What are the mental health issues of first responders?

First responders commonly experience depression, PTSD, burnout, intrusive memories, irritability, emotional numbness, sleep problems, and increased alcohol or substance use. These symptoms can affect both personal life and job performance.

What are the statistics for first responders mental health?

About 30% of first responders develop behavioral health conditions such as depression or PTSD. They are estimated to be around three times more likely to experience PTSD, and nearly 70% of fire and EMS personnel report symptoms of burnout.

Highlighting Rotem Moshe: Leading Virtual IOP for First Responders at Stepstone Connect

Nov 26

Written By Matt Stephens

We’re proud to highlight Rotem Moshe, a licensed mental health counselor and the Executive Clinical Director at Stepstone Connect, following her recent feature on the Voices in Health and Wellness podcast. In this insightful conversation, Rotem shared her professional journey and shed light on the power and potential of virtual IOP for first responders—a cornerstone of Stepstone’s mission.

Rotem has been practicing in Florida for over eleven years, originally beginning her career in addiction treatment. A New York native, she moved to South Florida to pursue new opportunities, completing her bachelor's in psychology at Florida State University and her master's in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Central Florida. Her experience has helped her cultivate deep, trusting relationships with clients, making her a standout in the world of telehealth mental health services.

Listen to the podcast here.

From Traditional Therapy to Telehealth Leadership

During the podcast, Rotem reflected on her initial hesitancy toward telehealth, like many clinicians pre-pandemic. However, when COVID-19 forced a shift, she quickly recognized the platform’s potential: flexibility, accessibility, and clinical outcomes comparable to in-person therapy. Her journey led her to Stepstone Connect in 2021, where she quickly rose to her leadership position.

Now licensed in nearly nine states, Rotem plays a pivotal role in shaping Stepstone’s services and policies. She collaborates closely with clinical supervisors and interdisciplinary teams to ensure quality care across nearly all 50 states—especially in moments of crisis where fast, location-specific response is critical.

Meeting the Needs of Diverse Generations

Rotem spoke about the generational differences in therapy adoption. While younger generations embrace digital access, older clients may initially hesitate. Rotem and her team offer trial runs for those uncomfortable with technology, making sure everyone feels supported. This is especially important in delivering mental health for first responders, a group that often seeks privacy and flexibility due to the stigma around therapy.

Overcoming Barriers to Access

One standout part of Stepstone’s model is its adaptability. In rural areas with limited tech resources, Stepstone provides devices for clients during their treatment, bridging the digital divide. They also maintain an up-to-date list of emergency contacts and local resources in every state to ensure immediate response when needed.

When asked about AI in therapy, Rotem expressed caution, citing concerns over confidentiality. Instead, she emphasized the human connection and trust fundamental to effective therapy.

Looking Forward

Stepstone Connect aims to expand services across all 50 states, with a specific focus on supporting mental health for first responders. With growing demand and increasing clinician licensure, Stepstone is poised to lead the future of telehealth mental health services.

“The most rewarding part,” Rotem says, “is connecting with people from all backgrounds without barriers. That’s the heart of what we do.”

You Don’t Have to Carry This Shift Alone

Listening to Rotems Podcast might be the first time you’ve heard someone put words to what you’ve been feeling: exhaustion, anger, numbness, or the quiet sense that you’re not okay. That insight matters, but you’re not expected to fix everything on your own.

If you’re seeing signs of burnout, changes in sleep, heavier drinking, emotional distance from family, or memories that won’t shut off, those are not “just part of the job.” They’re signals that deserve real attention, trauma-informed care, and steady support from people who understand first responder culture.

If you’re ready to explore what support could look like with Stepstone Connect, whether that’s virtual IOP, dual-diagnosis care, or guidance for your department, you can:

Call (866) 518-2985 for a confidential conversation, or
Submit a confidential contact form and choose a time that fits your shifts.

Matt Stephens

Chatham Oaks was founded after seeing the disconnect between small business owners and the massive marketing companies they consistently rely on to help them with their marketing.

Seeing the dynamic from both sides through running my own businesses and working for marketing corporations to help small businesses, it was apparent most small businesses needed two things:

simple, effective marketing strategy and help from experts that actually care about who they are and what is important to their unique business.

https://www.chathamoaks.co