Marlboro, MD

IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery

The IAFF Center of Excellence is a flagship recovery center where IAFF members can heal from behavioral health conditions.

Google Rating

4.9

Based on 827 reviews

IAFF Center of Excellence

4.9

1734652714

1734647974

The IAFF COE is a family of people who strive to help fellow firefighters and EMS through a number of substance abuse and mental health conditions. I personally got the chance to go and benefit from their services Fall-Winter 2024. My life has been forever changed by the many patients and staff who were and continue to be a part of my continuous journey in healing.From the time you get there to the time you leave, the Front Desk Manager (Ms. Vonnie), Admin Supervisor (Sam) and CEO (David) give you a warm welcome and are more than happy to assist with any questions you may have!The Nursing Staff (Kim, Brandi, Cassandra, Raheal, Beverly, Rachel, and Katrina) provide excellent care in ensuring all your medications are safe and available during several hours of the day. Each of them were personable toward me and my needs and provided an extra sense of care when it came to the times I required medications for something as small as a migraine or mild anxiety attack.I got the privilege to meet with most of the Medical Staff, (Dr. Late, Dr. Korman, Dr. Abby, and Kaelyn) who provided the best combination of medications I needed to manage my diagnosis. They constantly checked in to ensure everything was working to my liking.Everyone on the Clinical Staff (Claudette, Remi, Tiffany, Kimberly, Shelby, Raina, Janae, Robin, Ashley, Kortney, Alanna, Grace, Dan, Pat, Kristi, and Kie-aire) was amazing in teaching classes, challenging me, and provided engaging topics to assist with real life issues I will encounter on and off the job. I am able to use the skills learned to tackle everyday life hurdles and overcome many challenges. Claudette was my personal clinician and I applaud her for dealing with my push back and never giving up on me!The Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) Team (Sherica, Pam, Allo, Eti, Francis, Makenzie, Harrison, Andrea, LaKeisha, Daija, Nay, Darnell, Thomas, Marlon, Jonathan, Terry, Nick, and Tomika) did an amazing job making me feel like family. Being that I was the only African American female here at the time of my stay, they did an amazing job welcoming me and continuously reassuring me that I am not alone. That was something that really touched me and I was greatly appreciative of this.Both the Kitchen Staff (Terrie, Von, Brandon, Dominic, and Chad) and the Cleaning Staff (Juan Jose, Erick, Khaterine, and Sonia) also do a great job to ensure everything is tidy, clean, and our bellies are nice and full.I again am forever thankful for the family and friends I made here, and have nothing but AMAZING things to say about this facility! I would be happy to recommend this place to any and all fellow Fire & EMS in need! Thank you to any staff seeing this review and keep up the good work because you all know what you are doing and are doing GREAT!

1734638603

My only complaint would be that all decisions seem to go through one person. This also appears to be for medical reasons.

1734637691

Mrs V. Is the #1 most kindhearted, genuine and caring person that you’ll encounter there .

1734632233

The COE is the place to go for any firefighter who is struggling with any mental health or substance abuse.It took 3yrs before I decided that I could not battle my ptsd and addiction to alcohol anymore,I was going to lose!I would not have lasted more tha1 day at a conventional rehab facility. This place makes you feel comfortable from the moment you get there. I was there for 38 days and I don't regret 1 minute. If you are struggling and need help don't hesitate to call and get help. The Center of Excellence saved my life!!Best,Wally Lowe

1734627212

The COE is an amazing place that provides great support and comfort for self-healing with guidance. I would recommend this place to anyone in my family and friends who needs help. You make amazing connections with all sorts of individuals and counselors. If you're thinking about going, you’re taking the right steps in the proper direction. Take care, and God Bless.

1734027036

Great facility. Staff makes you feel welcome from the start. Every staff member genuinely cares about you. No complaints from me.

1734026751

The COE changed my life. I now know how to process my trauma and be a better person all around. The staff is great and all of them care for you.

1733448121

COE , HELPED ME NAVIGATE THRU A DIFFICULT TIME IN MY LIFE !!! I HAVE BENEFITED FROM THE EXPERIENCE !!!

1733437769

Wonderful place and staff. Left feeling like a new person.

1733435628

I wasted half of my life excessively using alcohol. During that time, I was so anxious I didn’t know what normal felt like. After putting my trust into the clinicians, my peers, and graduating, I feel like a completely new person. The staff is amazing. The facility is clean. The food is good. If you are an iaff member and need mental health or substance abuse help, COME HERE!

1733430883

Magical place, I came out of here a much better and different person. Would highly recommend to anyone with any type of addiction

1733427207

Would recommend to any first responder struggling with PTSD. Staff and counselors are amazing.

1733425358

If you’re broken and beaten by life, your job, expectations, failure, family, or even just the road in general, the center of excellence has a solution. You will have to work but they will give you every tool to succeed in that work.Every single person on that campus from the second they see you, wants you to succeed and be healthy. They want you thrive and overcome whatever adversaries you have. You can take off your worries, give it to them, and let them lead you to victory.The Lord dwells in this place whether believe it or not. The healing that happens here couldn’t happen anywhere else.

1733425314

Amazing experience!!! A place for IAFF Firefighters to come and learn about their trauma and addictions but more importantly how to regain confidence while among peers with similar concerns.

1733424909

Doing well retired and Becouse of all of you there learned how to injoy llike and all it has to offer miss all the friend that I made there hope all are doing well!!!

1733424872

Thank God the IAFF implemented this program!! I had no where to go and this saved me!

1733424766

Are you suffering from substance abuse, mental health issues or PTSD?Are you a Firefighter or Emergency Responder?Have you or a loved one realized you need help?This 35 year Firefighter did and came to the COEThe Clinicians, Therapists, Support and Administrative staff are second to none!The facility and grounds are comfortable and well thought out. Conducive for interaction and open dialogue.If you put in the work and use the tools they provide. You will be on the road to recovery!

1732750189

It was extremely helpful and the staff was awesome, they listened and provided feedback and coached me through my situations and provided nothing but helpful and encouraging advice.

1732658244

The IAFF Center of Excellence saved my life! If you're a firefighter and need mental health and/or substance abuse help, you should make the call. A great team is waiting to help you and you'll be with brothers and sisters with many of the same struggles.I'm still using what I learned at the COE, even a year later. I found meaning and purpose in life.

1732657850

This is a shout out to all the awesome BHT’s and other wonderful staff.6/4 they 7/13.Respectfully

1732653876

“This treatment center has been nothing short of life-changing for me. I came here feeling broken after other treatment programs, but from the moment I arrived, I felt a deep sense of hope and genuine care. Dr. Abby, Dr. Latte (sky's the limit), Dr. Korman—thank you for your patience, expertise, and for never giving up on me, even during my toughest moments. Each of you has been a lifeline in my journey, and I am forever grateful.Remi, the clinical director, is not only a mentor but also a true friend who stood by me when I struggled to find my way. Thank you for your unwavering support. My clinician, Ashley, held me accountable in ways that I needed most, and her guidance was essential in helping me see what I was truly capable of. I didn’t get to say it enough: thank you, Ashley, for helping me believe in myself again.To Ms. Vonnie—your warmth, wisdom, and kindness made every day feel like I had a family here. You treated each of us like your own, and that made all the difference. I’m so grateful to the entire team, from the compassionate nurses to the dedicated techs, the cooks who nourished us, and the staff who kept everything running smoothly. You all play such vital roles, and your care never went unnoticed.If you come into this program ready to do the work, your life can truly change forever. I’m walking away with a renewed belief in myself, and for that, I’ll be forever thankful. I feel incredibly fortunate to have crossed paths with every staff member and fellow firefighters I met during my stay. This place gave me the tools I needed to rebuild, and I can’t thank everyone here enough.”To each and everyone of you who have made suggestions to better my life and become a better father. Thank you

1732653699

The COE is one of those places that is hard to describe with plain words. After spending 40 days in treatment, I can truly say it changed my life for the better. I walked in to the COE as a shell of a man, I walked out on my own two feet and have remained strong and prepared in a turbulent return home. The group therapies are incredible. The clinicians seem to almost universally share a passion to group therapy. All of the staff do a great job making sure our stay and healing happens as unobstructed as possible. As stated, the clinicians all deserve a ton of thanks. For me, two in particular went above and beyond. Denise and Remi. These two seem to make magic happen and helped me through the most trying times of my adult life. I am so thankful I got to meet them, they were so instrumental in restoring my happiness. I will never forget them, and I am forever in debt. I would not hesitate to return to the COE. Thank you to the IAFF COE, you all are truly helping. You really are changing and saving lives.AaronIAFF L2444

1732652950

The COE was one of the best and most important things that have happened in my life. Starting with Marc, and going all the way to the custodians, these people really care about what they are doing, and are amazing people. The day I arrived there, I was terrified and had no idea what to expect. The day i left i was a different person for the better. I cant recommend this place enough.

1732651633

The C.O.E. is amazing. The clinicians, the therapist, and the BHT's truely care about your well being, and it shows. I've often felt the "Brother and Sisterhood" was gone from the fire service, I know after my stay, the Brotherhood and Sisterhood is still alive and well. The bond you make here with fellow FF'S will be for life.

1732651227

Came lost , broken, left ready to tackle my battles home knowing I have a better support team and head on my shoulders

1732651130

The COE literally saved my life and gave me a 2nd chance!!!! Best place to get help, hands down!!!!

1732160059

The IAFF COE has changed my life. It is an amazing organization and facility. The people are amazing. There are no words to explain how amazing the staff is. They are the hero’s for the hero’s.

1732132133

The COE saved my life. Before I got here I was on edge, contemplating life as it was crumbling apart beneath me. I got here everyone was warm and welcoming, made some life long friends, learned a lot about myself, and why I do the things that I do that lead me to this point. Leaving here my mental health issues and substance abuse problems have subsided. I now have mental tools to handle everyday situations that I used to struggle with, support from several different outlets and the ability to recognize me falling back into the same patterns. Advanced recovery needs the IAFF, the IAFF does not need advanced recovery. The reason this place works so well is because it’s for firefighters with firefighters, the director and the staff understand that. Thanks again! I can’t wait to start the rest of my life.

1732130132

Good place to get help! Talk with your brothers and make sure you sit around the fire pit and talk

1732128451

I was “voluntold” to come here March 2022, and I’m very glad that I was. I am a much happier person than I was when I got here. I am ready & willing to face my challenges head on without the help of alcohol. If you think you need to come here, you do. They are all great, and want nothing but the best for you.

1732127242

Man I can not be more thankful for the help and guidance I have received from the COE . I truly believe they have saved me from the dark place I was in, and have taught me how to cope and use the tools I have learned through my recovery to stay in the good place I am in today . Do not get me wrong I am still in recovery everyday to help me stay in my great state of mind I wanna stay in . You will never be the better person that you are looking for without putting in The work and learn everyday .PTSD and Tramua are real and we all need and deserve to be taken care of to help us through this long journey . I will never change my career or all the good and the bad we have seen and experienced , but wish we were made available these tools early on in our career .Thank you to all from theCOECaptain William Reed 27 years on the Rescue 💪🙏❤️

1732126569

The IAFF Center Of Excellence was a tremendous and successful experience in my recovery. I highly recommend for all first responders that are dealing with substance abuse or mental health issues to attend. It has changed my life.

1732126041

I came to the COE broken and left better than I’d ever imagined. The programming is excellent. The staff and Admin is on point. I made lifelong friendships and gained skills to manage my trauma.

1732124924

I went to the Center of excellence in 2022 and 2023. The difference between my two visits was in 2023. I listen to everything they said I paid attention. I learned about PTSD and when I left the facility, I followed all of her instructions continuing my therapy twice a week, going to my NA meetings, going to a slower firehouse and building a network of men around me to keep me on the right path which in fact turned out to be the guys I Worked with the longest and guys you would never expect stepped up and held me accountable. I can say now I'm living a life that I didn't even know existed or even something to dream about because you have no idea the kind of freedom you can get in the hell that we've all been trapped in so if you're lucky enough to make it to the center of excellence I'll tell you this and then shut up. It's basically a tourniquet on a hemorrhaging wound to stop the bleeding stabilize you give you all the tools necessary for when you leave because when you leave that's when the real work starts and you have to go see the brain, surgeon or neurosurgeon to repair the damage arteries so you can enjoy the rest of your life DCFD

1732124922

There are not enough great things to say about this place and my experience. It gave me the tools to literally change my life and take my life back. Staff is phenomenal from top to bottom.

1732124856

Best decision I’ve ever made. There’s nit a day that goes by that I don’t reflect on it.

1732039388

The COE, my home for 47 day's. This place genuinely help me turn my life around. When you think PTSD, depression etc is seem's daunting. This place helped me find my light again. I came home with a new sence of purpose and drive. I genuinely can not thank all of the staff enough for pushing me to be the best version of myself. I found so much here and I can never repay the debit that I owe them. From EMDR with Raina who is an absolute wonder at her craft to Trama with Kie. This place saves lives and "it's works if you work it and your worth it mother fudgers!"Thank you COE for helping find the real me behind the mask I wore. If you think you need help Please call them its one of the best decision's i've ever made!A brother from NY!

1731442567

The first few days were tough. As I was able to let go and focus on what was suggested, my attitude changed.

1731438438

I'm alive and probably will be longer than I expected because of the coe

1731438406

The COE changed my life. I arrived and felt the love from the start. Staff was awesome, clinical time was second to none. Trauma processing opened my eyes wide. Faith and spirituality restored a new found hope. If your struggling give them a call, it will change your life.

1731438384

It was a great experiance. I should have gone sooner. Everyone at the center is amazing. They helped me feel the best i have in a long time. If i have trouble down the road i wont hesitate to go back!

1731438247

Best thing that I ever did! Take the most difficult path when you are there cuz that catch you!

1731169309

As a professional Firefighter Paramedic for 25 years I found myself having a lot of issues with my personal life. Little did I know about why I was doing crazy things and having crazy behavior actions it would come down to cry out for help.I reached out to my local peer support group and immediately I got action. A phone call later and 1 day later I came to the IAFF Recovery Center of Excellence.The first time in my life I found out that I have PTSD along with depression and anxiety.What a mixed bag of crazy thoughts and actions over the years could lead me to get help.Here at the C.O.E. I had so much support due to me being surrounded by my kind of people brother's and sisters from all over the country.They too had issues like me. But my addiction was not alcohol and drugs, it was gambling.Imagine that!Here I was able to learn about the thoughts and behaviors that lead me down to a dark place.5 weeks later after many classes and sharing the program got me back to living a healthy lifestyle with many tools to go to.I recommend this place whole heartily.

1731034853

What an amazing place for firefighters and medics suffering from mental or substance abuse issues . They save the lives of those who save others .I’m almost a year from my stay And my first day there I felt safe. Things have gotten so out of control and that place in their clinicians plus all my fellow firefighters help me get back on track. It saved my life.

1731017162

I came into the center of excellence broken and struggling to keep my head above water. The COE helped rebuild my confidence and self worth. I was given so many tools to be able to move forward with my life in a healthy manor. I am so thankful for the opportunity and finally am looking forward to the rest of my life! If you even think you may need the help .... MAKE THE CALL! You are worth it!

1731016496

The Center of Excellence is the go to place for substance abuse problems and any mental health issues. I went to the center and was taken care of with the utmost respect. The center has the best clinicians and staff. Every aspect of this place has been thought out for the firefighter in mind. No firefighter should struggle in life and should know there is a place for you. Thanks Center of Excellence.

1730473581

When firefighters need help, this place saves lives. I was so so scared to ask for help, but knowing what I know now, I would have called sooner. Words don’t express the gratitude I feel for getting my life back. Making the call is the hardest part, but they are with you every step after that. It’s ok to not be ok, call your MAYDAY! If you are suffering, please call, you are worth it. And the sunsets are remarkable! I appreciate the little things again!

1730404889

The Center of Excellence is a life changing facility for Firefighters. The staff is incredible, and the brotherhood is alive and well. I have friends and support for the rest of my life. If you are struggling with substance abuse or mental health please reach out to this place. This experience has changed my life forever.

1730401911

It’s with thankfulness that I’m proud to write a 5 star review for the COE. From the very beginning they were passionate about my care. They left no stone unturned in creating opportunities for me to heal (and my 60+ brothers and sisters with me).The director Marc and the incredible CoE team encouraged me and helped care for me in ways that I couldn’t know and didn’t know that I needed help, from the moment of my arrival to my discharge date. Words cannot describe how much this place is ALL about IAFF Firefighters and Paramedics. I thought I knew what brotherhood in the fire service was before I got there. Nope. It was next level altogether, and we had many discussions about this among ourselves. I absolutely made some of the best friends forever at my time there. To my brothers I have this to say:You’re worth it. We need you. Call the intake center right now to get your life back. 844-244-1334. I put up walls for years and isolated to my own suffering. PTSD is way more common than I thought.It’s serious work because the ——- we’ve been through is hell. I met brothers and sisters from all over USA (and Canada) and we help each other because it’s what we do. But first and most importantly it’s a safe place to do the work of healing. It was great for me and I also saw lives transformed by putting the work in. Love the brothers and sisters, love the CoE team, but I really love being back in a new and different way for my family. ❤️Update: recently started a YT podcast called Resilience & Trauma Fitness for First Responders. It’s not fluff or hype. Authentic and real because PTSD is. Hope to bring value, guests, great stories and resources.

More reviews

“After getting my life-changing treatment, I can now be home with a clear feeling in my brain, and not have to worry about if I will live through the day.”

John Bates, IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery Alumni

Facility Overview

Through a partnership between the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) and Advanced Recovery Systems, a nationwide leader in rehabilitation and behavioral health, the IAFF Center of Excellence is a flagship recovery center where IAFF members can heal from behavioral health conditions.

The first of its kind, the IAFF Center of Excellence offers treatment exclusively for fire fighters, dispatchers and first responders. We offer treatment for mental health conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complicated grief, along with rehab for drug and alcohol abuse.

Located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, the IAFF Center for Excellence is approximately 30 minutes from Washington, DC, and an hour from Dulles International Airport. Designed with fire fighters in mind, our 15-acre campus is ideal for focusing on treatment and recovery. Our dual-diagnosis rehab programs balance medical support with mental health counseling, while our recreational therapies facilitate whole-person healing.

The IAFF Center of Excellence is accredited by The Joint Commission, a member of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers, and licensed by the state of Maryland for both substance abuse treatment and mental health treatment.

Levels of Care

Clinically Managed Detox

During this level of care, clients work through withdrawal symptoms under the supervision of medical professionals.

Residential Treatment

Also known as inpatient treatment, residential treatment is the most intensive level of care after medical detox, with continued monitoring while living at the facility full-time.

Partial Hospitalization Programming

Partial hospitalization is a step down from intensive rehab like detox and inpatient care.

Intensive Outpatient Programming

During intensive outpatient treatment, clients usually live off-site at a facility but are dedicated to preparing for life after rehab.

Outpatient Programming

In outpatient programming, clients live at home or in a sober living home and commute to rehab during the week.

Aftercare Planning

Outline each client’s next steps after their treatment ends, including follow-up appointments and recommendations for nearby support groups.

Clinically Managed Detox

During this level of care, clients work through withdrawal symptoms under the supervision of medical professionals.

Residential Treatment

Also known as inpatient treatment, residential treatment is the most intensive level of care after medical detox, with continued monitoring while living at the facility full-time.

Partial Hospitalization Programming

Partial hospitalization is a step down from intensive rehab like detox and inpatient care.

Intensive Outpatient Programming

During intensive outpatient treatment, clients usually live off-site at a facility but are dedicated to preparing for life after rehab.

Outpatient Programming

In outpatient programming, clients live at home or in a sober living home and commute to rehab during the week.

Aftercare Planning

Outline each client’s next steps after their treatment ends, including follow-up appointments and recommendations for nearby support groups.

About This Facility

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Facility Amenities

Swimming pool
Exercise gym
Basketball court
Sand volleyball court
Walking trails
Pickleball
Yoga
Foosball table
Ping pong table
Video games

Other

Vapes Allowed

Off-site field trips

Available amenities and activities may differ depending on the level of care.

Accepted Insurance

The IAFF Center of Excellence is in-network with most major insurance carriers including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, and United.

If you don’t have health insurance or your coverage is limited, that shouldn’t prevent you from accessing care. The IAFF Center of Excellence offers private pay options to accommodate your needs.

We are simplifying the health insurance verification process with our online system, allowing you to verify your benefits in seconds. By streamlining the insurance verification process, we connect you to the care you need, as quickly as possible.

Our online insurance verification tool is HIPAA-compliant, so your information stays completely confidential.

IAFF Center of Excellence Reviews

Tia Yamamoto

Tim

My only complaint would be that all decisions seem to go through one person. This also appears to be for medical reasons.

Chris Bonner

Mrs V. Is the #1 most kindhearted, genuine and caring person that you’ll encounter there .

wally lowe

David Burriss

Patrick Patton

Great facility. Staff makes you feel welcome from the start. Every staff member genuinely cares about you. No complaints from me.

Our Team

Marisa Hall, RN

Director of Nursing

Remi Benson, MA, LCPC, C-EMDRT, C-DBT, C-SRT

Clinical Director

Dr. Abby Morris, MD

Medical Director

David Thomas MBA, MPA, BSN, RN, FACHE, CEN, RN-BC

Site CEO

Marisa Hall, RN

Director of Nursing

Remi Benson, MA, LCPC, C-EMDRT, C-DBT, C-SRT

Clinical Director

Dr. Abby Morris, MD

Medical Director

David Thomas MBA, MPA, BSN, RN, FACHE, CEN, RN-BC

Site CEO

FAQs

Is rehab confidential?

Yes, rehab at the IAFF Center of Excellence is always confidential, and your presence here will only be disclosed to the people you choose. Your union leaders, fellow fire fighters, friends and family members will not be informed of your treatment without your consent.

Is cell phone use allowed during treatment?

Cell phones will be securely stored upon arrival and returned at discharge. Following an initial adjustment period upon arrival, clients may use our facility’s phones three times a week.

Will the IAFF Center of Excellence pay for traveling to rehab?

No, our facility does not pay for transportation to or from the center, but representatives can help clients coordinate travel arrangements, if necessary.

Read About Traveling to Rehab

How long does rehab last at the IAFF Center of Excellence?

Treatment program lengths at the IAFF Center of Excellence vary depending on each client’s needs. We understand that many fire fighters and first responders may be concerned about time spent away from their jobs, but typically, the longer a person stays in treatment, the better equipped they are to handle life after rehab.

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IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery

Facility Overview

Levels of Care

Clinically Managed Detox

Residential Treatment

Partial Hospitalization Programming

Intensive Outpatient Programming

Outpatient Programming

Aftercare Planning

About This Facility

Facility Amenities

Other

Accepted Insurance

IAFF Center of Excellence Reviews

Our Team

FAQs

Contact Details

Medical Disclaimer

About

Locations

What We Treat

Admissions

Menu

Paying for Treatment

Insurance Providers

Getting Admitted

Admissions Resources

For Loved Ones

Addiction Treatment

Mental Health Treatment

Addictions We Treat

About

Reviews & Testimonials

Get in Touch

Assessments

Specific Guides

Mental Health Resources

Other

State Rehab Guides

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