Responder Support Services establishes High Country practice

BOONE — Responder Support Services is expanding into the High Country by establishing one of its newest practices led by clinician Saralynn Brown.

Responder Support Services was launched in 2018 to exclusively serve first responders and offer embedded clinical programs to other agencies.

The organization’s services are specifically focused on EMS, police officers, firefighters, probation officers, dispatch and medical personnel, among others.

“At Responder Support Services, we are mental health professionals; we all are trained clinicians who work in evidence-based practices, but we specifically serve first responders, and we also provide services for spouses,” Brown said.

Brown has worked in the mental health field since 2020 after receiving her Master of Science in social work from the University of Tennessee and working with high-risk youth.

Before beginning her journey into the mental health field, she worked as an emergency dispatcher in Caldwell County and completed an internship in a community paramedic program.

Working with and providing support to the emergency services community is near and dear to her heart. Brown said her father retired from the Wilkes County Sheriff’s Office, and she is also a sister and spouse to first responders.

“For me, that lifestyle is all I ever knew,” Brown said. “I stumbled across the position for responder support services and reached out and did the interview process. It was one of those situations where I felt if I didn’t do this, I was going to have regrets.”

Responder Support Services provides a number of services for members of law enforcement, including the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep disturbance, hypervigilance syndrome, and end-of-career distress, among others.

Other services offered include services for individual responders, embedded behavioral health, services for agencies and departments and clinical consultation for peer teams.

Brown said one of the most impactful services the organization offers is its embedded clinician, which tailors its services specifically to the needs of a certain department or agency.

“One thing that these agencies are seeing with embedded clinicians is a reduction in burnout; they’re seeing a reduction in that heavy turnover where you’re having to constantly rehire. They’re seeing extended longevity with their teams, crews and officers. It can even lead to a reduction in sick time. Overall, it leads to better health in the department,” Brown said.

Additionally, the Responder Wellness Coalition has a “Got your $ix” program that helps make mental health care affordable for first responders in the High Country. The program confidentially covers the cost of two monthly mental health therapy sessions for any first responder of the High Country. All first responders who are actively responding in Ashe, Avery or Watauga counties qualify. The Responder Wellness Coalition defines first responders as members of law enforcement, fire, EMS or dispatch.

All first responders who are actively working in Ashe, Avery, or Watauga counties qualify. The Responder Wellness Coalition defines first responders as law enforcement, fire, medic, or dispatch members. More information on how first responders can utilize the program can be found at www.responderwellnesscoalition.org/gotyoursix.

For more information about Responder Support Services, visit respondersupport.com.