Greenbranch Wellness and Recovery Launches a Dedicated 24/7 First Responder Helpline for South Jersey
First responders spend every day answering calls for help. When they experience trauma, burnout, anxiety, depression, or substance use challenges themselves, finding support from professionals who understand the realities of public safety can be difficult.
To help meet that need, Greenbranch Wellness and Recovery and Firstbranch have launched the Firstbranch First Responder Helpline, a confidential resource available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for first responders and their families throughout South Jersey.
Developed through research and community outreach, this specialized service addresses the growing need for behavioral health support designed specifically for police officers, firefighters, EMS professionals, dispatchers, corrections personnel, and other public safety professionals.
Why South Jersey Needs a Dedicated First Responder Helpline
First responders face occupational stressors that most people never experience.
Repeated exposure to traumatic events, long shifts, sleep disruption, critical incidents, family challenges, and the stigma surrounding mental health treatment can all take a significant toll on long-term wellness.
During the planning process, Greenbranch identified a gap in behavioral health resources specifically designed for first responders across Atlantic County, Cape May County, and surrounding South Jersey communities.
While many behavioral health providers offer quality care, few services are built around the culture, experiences, and unique challenges of public safety professionals.
The Firstbranch First Responder Helpline was created to help close that gap.
Confidential Support Available 24 Hours a Day
The Firstbranch First Responder Helpline operates around the clock, providing confidential guidance, assessment, and referrals whenever support is needed.
- The helpline serves:
- Police officers
- Firefighters
- EMS professionals
- Dispatchers
- Corrections professionals
- Other public safety personnel
- Immediate family members seeking guidance and support
Every call is answered by licensed behavioral health clinicians alongside first responders who are pursuing careers in counseling, psychology, social work, or related behavioral health professions.
This approach combines professional clinical expertise with firsthand understanding of the challenges that accompany a career in public safety.
Connecting First Responders With the Right Resources
The helpline is designed to do more than provide immediate support.
Greenbranch and Firstbranch clinicians use each conversation to help connect callers with services that best meet their individual needs.
Available referrals may include:
- Mental health treatment
- Substance use treatment
- Peer support
- Wellness resources
- Crisis intervention
- Community-based behavioral health programs
- Clinical assessments and referrals
The goal is to ensure every caller has a clear pathway to appropriate care while reducing the barriers that often prevent first responders from seeking help.
Supporting Those Who Protect Our Communities
According to Michael DiMarco, Director of Business Development for the Crossroads Companies, the mission behind the helpline is straightforward.
“First responders spend their careers answering calls for help from others. Our mission is to ensure there is someone available to answer when they need support themselves.”
He added that Greenbranch recognizes the extraordinary sacrifices made by first responders and their families. The helpline was created to provide a safe, confidential, and clinically informed resource for those who dedicate their lives to protecting their communities.
Reducing the Stigma Around Asking for Help
Seeking support is often the most difficult step for first responders.
Greenbranch Wellness and Recovery believes behavioral health care should be accessible, confidential, and free from judgment. The Firstbranch initiative reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to trauma-informed care, resilience, wellness, and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help.
By offering immediate access to professionals who understand both behavioral health and first responder culture, the helpline creates an environment where callers can begin healing with confidence.
No one should have to carry the weight of service alone.
Support Across South Jersey
Whether you’re coming off a difficult call, coping with cumulative stress, or looking for guidance for a loved one, help is available. The Firstbranch First Responder Helpline serves first responders and their families throughout South Jersey, providing confidential access to professionals who understand the realities of public safety.
No matter where you serve in the region, one conversation can be the first step toward finding the right support.
Reach Out Anytime
The Firstbranch First Responder Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call 609-400-HELP (4357)
Whether you’re looking for immediate guidance, treatment referrals, or simply someone who understands the unique challenges of life in public safety, confidential support is only a phone call away.
About Greenbranch Wellness and Recovery
Greenbranch Wellness and Recovery is located in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, and provides compassionate, evidence-based mental health, substance use, and wellness services for individuals and families throughout South Jersey.
Firstbranch serves as Greenbranch’s specialized first responder initiative, focusing on the behavioral health needs of law enforcement, fire service, EMS, dispatchers, corrections professionals, and other public safety personnel.
Greenbranch is committed to providing respectful, trauma-informed care that empowers individuals and families to build resilience, restore hope, and achieve lasting wellness.