Mental Health Support for Law Enforcement: A Move to Telehealth in Canada

The mental well-being of police officers is incredibly important. It affects not only how they feel but also how well they can protect and serve our communities. In the past, support for officers wasn’t always great, partly because of a culture of silence and the fear of being judged. Law enforcement is a tough job, with constant exposure to difficult situations, long hours, and danger. These factors can lead to higher rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and even thoughts of suicide. But things are changing. The rise of telehealth, which means getting support online or by phone, is a big step forward for mental health services in Canada, especially in provinces like Alberta.

How Mental Health Support Has Changed Over Time

Before the 1980s, mental health support for police officers was very basic. Officers mostly relied on friends, family, and colleagues. Finding professional help was hard, and those professionals often didn’t understand the unique stresses faced by law enforcement.

Between the 1980s and 1990s, Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) was introduced. This involved group sessions after traumatic events where officers could talk about their experiences. However, experts have debated how effective CISD really is. Some studies even suggest it might not always be helpful.

Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) started in the 1990s and are still around today. They offer confidential support, including short-term counseling and referrals to mental health professionals. But many officers haven’t used EAPs, often because of the stigma around seeking help, worries about privacy, and fear it could hurt their careers.

Peer support programs have also been created. These programs are special because they connect officers with other officers who have been trained to provide support. It is easy to relate more to a peer, rather that a professional they don’t know.

Why Telehealth is Taking Off: The Main Reasons

Several factors have come together to make telehealth a popular option for mental health support in law enforcement:

1. Increased Awareness of Mental Health: People around the world are realizing the huge mental health toll of police work. Studies show that officers have much higher rates of PTSD in law enforcement, depression, anxiety, and suicide than the general population. This understanding has pushed for better access to mental health care.

2. Advances in Technology: Technology has made telehealth possible. Smartphones, good internet access (although this is still a problem in some areas), video conferencing, and secure online communication tools have created the foundation for providing mental health services remotely.

3. The Impact of COVID-19: The COVID-19 pandemic sped up the use of telehealth in all areas of healthcare. Social distancing and increased stress levels made remote access to mental health services crucial. This rapid change showed that telehealth could be both practical and effective.

4. Slowly Reducing Stigma: Although stigma is still a major barrier, attitudes are changing. Programs like the RCMP’s “Road to Mental Readiness” (R2MR) are designed to fight stigma and encourage officers to seek help.

5. Convenience and Easier Access: Telehealth is incredibly convenient. It removes many of the usual barriers to getting mental health care. Officers with demanding schedules, those in rural areas, or those who are hesitant to go in person can now get support from the privacy of their homes or other chosen locations.

6. Cost: Telehealth can potentially lower the costs associated with in-person therapy. Eliminating travel time and expenses can make mental health services more affordable.

7. Changes in Laws and Policies: While Canada hasn’t made specific laws about telehealth for police, broader telehealth policies have helped its adoption. Rules and guidelines for telehealth are being developed, providing a clearer structure.

Workplace Culture: A Challenge and an Opportunity

The culture within law enforcement is a major factor in whether officers feel comfortable seeking mental health support, whether it’s in person or online. Some parts of this culture can create big challenges:

• The “Toughness” Culture: A strong tradition of stoicism and “toughness” can make officers reluctant to show vulnerability or seek help. There’s often a fear that asking for help will be seen as weakness, which could affect their career or how colleagues see them.

• Privacy Concerns: Officers may have real concerns about the privacy of their mental health information. They may worry about how it could be used, whether it could affect their job, or if it could be revealed in legal situations.

• Perceptions of Weakness: Admitting to mental health struggles can seem to clash with the need for strength and control that’s often associated with police work. This can create a major internal barrier to seeking help.

• The Role of Leadership: The attitudes and actions of police leaders are incredibly important in shaping the culture around mental health. If leaders openly support mental health initiatives, show their own vulnerability, and prioritize officer well-being, it can create a more supportive environment.

Different Ways Telehealth is Used in Law Enforcement

Telehealth includes a variety of methods, offering flexibility in how mental health services are provided:

1. Virtual Individual Therapy: This involves one-on-one therapy sessions over secure video conferencing. Therapists can use proven methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for police officers, which helps people change negative thought patterns and behaviors, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), often used for trauma.

2. Virtual Group Therapy: Group therapy can also be done online. This provides a supportive space where officers can share experiences, learn coping skills, and connect with others who understand their challenges.

3. Online Peer Support Groups: These platforms let officers connect with peers who have similar experiences. Online forums, often moderated by trained peer supporters, can provide a safe and confidential space for officers to discuss concerns and share coping strategies.

4. Mobile App-Based Support: Many mobile apps offer information about mental health, mindfulness exercises, stress management tools, and access to resources. These apps can be a convenient way for officers to get support on their own time.

5. Telehealth-Delivered Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM): CISM, usually done in person, can be adapted for remote delivery. This allows immediate support after traumatic events, even if officers are in different locations.

Practicality, Accessibility, and Acceptance: A Closer Look

While telehealth has great potential, its success depends on several key factors:

• Practicality: Telehealth is generally practical for most officers, as long as they have the necessary technology (computer, smartphone, or tablet) and a reliable internet connection. A private and secure space for sessions is also crucial.

• Accessibility: Telehealth can greatly improve access to mental health services, especially for officers in rural areas where in-person services may be limited. However, differences in internet access and tech skills can still create barriers.

• Acceptability: Acceptance of telehealth among law enforcement is growing, but challenges remain. Stigma and privacy concerns are still major factors. Building trust and addressing these concerns are crucial for increasing use.

Ethical Considerations in Telehealth

Using telehealth for mental health care raises specific ethical concerns:

• Confidentiality: Keeping sensitive information private when transmitted electronically is extremely important. Secure platforms and encryption is required in order to faciliate remote or virtual sessions. Confidentiality in mental health treatments in first responders is a priority for all professional therapy providers. They are bound by their ethics code to keep sessions private.

• Data Security: Strong data security measures are needed to protect information from breaches and cyberattacks. Regular security checks and updates are essential.

• Avoiding Conflicts of Interest: Therapists providing telehealth to police officers must be free from any conflicts of interest that could affect their judgment or the quality of care.

• Emergency Response Plans: Clear plans must be in place for handling emergencies during remote sessions. This includes procedures for contacting local emergency services and ensuring officer safety.

• Jurisdictional Issues: When providing telehealth across different areas (provinces or territories), licensing and legal requirements must be addressed. Therapists must be properly licensed where the officer is located.

What the Research Says About Telehealth Effectiveness

Research on telehealth’s effectiveness specifically for law enforcement is still developing, but early results are positive. Evidence suggests that telehealth can be as effective as in-person therapy for conditions like PTSD, and the treatment of depression in law enforcement and anxiety. For example, some research shows that online CBT may be particularly effective for treating PTSD in this group.

Studies comparing telehealth to in-person therapy have found no significant difference in results for various mental health conditions. This suggests that telehealth can provide similar benefits, with added convenience and accessibility. Even methods like EMDR, which traditionally relied on in-person interaction, are being adapted for telehealth, with encouraging initial results.

The Canadian Situation: Unique Challenges and Factors, Especially in Alberta

Canada, and specifically Alberta, presents a unique context for telehealth in law enforcement:

• RCMP Programs: The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Canada’s national police force, has a national Employee Assistance Program (EAP) that includes mental health services. These services can often be accessed remotely. The RCMP also has a mandatory Periodic Health Assessment every three years, including a mental health check, showing the organization’s focus on officer well-being. This is further supported by the RCMP’s Mental Health and Wellness Strategy.

• Alberta Municipal Police Forces: Municipal police forces in Alberta, like the Edmonton Police Service and the Calgary Police Service, usually have their own EAPs and may offer telehealth. However, the specific services and availability can vary.

• Rural and Remote Communities: Alberta’s large size and significant rural and remote populations create a challenge. Access to reliable high-speed internet and technology can be limited, creating a barrier to telehealth for some officers. Closing this digital gap is crucial for equal access to mental health services.

Telehealth represents a major shift. By addressing barriers, embracing technology, and continuing to learn through research, the law enforcement community and policymakers can create a support system that truly protects the well-being of officers and the safety of the public. If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out to Responders First Support for help. We can help you get the support that you need.

Don Davis

15+ years of emergency response experience. Passionate about connecting our first responder communities with critical resources. Author of hundreds of articles and guides on First Responders mental health care. When not responding to emergencies, you can find me playing with my dogs, hiking, or enjoying a good book.