First responders—and their families—face unique, ongoing pressures that are often overlooked. The demands of these roles can create constant stress, affecting both personal well-being and family life. At Sunrise Wellness, our therapists are specially trained and experienced in working with first responders and their families, with a deep understanding of the intensity and complexity of their work.
Our team brings diverse, firsthand experience across corrections, juvenile services, law enforcement, fire services, and other public safety roles, as well as personal insight gained from supporting family members and friends in these professions. In addition, our therapists are highly trained in trauma-informed care, equipping them to effectively address the complex emotional and psychological impacts of critical incidents and cumulative stress. Many have also been mentored by seasoned, retired professionals, further strengthening their ability to deliver knowledgeable, compassionate, and relevant care.
We recognize that seeking support can be challenging. Concerns about confidentiality, trust, or misconceptions about therapy can create barriers. That’s why we prioritize a safe, secure, and respectful environment—one where you can engage in the therapeutic process in a way that feels right for you.
In addition to individual care, Sunrise Wellness partners with police and fire departments and sheriff’s offices to deliver wellness programs, peer support training, mental health education, and critical incident support for both personnel and their families.
Wellness Checks
A Wellness Check is a confidential, 45–50 minute, one-on-one session with a licensed mental health professional designed to support first responders in managing job-related stress. These sessions focus on strengthening coping skills, building resilience, and promoting long-term mental wellness. While discussions may include personal life stressors, the purpose is proactive support—not evaluation or discipline.
Wellness Checks are not fitness-for-duty assessments and are not intended to diagnose mental health conditions. Instead, they provide practical tools, coping strategies, and psychoeducation to help navigate the unique demands of public safety work. Considered an essential component of employee safety, these sessions address the reality that more first responders are lost to suicide than in the line of duty.
Typically conducted annually and covered by the department, Wellness Checks also offer a pathway to additional support if needed. Depending on departmental benefits, follow-up sessions may be covered directly or accessed through EAP services, insurance, or private pay. Individuals may continue care with Sunrise Wellness or receive trusted referrals.
Benefits of Annual Wellness Checks include:
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of this program. The only information shared with the department is attendance confirmation. All session content remains private, except in circumstances required by law:
Sessions are flexible and accessible, offered at any Sunrise Wellness location, on-site within departments, at neutral third-party locations, or through secure Teletherapy options.
What Happens After the Session?
After your Wellness Check, you leave with practical tools and strategies tailored to your individual needs—resources you can begin using immediately to manage stress and strengthen resilience.
If additional support would be beneficial, you and your provider can discuss next steps. This may include scheduling follow-up sessions, continuing care with a Sunrise Wellness therapist, or receiving referrals to trusted mental health professionals. Coverage for additional sessions will depend on your department’s benefits, EAP, insurance, or private pay options.
You are never obligated to continue services—Wellness Checks are designed to empower you with choice, flexibility, and control over your care.
Your privacy remains fully protected. No details of your session are shared with your department—only confirmation that you attended. From there, what you choose to do next is entirely up to you, with support available whenever you need it.
Peer Support (PS) Training and Consultation
We offer a commissioner-approved, 30-hour in-person Peer Support Training designed to equip team members with the skills and confidence to effectively support their peers. This comprehensive program focuses on practical tools, communication techniques, and real-world application within first responder environments.
In addition, Peer Support teams have access to ongoing consultation, including direct phone support from our Clinical Director. This ensures your team receives expert guidance, feedback, and support when navigating complex situations—strengthening both individual responders and the team as a whole.
Topics Covered in Peer Support Training
Our Peer Support Training is designed specifically for first responder environments, combining practical skills with real-world application. Key topics include:
Foundations of Peer Support
Trauma & Stress Awareness
Effective Communication Skills
Crisis Intervention
Resilience & Coping Strategies
Substance Use Awareness
Family & Relationship Impact
Referral & Resource Navigation
Team Dynamics & Program Development
Self-Care for Peer Supporters
This training ensures peer supporters leave prepared, confident, and equipped to provide meaningful, informed support within their departments.
Is Certification Provided?
Yes. Participants who complete the 30-hour initial Peer Support Training will receive a certificate of completion recognizing their participation in a commissioner-approved program. This certification reflects their training in core peer support principles and readiness to serve in a peer support role within their department.
Certificates are also provided for those who complete the 10-hour Peer Support Refresher Training, demonstrating continued education and commitment to maintaining effective peer support skills.
Customized Training Solutions
We offer tailored training programs designed to meet the specific needs of departments and conference settings. In addition, we provide MN POST-approved, in-person mental wellness trainings focused on supporting first responders and public safety professionals.
We are also expanding our offerings and plan to make select trainings available directly through our website in the near future, increasing accessibility and convenience for departments and individuals alike. (Soooo, we need to get teh website ready for those recorded trainings)
How Do I Request a Custom Training?
Requesting a custom training is simple. You can reach out to our team directly to discuss your department’s or organization’s specific needs, goals, and scheduling preferences. We’ll work closely with you to design a training that is relevant, practical, and aligned with your team’s challenges.
To get started, you can:
Once we connect, we’ll guide you through the process—from identifying objectives to scheduling and delivery—ensuring a seamless and valuable training experience tailored to your group.
Customized Training Solutions
We offer tailored training programs designed to meet the specific needs of departments and conference settings. In addition, we provide MN POST-approved, in-person mental wellness trainings focused on supporting first responders and public safety professionals.
We are also expanding our offerings and plan to make select trainings available directly through our website in the near future, increasing accessibility and convenience for departments and individuals alike.
How Do I Request a Custom Training?
Requesting a custom training is simple. You can reach out to our team directly to discuss your department’s or organization’s specific needs, goals, and scheduling preferences. We’ll work closely with you to design a training that is relevant, practical, and aligned with your team’s challenges.
To get started, you can:
Once we connect, we’ll guide you through the process—from identifying objectives to scheduling and delivery—ensuring a seamless and valuable training experience tailored to your group.
POST-approved trainings are listed on the website https://mn.gov/post/applicants/courses.jsp or you can inquire directly by emailing info@sunrisewellness.net
