At UCF RESTORES, we believe that understanding the cultures unique to the individuals seeking treatment is key to success. We take this charge seriously for all groups and all of our clinicians have completed cultural competency trainings for first responders and veterans. Additionally, all clinicians at UCF RESTORES have completed ride-along immersions with the City of Orlando Police Department and with various fire departments throughout the Central Florida area. And, to ensure cultural competency in our treatment of veteran and active-duty military personnel, UCF RESTORES makes a concerted effort to appoint veterans among its professional staff and graduate students. We invite clinicians and providers in the field of behavioral health to join us in learning more about the unique first responder and military communities and, in doing so, augment their practice to provide our front–line heroes with the type of personalized treatment they deserve.

Our commitment to cultural competency extends beyond the training of our own clinicians.  As the National Center of Excellence for First Responder Behavioral Health, we are proud to collaborate with our partners at the Florida Firefighters Safety & Health Collaborative to sponsor a two day workshop on cultural competency training for masters and doctoral level clinicians wishing to work with the fire service. This course is designed for clinicians and providers seeking to learn more about the unique elements of firefighter culture to be more effective in treating firefighters. Click here for more information.

In early 2023, and in collaboration with our partners at the National Policing Institute, we will be releasing a similar course for clinicians who want to increase their cultural competency with law enforcement. Check this page in 2023 for more details.