Choosing The Right Path: Questions To Ask About Inpatient Programs with Guest Alex Menas

All Clear - A Firefighter Health & Wellness Podcast

When first responders seek healing from the trauma and stress of their critical roles, finding the right support system is paramount. This is why we invited Alex Menas of FHE Health and the Shatterproof Program to share invaluable insights on the specialized care necessary for these heroes. With a focus on therapies like EMDR, CBT, and DBT, Alex discusses the unique needs of first responders, the incredible bonds formed in group therapy, and how a specialized staff, including former first responders, can make all the difference in recovery. The conversation also sheds light on the essential role of family involvement and the creation of a robust aftercare plan, laying the groundwork for lasting healing.
Navigating the often-turbulent waters of mental health support and aftercare can be daunting for first responders, but the right guidance can chart a course to safer shores. The episode takes you through the meticulous intake process at FHE Health, from verifying insurance to clinical assessments and the arrangement of travel for care. Aftercare plans aren't simply a post-treatment thought—they're a lifeline to maintaining recovery, encompassing everything from AA meetings to faith communities and intensive outpatient programs. This discussion is a testament to the unwavering commitment needed and the peer support that ensures these brave individuals never walk their recovery path alone.
Confronting the stigma and obstacles first responders face in seeking mental health assistance is not a battle to be undertaken lightly. The episode emphasizes the importance of resilience and preventative maintenance in mental health, drawing parallels with the routine care professional athletes invest in their physical well-being. Success stories serve as beacons of hope, illustrating the profound positive impact that seeking and receiving the right help can have. From transformative programs to the ripple effects of healing, our conversation with Alex Menas is a clarion call for the valiant men and women serving on the front lines to prioritize their mental health with the same fervor they bring to saving lives.
About Alex:
Alex Menas is FHE Health’s National Outreach Liaison for the mid-Atlantic region, comprising Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Alex helps individuals and families find affordable treatment solutions for addiction and mental health needs. He also serves as a treatment resource and consultant for various entities and organizations from the public and private sectors, such as first responders, the military, and healthcare providers.

Mr. Menas was inspired to do this work after growing up in a small town in West Virginia, where he lost many friends, neighbors, and acquaintances to the opioid epidemic. He is a commissioned officer in the U.S. Air Force, a graduate of Virginia Military Institute, and lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with his wife and three kids.
About FHE & Shatterproof:
https://fherehab.com/services/first-responders/

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1. Choosing The Right Path: Questions To Ask About Inpatient Programs with Guest Alex Menas (00:00:00)

2. Choosing the Right in-Patient Program (00:00:01)

3. Support and Aftercare for First Responders (00:14:16)

4. Help for First Responders (00:23:30)

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