Police Psychiatric Treatment for PTSD
Law enforcement is often a demanding, thankless job that can cause undue stress and frustration. Unfortunately, many officers develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of this constant trauma – and many unfortunately do not seek treatment for the debilitating illness.
If you or a loved one are a police officer who is suffering from PTSD, contact our Washington PTSD and workers comp attorneys at Colburn law immediately. We can secure the help you need to get back to full health.
Why Choose Us?
At Colburn Law, our attorneys are dedicated to providing exemplary representation to first responders suffering from PTSD.
- We have years of experience in the worker’s compensation process, with extensive knowledge of the laws that enable worker’s compensation.
- We are a pioneer in first responder PTSD claims, being one of the first law firms to successfully obtain compensation.
- Our founder, Greg Colburn, was inspired to get into law because of a serious workplace injury that left him in a wheelchair for two years.
Causes of PTSD in Police Officers
Police officers are constantly experiencing events that would normally be incredibly traumatic to the general population. As a result, the list of causes of PTSD can be long and extensive, and can include:
- Mass casualty events, such as school shootings
- Serious injuries in the line of duty, suffered by themselves or their colleagues
- Fatal car accidents
- Situations with neglected or mistreated children
- Dangerous drug busts
- Kidnapping cases
Often, PTSD in police officers is not the result of a singular event, but rather a series of equally stressful situations. This is called cumulative PTSD, and includes factors such as:
- Long hours
- Dealing with people who are often uncooperative
- Dealing with unexpected situations and crimes
- The high amount of pressure when on shift
All this added small stress may actually be more dangerous to officers than traumatic events. When sudden traumatic events occur such as shootings or terrorist events, most departments usually have professionals on hand to help officers deal with the psychological aftermath.
However, in cases of cumulative PTSD, there is no specialized help, which means officers are less likely to receive treatment. Left untreated, cumulative PTSD can lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicide.
Options for Psychiatric Treatment for Police Officers
Fortunately, there are multiple options for psychiatric treatment for law enforcement. These include:
- Private therapy sessions
- Outpatient therapy, where an officer can come into a facility and receive help for a few hours every day
- Inpatient therapy, where an officer checks into a facility to receive help
- Medical detox, for situations where officers have turned to addiction for self-medication
In the state of Washington, filing for a worker’s compensation claim can help you receive the benefits necessary to seek the treatment you need. In these cases, an attorney is highly recommended, as they have a better understanding of the claims process, and can help you file properly and promptly.
Contact Us Today
Police officers suffering from PTSD deserve all the help necessary in order get back to full health. If you or a loved one suffer from PTSD as a first responder, please contact us today and see how we can assist you in your needs. Schedule a free, confidential consultation and let us help you as soon as possible.