Blog

HIGHLIGHTS UCF Trustee Chair and Pegasus Professor Deborah Beidel – representing the entire UCF RESTORES team – has been named a finalist for Orlando Sentinel’s 2026 Central Floridian of the Year award. Beidel founded UCF RESTORES in 2011 as a clinical research center dedicated to changing the way that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is understood, […]

UCF RESTORES was recently invited to discuss the importance of extending our REACT Peer Support training program to first responder retirees. Developed by retired first responders for retired first responders, REACT for Retirees empowers those who have served to continue making an impact by providing peer support. The train-the-trainer program equips retirees with the tools, […]

A New Era of Crisis Response: State Leaders, UCF, Lockheed Martin, and First Responders Unite to Launch Next-Gen Mobile Emergency Response Unit  ORLANDO, FL (May 14, 2025) — UCF RESTORES today unveiled its groundbreaking Resiliency Command Center — a first-of-its-kind mobile behavioral health facility designed to provide a safe environment for evidence-based behavioral health care […]

Stress is universal – but how we manage it can mean the difference between resilience and burnout. Stress itself isn’t inherently harmful; but, when left unmanaged, chronic stress can take a serious toll on our physical and mental health. For Stress Awareness Month, we sat down with Deborah C. Beidel, Ph.D., ABPP, Executive Director of […]

For many, sleep is a luxury. For those recovering from trauma, it’s often the first thing to suffer. Research shows that sleep disturbance is a strong predictor of overall mental health decline and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity. Sleep isn’t just about feeling rested – it’s about cognitive function, emotional regulation, and resilience. In recognition […]

In a groundbreaking move to expand and enhance mental health resources for Florida’s first responders, UCF RESTORES and the 2nd Alarm Project have officially merged. This partnership unites UCF RESTORES’ national leadership in clinical trauma treatment and research with 2nd Alarm’s trusted, grassroots peer support initiatives. Together, we’re aiming to address critical gaps in behavioral […]

Two Florida organizations leading the charge to support first responders’ mental health have joined forces. UCF RESTORES – a national leader in trauma management and clinical mental health treatment – and the 2nd Alarm Project – a pioneering organization dedicated to enhancing first responder behavioral health and resilience – are widely recognized and trusted within […]

2023 was a landmark year for UCF RESTORES – one marked by innovation and progress. From groundbreaking advancements in virtual reality (VR) PTSD treatment to the launch of all-new training programs and peer support networks, the center continued to blaze trails in trauma treatment and first responder support. In this Director’s Cut Q&A, we sit […]

Annual Report Details Groundbreaking Advancements in Mental Health Innovation, Peer + Clinician Training, First Responder Support, and More ORLANDO, FL (March 27, 2024) – UCF RESTORES – a leading nonprofit research center and treatment clinic focused on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other trauma-related concerns – today unveiled its 2023 Annual Report, showcasing a year […]

As the first point of contact for emergency situations, dispatchers are often the “forgotten” first responders. Dispatchers’ work can go unrecognized and their distress can be overlooked. This can lead to feelings of isolation while also compounding the stress associated with their unique line of work. Enter Goldline Rescue™, which recognizes the unique challenges faced […]