Facing the Hidden Trauma of Law Enforcement
If you’re a police officer in California, you’ve likely witnessed scenes most people can’t imagine — violent crimes, fatal accidents, domestic violence, life-or-death standoffs. Over time, these experiences can leave deep marks on your mental health.
You might be wondering:
✅ Why am I always on edge?
✅ Why do I replay certain calls over and over?
✅ Why can’t I relax, even when I’m off duty?
These are signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — and you are far from alone.
Common PTSD Symptoms in Police Officers
✅ Intrusive memories or flashbacks of traumatic incidents
✅ Nightmares or sleep disturbances
✅ Hypervigilance or exaggerated startle response
✅ Emotional numbness or detachment
✅ Anger, irritability, or mood swings
✅ Avoidance of certain places, people, or conversations
PTSD isn’t a weakness — it’s your brain’s response to repeated trauma. And it is treatable.
Why Many Officers Avoid Getting Help
Fear of career damage or fitness-for-duty reviews
Concerns about confidentiality or insurance records
Stigma within law enforcement culture
Lack of access to therapists who understand the job
At Cerevity, we offer private, trauma-focused virtual therapy that protects your career and your privacy.
How Cerevity Helps Officers With PTSD
✅ Private-pay, HIPAA-compliant sessions — no insurance, no employer reporting
✅ Therapists experienced in law enforcement trauma — no need to over-explain
✅ Flexible online scheduling — access care from anywhere in California, around your shifts
Treatment Approaches That Work
Our clinicians use evidence-based therapies, including:
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Stress reduction and resilience-building techniques
You get care designed to address police-specific trauma, not generic talk therapy.
FAQs for California Officers
Will my department know I’m getting help?
No. With private-pay therapy, your care stays between you and your therapist.
Is virtual therapy as effective as in-person?
Yes. Studies show virtual trauma therapy is highly effective, especially when delivered by experienced clinicians.
How soon can I start?
Most officers can schedule their first session within a few days.
You’ve Protected Others — Now Protect Yourself
PTSD doesn’t have to define your career or your life. Confidential help is available.
👉 Book your private virtual therapy session today: https://cerevity.com/get-started
We’re here to help you heal — on your terms.
Author: Jessica M. Rivera, LMFT
Jessica is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at CEREVITY, specializing in trauma care for California police officers. She has over a decade of experience helping law enforcement professionals recover from PTSD and build lasting resilience.
