovery is backed by scientific research and accepted results within the scientific community. Our multidisciplinary approach — combining the expertise of doctors, nurses and clinicians from different disciplines — means we treat the whole person, not just the addiction or disorder.
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When You Contact Us

You’ll undergo a screening process before and after you’re admitted. During screening, you will be asked questions about substance use, psychiatric, medical, social and legal history. We will also discuss insurance and payment for treatment.
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The First 24 Hours

You’ll meet with your primary care physician and therapist within 24 hours of arrival. At this time, you will undergo a medical exam and discuss goals for your treatment.

Life at the IAFF Center of Excellence

The goal of your stay at the IAFF Center of Excellence is to successfully complete treatment so you can get back to the job you love. Each activity, class and friendship will prepare you for a lifetime of recovery.

Behavioral Therapies

Clinicians Who Care During your treatment, it is our goal to deliver the highest-quality care possible. That’s why we’ve chosen senior staff with extensive experience and a commitment to care. Here, you’ll form relationships with doctors, nurses and other clinicians who will help you reach recovery. Treatment That Works Care at our facility is evidence-based, meaning each step of your treatment is backed by scientific research. Our multidisciplinary approach — combining the expertise of doctors, nurses and clinicians from different disciplines — means we treat the whole person, not just the addiction or disorder. Therapy That Heals During your stay at the Center, you’ll meet with your therapist at least once a week. Together you’ll discuss your goals and intentions, as well as meet weekly for group and individual therapy. These sessions allow you to discuss your detox process and talk with others on the same journey.

Recreation for Recovery

Your schedule will revolve around your recovery needs. This may involve gym sessions, education classes — such as “Setting Yourself Up for Success” — yoga and resilience training. You’ll also have time for reading, reflection, journaling and even a pick-up game of basketball — all essential parts of your healing process.

Aftercare

Your treatment doesn’t end when you leave the IAFF Center of Excellence. As part of your continuing recovery, we’ll be there for you as you transition back into daily life outside the Center.

After your discharge, you’ll receive:

  • A relapse prevention plan
  • 12-step support
  • Peer support
  • Individual or family therapy sessions
  • Return-to-Work planning and support
  • Diagnostic check-ins
  • Transition to local behavioral and physical health care providers
Your health is our first priority. With the support of your doctors, family and IAFF peers, you can achieve lasting recovery and fight more than fires for years to come.

Ready to get help? We’re here for you. Call 855-900-8437 or

Get Help Now
The IAFF Center of Excellence is a proud member of the Advanced Recovery Systems (ARS) family. ARS is an integrated behavioral healthcare management company dedicated to the treatment of addiction, substance abuse and mental health issues.

We can help. Call 855-900-8437 or

Get Help Now
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