Steve Bisson on Cultural Competence, Debriefing, and Peer Support for First Responders

In this episode, Kyle Goodknight chats with Steve Bisson about first responder mental health. Steve shares his experience in supporting responders and the importance of cultural competence and effective support systems. They discuss critical stress debriefing, timely interventions, and the need for follow-up support. The conversation covers overcoming stigma, educational initiatives, insurance challenges, and the role of leadership in mental health. Steve introduces his podcast "Finding Your Way Through Therapy," highlighting the benefits of specialized therapists and telehealth. The episode concludes with sponsor acknowledgments.

https://steve-bisson.com/

(0:00) Introduction to the Elevate podcast and guest Steve Bisson
(1:10) Steve Bisson's background in first responder support
(3:04) Cultural competence and support systems for first responders
(5:14) Steve Bisson's expertise and approach to critical stress debriefing
(9:02) The evolution and importance of timely mental health debriefings
(11:20) Strategies for follow-up support and changing mental health stigma
(16:08) Educational initiatives and normalizing mental health conversations
(19:08) Challenges with insurance and the importance of competent therapy
(24:52) Leadership's role in supporting first responder mental health
(27:49) Traumatic experiences and the value of peer support
(31:29) "Finding Your Way Through Therapy" podcast overview
(35:19) Benefits of first responder-specific therapists and telehealth options
(39:19) Closing remarks and sponsor acknowledgment