CFRA
Certified First Responder Associate
If you work in a counseling role but are not licensed (under supervision, certified, chaplains, group facilitators), this is the track for you.
More info
Certified First Responder Counselor
Not just any counselor or therapist is right for the unique needs of first responders and law enforcement. A Certified First Responder Counselor is specially trained for them.
The training is online and self-paced. There's a track for licensed clinicians, one for counselors under supervision, and one for people who support responders in other ways.
Three tracks
Which one is for you?
CFRC
Certified First Responder Counselor
If you are a therapist holding an active license with your state's licensure board, able to conduct therapy independently, this is the track for you.
More infoCFRS
Certified First Responder Supporter
If you interact with first responders in a support role (part of a mental health or treatment program, spouse, family, friend, volunteer work), this is the track for you.
More infoLicensed with at least 4,000 hours working with first responders? Accelerated CFRC leads to the same credential.
The program
What is a Certified First Responder Counselor?
The Certified First Responder Counselor credential is for licensed clinicians who want to specialize in serving first responders. It documents foundational preparation: the cultural, clinical, and operational context that informs counseling work with police, fire, EMS, dispatch, and corrections personnel.
CFRC doesn't certify cultural competency. That's earned over time, in the relationships a clinician builds with agencies and the responders they serve. What CFRC does certify is that a clinician has done the foundational work, understands the framework, and has committed to ongoing engagement in this field.
- The courseOnline and self-paced: responder culture, trauma exposure, suicide and crisis intervention, vicarious trauma and self-care.
- The ride-alongFour hours with an agency. Nobody gets it waived, including former responders.
- The examYou have to pass with at least a 90%.
- Every year afterRenewal, with continuing education built in through CE Tokens.
Upcoming
Not sure yet? Join us for a class.
Dr. George Everly, our Clinical and Educational Director, teaches live online classes and leads a monthly Clinician Roundtable. You don't have to be a CFRC to join. CFRCs get 20% off the classes, and the Roundtable is included at no cost for active CFRCs.
Every month · 60 minutesLighthouse Clinician Roundtable
A live hour with Dr. Everly on one topic each month. $35, or included for active CFRCs, recordings too.
Nov20
Essential Lessons for Clinicians and Others from the Disasters that Changed Modern HistoryFriday, November 20 · 10 AM to 5:30 PM ET · Live Virtual with George S. Everly, Jr.$179 · Register
Dec9
Moral Injury and the Psychology of Betrayal: Understanding and InterventionWednesday, December 9 · 10 AM to 5:30 PM ET · Live Virtual with George S. Everly, Jr.$225 · Register
Dec11
Psychological First Aid for Peer Support: The Johns Hopkins Model of Everyday Psychological First AidFriday, December 11 · 10 AM to 5:30 PM ET · Live Virtual with George S. Everly, Jr.$225 · Register
Our partners
Proud strategic partners with ICISF
Lighthouse and the Certified First Responder Counselor program are proud strategic partners with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation. We're honored to be working with ICISF, and with UMBC on select courses, to expand and develop focused education for the people who care for first responders.
That work is already showing up: Dr. Everly's live classes, new CE every month, and the International Certification in Peer Support, which Lighthouse and ICISF sponsor together.
From the CFRC directory
Featured CFRCs
A few of the counselors in the CFRC directory. Every one of them finished the training and passed the certification exam. Find one near you
Nikki Hughs, LMHC 
Robert J. Ragland 
Jaime Doss 
Kelley Brower 
Rixie Albright 
Michelle Mugge, PsyD 
Anne Mallett From CFRCs
What counselors say about the training
“This course is an absolute must for clinicians that have no, or very little experience working with these cultures who desire to work with First Responders.”
“I came into this training excited and anticipating that I would learn a lot. This training has far exceeded my expectations. I have worked with first responders in the past. I have family and friends who are first responders, and I still had a great deal to learn. This training does a fantastic job of explaining the first responder culture.”
“The Certified First Responder Counselor (CFRC) Training program by Director, Amy Morgan with Academy Hour was informative, enlightening, and allowed me to hone my skills as a licensed therapist who works with first responders, victims, and their families who have experienced trauma. Amy is a knowledgeable and compassionate trainer who stays versed on all aspects of mental health and its role and connection with first responders. Amy articulates the importance of first responders' roles but also the emotional, physical, and mental distress they can experience. This is an excellent program and one I strongly endorse for any licensed counselor who works with our first responder population. I am truly humbled and blessed to have participated and completed this certification and training in working with first responders.”
Already a CFRC?
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The enrollment page covers the full curriculum, time commitment, cost, and how to begin.