First Responders Therapists in Colorado Springs, CO
I also work with first responders who are carrying the impact of chronic stress, trauma exposure, and the unique emotional demands of their roles.
My approach is warm, compassionate, and direct. I create a trusting space where clients feel safe being honest, understood without judgment, and supported in making meaningful change. I integrate EMDR and other practical therapeutic tools to help clients process difficult experiences, better understand themselves, and move toward healing and lasting change.
I also work with first responders who are carrying the impact of chronic stress, trauma exposure, and the unique emotional demands of their roles.
My approach is warm, compassionate, and direct. I create a trusting space where clients feel safe being honest, understood without judgment, and supported in making meaningful change. I integrate EMDR and other practical therapeutic tools to help clients process difficult experiences, better understand themselves, and move toward healing and lasting change.
Many of us spend so much time taking care of everyone else that we forget what it feels like to take care of ourselves. We push through stress, trauma, loss, relationship challenges, work demands, and daily responsibilities because that's what we've always done.
Over time, that constant pressure can leave us feeling exhausted, disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck. Our work isn't about fixing what's "wrong" with you. It's about understanding your story, recognizing what has helped you survive, and developing tools that help you move forward with greater confidence, clarity, and resilience.
Many of us spend so much time taking care of everyone else that we forget what it feels like to take care of ourselves. We push through stress, trauma, loss, relationship challenges, work demands, and daily responsibilities because that's what we've always done.
Over time, that constant pressure can leave us feeling exhausted, disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck. Our work isn't about fixing what's "wrong" with you. It's about understanding your story, recognizing what has helped you survive, and developing tools that help you move forward with greater confidence, clarity, and resilience.
I hold a Master's in Forensic Psychology with a focus on first responders.
Hey, glad you're here. First off: you don't need to have your life figured out before you reach out. Whether you’re a first responder carrying the heavy stuff from the job, a student drowning in campus stress, or just an adult navigating life's constant plot twists, I get it. It’s easy to get trapped in a loop of anxiety or just numbing out. If it feels like you're just treading water, you're not alone. Let's change that. This is a judgment-free space to just be yourself. We’ll team up to figure out what’s keeping you stuck, so you can stop just surviving and start thriving.
I hold a Master's in Forensic Psychology with a focus on first responders.
Hey, glad you're here. First off: you don't need to have your life figured out before you reach out. Whether you’re a first responder carrying the heavy stuff from the job, a student drowning in campus stress, or just an adult navigating life's constant plot twists, I get it. It’s easy to get trapped in a loop of anxiety or just numbing out. If it feels like you're just treading water, you're not alone. Let's change that. This is a judgment-free space to just be yourself. We’ll team up to figure out what’s keeping you stuck, so you can stop just surviving and start thriving.
William (Billy) J
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, LPCC
3 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80908
Specializing in the care of veterans and first responders, I understand the unique pressures and experiences that come with these critical roles.
From the outset, my approach is grounded in empathy and understanding. I believe every individual’s experience is unique, and I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and valued. Trust is the cornerstone of effective therapy, and I am dedicated to fostering a therapeutic relationship built on mutual respect and confidence
Specializing in the care of veterans and first responders, I understand the unique pressures and experiences that come with these critical roles.
From the outset, my approach is grounded in empathy and understanding. I believe every individual’s experience is unique, and I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard and valued. Trust is the cornerstone of effective therapy, and I am dedicated to fostering a therapeutic relationship built on mutual respect and confidence
Harper Ridge Counseling
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, ADDC
6 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80905
Welcome to Harper Ridge Counseling! Are you nervous or anxious about starting therapy? My goal is to meet you wherever you are and help navigate and support you to facilitate healing. Oftentimes we don’t pursue therapy when we are in the greatest place and oftentimes need someone that can show them non-judgement and a little grace.
Every individual is unique to their own values, beliefs, and what they are striving towards. My clients understand that therapy alone will not fix or solve their current issues but that if we take a whole person approach to healing we can get a little closer to your desired outcome or goal.
Welcome to Harper Ridge Counseling! Are you nervous or anxious about starting therapy? My goal is to meet you wherever you are and help navigate and support you to facilitate healing. Oftentimes we don’t pursue therapy when we are in the greatest place and oftentimes need someone that can show them non-judgement and a little grace.
Every individual is unique to their own values, beliefs, and what they are striving towards. My clients understand that therapy alone will not fix or solve their current issues but that if we take a whole person approach to healing we can get a little closer to your desired outcome or goal.
Samantha Sholts
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ACS, NCC
2 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
I started working inpatient in 2014 and have stayed in the mental health field, despite a time I trained with the Colorado Springs Police Department.
I am proud to be serving our community of Colorado Springs. Often consultations end with positive energy to commit to therapy services because this is an investment into yourself. I am the passenger in the vehicle with you, but you're the one driving. Sometimes we feel we don't have control when we are in the driver's seat of our own journey. Let me be your biggest cheerleader through your therapeutic journey, but also your mentor and guide. I will help you learn more about yourself and assist with resolutions. I believe we have the ability to process through our thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a productive way.
I started working inpatient in 2014 and have stayed in the mental health field, despite a time I trained with the Colorado Springs Police Department.
I am proud to be serving our community of Colorado Springs. Often consultations end with positive energy to commit to therapy services because this is an investment into yourself. I am the passenger in the vehicle with you, but you're the one driving. Sometimes we feel we don't have control when we are in the driver's seat of our own journey. Let me be your biggest cheerleader through your therapeutic journey, but also your mentor and guide. I will help you learn more about yourself and assist with resolutions. I believe we have the ability to process through our thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a productive way.
Diane Hanyok
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
4 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Waitlist for new clients
I enjoy working with complex trauma, first responders, nurses, DID, and helping you learn to live with a difficult diagnosis.
I am EMDR trained. I've taken training in PTSD, complex trauma, and DID. The Townsend Institute was terrific in its training. We can grow in our attachment, boundaries, and integration deficits to be a better version of ourselves. I have certificates from the Trauma Research Foundation and the Makin Institute for Neuro Change. I love to learn and grow.
I enjoy working with complex trauma, first responders, nurses, DID, and helping you learn to live with a difficult diagnosis.
I am EMDR trained. I've taken training in PTSD, complex trauma, and DID. The Townsend Institute was terrific in its training. We can grow in our attachment, boundaries, and integration deficits to be a better version of ourselves. I have certificates from the Trauma Research Foundation and the Makin Institute for Neuro Change. I love to learn and grow.
I also work with first responders and military families.
Are you someone who works hard — for your family, your job, or the people who depend on
you — but feels like it's never enough? You
're exhausted, disconnected, and tired of carrying things that were never meant to be yours alone. Maybe you've tried before and felt like the traditional system didn't really get you. I work with people who need a therapist who is real with them — firm, fair, and actually fun to talk to. Whether you're dealing with trauma,
addiction, relationship pain, or just feeling stuck, you don't have to do this alone.
I also work with first responders and military families.
Are you someone who works hard — for your family, your job, or the people who depend on
you — but feels like it's never enough? You
're exhausted, disconnected, and tired of carrying things that were never meant to be yours alone. Maybe you've tried before and felt like the traditional system didn't really get you. I work with people who need a therapist who is real with them — firm, fair, and actually fun to talk to. Whether you're dealing with trauma,
addiction, relationship pain, or just feeling stuck, you don't have to do this alone.
I work with individuals, couples, teens, families, and first responders navigating codependency, addiction, and the lasting effects of alcoholic or dysfunctional family systems.
Feeling disconnected—from your partner, your teenager, or even yourself? Maybe you’ve tried everything, but communication still breaks down. Or you're searching for meaning and direction, yet come up empty. As a man, you might quietly wrestle with imposter syndrome, self-doubt, or the sense that you're not measuring up. You're tired of feeling distant, invalidated, or misunderstood. You want to feel competent, secure, respected—and connected. You're ready for a change.
I work with individuals, couples, teens, families, and first responders navigating codependency, addiction, and the lasting effects of alcoholic or dysfunctional family systems.
Feeling disconnected—from your partner, your teenager, or even yourself? Maybe you’ve tried everything, but communication still breaks down. Or you're searching for meaning and direction, yet come up empty. As a man, you might quietly wrestle with imposter syndrome, self-doubt, or the sense that you're not measuring up. You're tired of feeling distant, invalidated, or misunderstood. You want to feel competent, secure, respected—and connected. You're ready for a change.
Kailee
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, KAP
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
A social worker once saved me and it ignited a fire within my soul to help others who struggle with trauma, veteran culture, or suicidal ideation.
I am trained in Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and EMDR. I specialize in Ketamine‑Assisted Psychotherapy. My primary populations are military, veterans, 1st responders, and first line healthcare workers; & specialize in treating survivors of MST.
A social worker once saved me and it ignited a fire within my soul to help others who struggle with trauma, veteran culture, or suicidal ideation.
I am trained in Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and EMDR. I specialize in Ketamine‑Assisted Psychotherapy. My primary populations are military, veterans, 1st responders, and first line healthcare workers; & specialize in treating survivors of MST.
I specialize in working with veterans, first responders, and others with similar backgrounds navigating the long-term impact of trauma, chronic stress, and existing in survival mode.
I specialize in therapy for complex trauma and PTSD. My style is grounded, collaborative, and strengths-based, with an emphasis on practical support and evidence-based treatment, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Together, we work to reduce the impact of trauma while building on the resilience, insight, and coping strengths you already have.
I specialize in working with veterans, first responders, and others with similar backgrounds navigating the long-term impact of trauma, chronic stress, and existing in survival mode.
I specialize in therapy for complex trauma and PTSD. My style is grounded, collaborative, and strengths-based, with an emphasis on practical support and evidence-based treatment, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Together, we work to reduce the impact of trauma while building on the resilience, insight, and coping strengths you already have.
I also specialize in supporting first responders and healthcare workers, as well as veterans struggling with the transition to civilian life including PTSD, complex grief, relationship challenges, sleep, substance use, stress, thriving beyond disability, career exploration and work/life balance.
Do you feel like you're just surviving or realize you're not managing stress in a way you feel good about? Maybe it shows up in your mood or energy level, your habits, relationships, sleep, your spending or how much caffeine or other substance you use to change how you feel. Do you notice you procrastinate or avoid certain things, lack feeling fulfilled, struggle to refill your battery day to day or question your abilities? Or maybe you feel like you're doing decently well, but are finding it hard to truly thrive. Everybody gets stuck or lost sometimes. You don't have to figure this out alone. There's strength in accepting help.
I also specialize in supporting first responders and healthcare workers, as well as veterans struggling with the transition to civilian life including PTSD, complex grief, relationship challenges, sleep, substance use, stress, thriving beyond disability, career exploration and work/life balance.
Do you feel like you're just surviving or realize you're not managing stress in a way you feel good about? Maybe it shows up in your mood or energy level, your habits, relationships, sleep, your spending or how much caffeine or other substance you use to change how you feel. Do you notice you procrastinate or avoid certain things, lack feeling fulfilled, struggle to refill your battery day to day or question your abilities? Or maybe you feel like you're doing decently well, but are finding it hard to truly thrive. Everybody gets stuck or lost sometimes. You don't have to figure this out alone. There's strength in accepting help.
If you’re feeling anxious, stuck, or overwhelmed, you don’t have to stay there. Many of the people I work with are high-functioning on the outside but internally exhausted—caught in patterns of overthinking, self-doubt, or emotional shutdown that don’t seem to shift, no matter how hard they try. Therapy with me is active, collaborative, and results-driven. Together, we’ll identify what’s actually keeping you stuck and use practical, evidence-based strategies to create meaningful change.
If you’re feeling anxious, stuck, or overwhelmed, you don’t have to stay there. Many of the people I work with are high-functioning on the outside but internally exhausted—caught in patterns of overthinking, self-doubt, or emotional shutdown that don’t seem to shift, no matter how hard they try. Therapy with me is active, collaborative, and results-driven. Together, we’ll identify what’s actually keeping you stuck and use practical, evidence-based strategies to create meaningful change.
I work with young, middle, and older adults across Colorado navigating life transitions, identity, and relationship or family stress. Many of my clients come from Indigenous, BIPOC and underserved communities, or are seeking a therapist who understands cultural identity and systemic stressors. I also support parents building stronger connections with their children and individuals feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Together, we focus on building skills, processing experiences, and creating meaningful, lasting change.
I work with young, middle, and older adults across Colorado navigating life transitions, identity, and relationship or family stress. Many of my clients come from Indigenous, BIPOC and underserved communities, or are seeking a therapist who understands cultural identity and systemic stressors. I also support parents building stronger connections with their children and individuals feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Together, we focus on building skills, processing experiences, and creating meaningful, lasting change.
Accepting new clients this coming week!
I’m deeply passionate about helping people grow and better understand themselves. Creating a safe, supportive space where clients can explore their emotions is at the heart of my work.
Accepting new clients this coming week!
I’m deeply passionate about helping people grow and better understand themselves. Creating a safe, supportive space where clients can explore their emotions is at the heart of my work.
Welcome! Life and relationships can be a challenge to navigate on your own, especially with unhealed trauma, stress, anxiety, and depression. I work with individual's and couples to begin prioritizing themselves, conquering fears, developing and maintaining healthy relationships, cultivating happiness and autonomy, and learning how to cope with life's struggles. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and nonjudgmental. I believe in treating you with respect, compassion, sensitivity, and empathy.
Welcome! Life and relationships can be a challenge to navigate on your own, especially with unhealed trauma, stress, anxiety, and depression. I work with individual's and couples to begin prioritizing themselves, conquering fears, developing and maintaining healthy relationships, cultivating happiness and autonomy, and learning how to cope with life's struggles. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and nonjudgmental. I believe in treating you with respect, compassion, sensitivity, and empathy.
I have devoted experience as an expert provider for survivors of DV, SA and childhood trauma; with military and emergency-responders; as a proud LGBTQ+ ally; & as an open supporter of clients in addiction recovery.
I thrive with clients who know it's time for a change & are ready to do the work, but recognize they may need a navigator to find the path. Whether that change is recovering from trauma, strengthening your mental health, or breaking out of unhelpful loops in your relationship, I offer the support needed to face the hard stuff & make meaningful change possible. I have worked with clients from just about every sphere of life, but I have found the shared foundation of all therapeutic progress has been the willingness to change. Whether you need to make small tweaks or completely overhaul your systems, I am an enthusiastic guide.
I have devoted experience as an expert provider for survivors of DV, SA and childhood trauma; with military and emergency-responders; as a proud LGBTQ+ ally; & as an open supporter of clients in addiction recovery.
I thrive with clients who know it's time for a change & are ready to do the work, but recognize they may need a navigator to find the path. Whether that change is recovering from trauma, strengthening your mental health, or breaking out of unhelpful loops in your relationship, I offer the support needed to face the hard stuff & make meaningful change possible. I have worked with clients from just about every sphere of life, but I have found the shared foundation of all therapeutic progress has been the willingness to change. Whether you need to make small tweaks or completely overhaul your systems, I am an enthusiastic guide.
I am here to help you cope with life's challenges, whether they are related to anxiety, depression, family relationships, life transitions, medical issues, military or veteran support, perinatal support (pregnancy, prenatal, postpartum), phobias, sleep disorders, or just plain stress.
Hello, I'm Cheryl, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Colorado with over 20 years of experience in counseling. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My therapeutic approach is eclectic, meaning I draw from various techniques to best meet your needs. These may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychoanalysis, and Person-Centered Therapy, among others. Each session is tailored to you as an individual, ensuring that we address your unique concerns and goals.
I am here to help you cope with life's challenges, whether they are related to anxiety, depression, family relationships, life transitions, medical issues, military or veteran support, perinatal support (pregnancy, prenatal, postpartum), phobias, sleep disorders, or just plain stress.
Hello, I'm Cheryl, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Colorado with over 20 years of experience in counseling. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My therapeutic approach is eclectic, meaning I draw from various techniques to best meet your needs. These may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychoanalysis, and Person-Centered Therapy, among others. Each session is tailored to you as an individual, ensuring that we address your unique concerns and goals.
Chelsea Witt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
2 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80918
Waitlist for new clients
I have experience with clients across the lifespan. I have been in practice 10+ years, 5 of which have been as a therapist. I have experience w/ caregiver burnout and chronic health issues. I am currently only seeing adults but will take teen clients on a case by case basis. I am especially passionate about helping parents develop skills to help support their children with difficult behaviors. I work with clients at their own pace and help them establish and meet goals in order to address the concerns they bring to the table. My goal is to help clients develop healthier ways of coping with difficult situations both past and present.
I have experience with clients across the lifespan. I have been in practice 10+ years, 5 of which have been as a therapist. I have experience w/ caregiver burnout and chronic health issues. I am currently only seeing adults but will take teen clients on a case by case basis. I am especially passionate about helping parents develop skills to help support their children with difficult behaviors. I work with clients at their own pace and help them establish and meet goals in order to address the concerns they bring to the table. My goal is to help clients develop healthier ways of coping with difficult situations both past and present.
Safyr Padilla
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, EMDR-T
1 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80920
Life challenges can make us feel less like ourselves. I provide a safe, non-judgemental space to work through these transitions in life. My goal is to walk alongside you to help reduce symptoms and gain a feeling of control again or maybe for the first time
I am passionate and specialize in the following areas: domestic violence, narcissistic abuse, sexual abuse, PTSD, trauma, Dissociative Disorders, anxiety and depression, religious trauma, coping skills, LGBTQIA+, and grief and loss.
I am certified in EMDR. I also like to utilize IFS therapy and DBT to help reduce physiological symptoms, gain skills and deeper insight.
Life challenges can make us feel less like ourselves. I provide a safe, non-judgemental space to work through these transitions in life. My goal is to walk alongside you to help reduce symptoms and gain a feeling of control again or maybe for the first time
I am passionate and specialize in the following areas: domestic violence, narcissistic abuse, sexual abuse, PTSD, trauma, Dissociative Disorders, anxiety and depression, religious trauma, coping skills, LGBTQIA+, and grief and loss.
I am certified in EMDR. I also like to utilize IFS therapy and DBT to help reduce physiological symptoms, gain skills and deeper insight.
See more therapy options for Colorado Springs
Nearby First Responders Therapists Searches for Colorado Springs
- Canon City
- Castle Pines
- Castle Rock
- Elizabeth
- Fort Carson
- Fountain
- Manitou Springs
- Monument
- Peyton
- Pueblo
- Pueblo West
- Woodland Park
First Responders Therapists
Why is mental health important for first responders?
As part of their work, first responders are often exposed to high levels of stress, trauma, and physical injury that can put them at a greater risk for serious mental health conditions than the general population. Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, substance use, and depression are more common in first responders, which can greatly reduce quality of life and lead to burnout, sleep disruption, and even suicidal thoughts. Therapy can offer an opportunity for first responders to process difficult on-the-job experiences and develop coping skills to better manage any mental health symptoms they may experience.
How can first responders get access to mental health support?
Many first responders can access therapy for free or at a very low cost through their employer, such as through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Workplaces may also offer or have referral recommendations for support groups, where first responders can meet with others in their profession to receive support. Individuals who would like to access mental health services outside of their employer may use their insurance benefits to see a therapist, which they can find by searching for therapists online or asking for recommendations from their primary care physician.
What type of therapy is best for first responders?
The best therapy approach depends on the mental health concerns of the client. Since many first responders struggle with trauma or PTSD, they may benefit from trauma-specific therapeutic approaches, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Exposure Therapy, or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Individuals with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress may alternatively benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches, which can help clients develop coping skills to manage distressing thoughts.
Can therapy for first responders help with trauma and PTSD?
Therapy can be highly effective in both treating and preventing trauma and PTSD in first responders. Typically, therapy for trauma and PTSD focuses on developing stress management skills and managing intrusive or unwanted thoughts. Therapists working with first responders often help clients strengthen their relationships and reduce harmful coping mechanisms, such as excessive substance use. Additionally, therapists assist first responders in establishing daily habits that support overall mental and physical health and enhance resilience to future stress, such as regular physical exercise, mindfulness practices, and improved eating habits.