The Forest Service and Interior Department said Tuesday they’re establishing a national network of mental health providers to help wildland firefighters manage the stress of the job.
The consortium of licensed providers, called the Wildland Fire Therapy Service, is part of a broader effort by Congress and the agencies to improve recruitment and retention among federal firefighters, the departments said in a joint news release.
The therapy service is one aspect of the Federal Wildland Firefighter Health and Wellbeing Program started by the Biden administration through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the bipartisan infrastructure law.
“As we approach peak fire season, access to mental health services for our firefighters and first responders will now be easier and more convenient so we can continue to have the best wildland firefighting force in the world,” Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said of the service.
