Cohen Veterans Network and Gary Sinise Foundation Join Forces to Provide Mental Health Support for LAFD Personnel and Families
In a significant move to enhance the mental well-being of those who serve on the front lines, the Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) has entered a partnership with the Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF) to provide vital mental health services to uniformed personnel of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) along with their families. This initiative was launched amidst the emotional aftermath of the devastating Eaton and Palisades wildfires that occurred in January 2025, which not only inflicted physical damage to the region but also placed a heavy psychological burden on local first responders.
Marking the first anniversary of the wildfires, this collaboration emphasizes the unrelenting pressures LAFD firefighters face. Research indicates that firefighters average a staggering nine traumatic incidents in a single year—a figure that starkly contrasts with the three traumatic experiences that the average American endures throughout their lifetime. Notably, over 20% of fire service members may grapple with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some point in their careers, further underlining the urgent need for accessible mental health care within this community.
Dr. Anthony Hassan, President and CEO of CVN, expressed that this partnership is a natural extension of their mission. He noted, "LAFD firefighters confront unique challenges and pressures, and we are honored to support their mental health and well-being as they continue to protect and serve. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier future for those who dedicate their lives to helping others."
This alliance aims to provide comprehensive mental health resources capable of addressing a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, PTSD, anger issues, grief, relationship difficulties, and behavioral problems in children. Families of LAFD personnel are also included in this initiative, allowing spouses, partners, and children living in the household to access treatment, ensuring that mental wellness supports extend beyond the individuals actively serving.
Further enriching the partnership, the staff at the Cohen Clinic at VVSD—located in Torrance, California—have undergone specialized training in cultural competence, courtesy of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). This training equips clinicians to better understand and address the specific stressors and unique culture firefighters and their families experience, enabling them to provide more effective and relatable mental health support.
Jim Ravella, Executive Vice President of the Gary Sinise Foundation, highlighted the vital role first responders play in safeguarding communities. He stated, "Through this partnership, we are proud to extend critical mental health services to the courageous men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department, as well as their families. Together, we are ensuring they have the support they need to thrive, both on and off duty, and help their communities heal and recover together."
Since the formation of CVN in 2016, over 95,000 veterans, service members, and military families have benefited from its services through more than 860,000 clinical sessions. Currently, CVN operates 22 clinics across 20 states, aiming to address the mental health needs with a focus on holistic, evidence-based care.
The Cohen Clinic at VVSD, Los Angeles, is strategically positioned to serve those in need, located at 20800 Madrona Avenue Suite C-100, Torrance, CA 90503. Individuals seeking information about the services provided can visit the clinic's website at vvsd.net/cohencliniclosangeles or call (213) 642-4611. Additionally, insights into the operations and offerings of the Gary Sinise Foundation are available at www.garysinisefoundation.org.
This initiative represents a formidable step towards ensuring that the mental health needs of first responders and their families are met with the urgency and compassion they deserve. By addressing mental health proactively, CVN and GSF are taking meaningful measures to counteract the emotional toll that such heroes endure in their line of work.
Marking the first anniversary of the wildfires, this collaboration emphasizes the unrelenting pressures LAFD firefighters face. Research indicates that firefighters average a staggering nine traumatic incidents in a single year—a figure that starkly contrasts with the three traumatic experiences that the average American endures throughout their lifetime. Notably, over 20% of fire service members may grapple with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at some point in their careers, further underlining the urgent need for accessible mental health care within this community.
Dr. Anthony Hassan, President and CEO of CVN, expressed that this partnership is a natural extension of their mission. He noted, "LAFD firefighters confront unique challenges and pressures, and we are honored to support their mental health and well-being as they continue to protect and serve. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier future for those who dedicate their lives to helping others."
This alliance aims to provide comprehensive mental health resources capable of addressing a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, PTSD, anger issues, grief, relationship difficulties, and behavioral problems in children. Families of LAFD personnel are also included in this initiative, allowing spouses, partners, and children living in the household to access treatment, ensuring that mental wellness supports extend beyond the individuals actively serving.
Further enriching the partnership, the staff at the Cohen Clinic at VVSD—located in Torrance, California—have undergone specialized training in cultural competence, courtesy of the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). This training equips clinicians to better understand and address the specific stressors and unique culture firefighters and their families experience, enabling them to provide more effective and relatable mental health support.
Jim Ravella, Executive Vice President of the Gary Sinise Foundation, highlighted the vital role first responders play in safeguarding communities. He stated, "Through this partnership, we are proud to extend critical mental health services to the courageous men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department, as well as their families. Together, we are ensuring they have the support they need to thrive, both on and off duty, and help their communities heal and recover together."
Since the formation of CVN in 2016, over 95,000 veterans, service members, and military families have benefited from its services through more than 860,000 clinical sessions. Currently, CVN operates 22 clinics across 20 states, aiming to address the mental health needs with a focus on holistic, evidence-based care.
The Cohen Clinic at VVSD, Los Angeles, is strategically positioned to serve those in need, located at 20800 Madrona Avenue Suite C-100, Torrance, CA 90503. Individuals seeking information about the services provided can visit the clinic's website at vvsd.net/cohencliniclosangeles or call (213) 642-4611. Additionally, insights into the operations and offerings of the Gary Sinise Foundation are available at www.garysinisefoundation.org.
This initiative represents a formidable step towards ensuring that the mental health needs of first responders and their families are met with the urgency and compassion they deserve. By addressing mental health proactively, CVN and GSF are taking meaningful measures to counteract the emotional toll that such heroes endure in their line of work.
Topics Health）
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