Mental Health Providers and Peers Help Enhance the Effectiveness of Law Enforcement Mental Health Interventions

In the line of duty, law enforcement officers are exposed to various stressors. Therefore, they are vulnerable to the onset of mental health disorders. Unfortunately, many officers in need may not readily seek out mental health assistance because of the stigma associated with mental illness that persists within the culture of law enforcement. Psychoeducation and a judgment-free environment can reduce the stigma surrounding mental health treatment. Though both mental health professional (MHP)-led programs and peer-led support programs for law enforcement do help, we argue that neither one on its own is enough to combat stigma and increase treatment access and adherence. Therefore, we argue that a model that incorporates both peer-led initiatives and the expertise of mental health professionals may help dispel stigma, increase trust, and increase service use among law enforcement officers. Following a discussion of the theoretical basis for a hybrid model, we describe the Texas Post-Critical Incident Seminar (PCIS) program as a real-world application of a hybrid model.