A Red Deer psychologist was added to the Alberta Paramedic Association’s registry for providing mental health support to first responders.
Shalom Counselling Centre psychologist Benton Schultz recently completed the APA requirements for assisting first responders manage their wellness needs.
To be listed on the registry, psychologists must have training and experience working with addictions, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Benton also completed training in prolonged exposure therapy. He is one of two psychologists in Central Alberta who are listed on the registry.
With specialized training and experience in treating anxiety, stress, anger and depression, Benton can help first responders cope with emotional fallout from their jobs. Paramedics often deal with traumatizing situations, yet their work-related stress can be managed, and often reversed, with proper counselling.
“It is a privilege for Shalom Counselling to be able to offer support to Central Alberta’s first responders — individuals who routinely risk their own well being for the sake of others,” says Benno Fath, Shalom’s Executive Director.
Shalom Counselling Centre is a non-profit that’s served Central Albertans since 1999. With offices in Red Deer and Olds, Shalom helped 874 individuals in 2016.