iaff
UPCOMING EVENTS
(855) 900-8437

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. 

(855) 900-8437

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.

IAFF Center of Excellence - Admissions Entrance
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."
CORY HORSENS
CORY HORSENSIAFF Center of Excellence Alumni
"For the first time in a long time I'm able to live without depression and anxiety controlling my life."
STEPHEN SIMONSON
STEPHEN SIMONSONIAFF Center of Excellence Alumni
John DoeCEO
"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."
JOHN BATES
JOHN BATESIAFF Center of Excellence Alumni

About Our Program

IAFF Center of Excellence
IAFF Center of Excellence - Gym with American flag
IAFF Center of Excellence - dining area to share meals with peers
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.

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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.

lonely_addiction
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.

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Our reviews

Eric
Absolutely wonderful facility. When I arrived I was a broken man, a total slave to my addiction. In the 30+ days of time there I became a new man. I was given the tools, the medical care, and support from my peers that made my healing virtually inevitable. If you're struggling and have any doubts about the COE, cast them aside. This place changed my life.

P.S. The food is great.
Jorge D.
The COE is more than just a “place”. You’re told from the get go, “We have you from here” and no truer words have been spoken. The staff here truly do care about you and go above and beyond, for everyone. To the clinicians, Physicians, the BHT’s, Ms. Vonnie, David, you all really do save lives. Each and every day. If you’re reading this, on the fence about coming here, do it. Leave no stone unturned, leave it all there. You are the author of your own book, get here and Turn The Page.
Ze V.
The center of excellence changed my life! I thought I had my anxiety and PTSD under control until I didn’t. They gave me the tools and the environment to help me thrive. Highly recommend this place.
acfd186
Such an amazing life changing place. From the staff and fire family I met there.
Patrick L.
Place is amazing at understanding what firefighters go through and get hung up on throughout our careers and help us navigate and understand how to get better.
Bill W
This place saved my life. I’ve been to many treatment centers and none can compare. The nurses, therapists, counselors, staff, and of course the clients are all amazing! The groups are excellent mostly because of our common experiences combined with knowledgeable counselors. Intense therapy with my peers dealing with ptsd and mental health was the key for me. I never received this type of help even at the VA. The facility itself was top notch! The living quarters are reminiscent of the fire house. The food is tasty and healthy with a lots of choices. The gym was great I worked out everyday and got back to my fighting weight. I can’t recommend this place enough. If you’re struggling with substance abuse, ptsd or mental health this place could save your life!
Anthony FDNY ret.
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Recovery Stories

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Tammy-2

Tammy Mastin

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD
LOCAL 1311 PARAMEDIC

eric-fessenden-iaff

Eric Fessenden

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, MD
LOCAL 1664

Skip-Ockomon-Story

Skip Ockomon

ANDERSON, IN
LOCAL 1262

Autry-Lowry-1

Autry Lowry

BOSSIER CITY, LA
LOCAL 4015

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Contact Us

IAFF Center of Excellence

13400 Edgemeade Rd Upper Marlboro, MD
(855) 900-8437

NAICS 623220

Our Mission

To offer best-in-class treatment for behavioral health issues to IAFF members, serving to improve the quality of their lives, families and careers.

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