First Responders
“With years of firsthand experience as a mental health first responder, Melissa is considerate, knowledgeable, and highly skilled in treating anxiety, depression, and PTSD with first responders. With Melissa, you will receive compassionate, expert care.”
— Nicholas Runyan, LPC, LAC
Many of the first responders who walk into my office report feeling constantly on edge, haunted by intrusive memories or nightmares, or struggling with guilt, anger, or emotional numbness. Sometimes they notice changes in how they sleep, how they relate to people, or how they manage their emotions. Others notice tension, fatigue, or digestive distress.
As a former co-responder with the Denver Police Department, I draw on my lived experience as a first responder in addition to my training and experience as a trauma therapist to support you in your journey so that you can be the person that you want to be and live the life you want to live, on and off the job.
If you think I might be a good fit for your needs, please reach out. I look forward to connecting with you.
— Melissa
Melissa Forrow, LCSW, LAC
What experience do you have working with first responders?
I worked for over 5 years as a co-responder with the Denver Police Department, responding to 911 calls of all kinds in a police car with a Denver officer. I was also part of the pilot for Denver’s STAR program, which pairs clinicians and medics to respond to mental health calls where police are not deemed necessary. I currently teach classes on stress management and suicidality at the Colorado State Patrol Academy. I also have a decade of clinical experience providing trauma-informed care to individuals and families, including many first responders.
Do you accept insurance? Are there any resources available to help cover the cost of sessions?
I accept Aetna and Medicaid (Colorado Access and CCHA). If you have a different private insurance with out of network benefits, I am happy to provide you with a superbill so that you can get reimbursed for the cost of our sessions.
Colorado Firefighters can access a $1,000 benefit for behavioral health services through the Colorado Firefighter Benefits Trust. More information can be found here: https://www.cfhtrust.com/behavioral
I work an unconventional schedule. Are you able to accomodate my scheduling needs?
I work Monday-Thursday from 11am-7pm. I’m happy to accommodate consistent weekly sessions if it’s helpful for you to have a consistent schedule or schedule session by session for those working a rotating schedule or with varying demands on their time.