Bizaan Behavioral Health (2025)

24/07/2025

Good evening everyone and Happy ! The 4th World LGBTQI+ Conference for Criminal Justice Professionals is right around the corner! We would like to thank Bizaan Behavioral Health for being a ! We appreciate your support!

12/07/2025

Why I Started a Practice That Cares for Cops

I didn’t open Bizaan Behavioral Health just to be a therapist. I opened it because I saw too many cops suffering in silence.

As both a clinician and a police officer, I’ve stood in briefing rooms and therapy offices, listening to the same pain echo across very different spaces. Officers who look fine on the surface but are barely holding it together. First responders who are trained to run toward the chaos but have no place to process their own.

I realized a lot of us don’t seek help—not because we don’t want it, but because we don’t trust the system offering it. We’re tired of explaining our job, our humor, our survival mechanisms. We’re cautious around clinicians who don’t understand our world or who flinch at the mention of death, trauma, or tactical decision-making. And some of us have tried therapy before, only to walk out feeling judged, misunderstood, or like we wasted an hour we couldn’t afford to give.

That’s why Bizaan Behavioral Health exists.

To create a space where first responders, veterans, and civilians alike can talk without filter and heal without stigma. Where complex trauma, chronic suicidality, dissociation, and substance use are met with skill, not shock. Where someone understands what it means to go from a shooting scene to family dinner without missing a beat, and why that catch-up never really happens.

At Bizaan, we speak the language of service. We understand the roles that require you to compartmentalize, to suppress, to be “on” even when your insides are unraveling. We know what it means to be trusted with people’s worst moments and then left to sort through the emotional fallout alone.

We don’t just offer therapy. We offer cultural competence, clinical excellence, and lived experience. That includes trauma-informed approaches like EMDR, IFS, CPT, and others adapted for people whose stories don’t fit neatly into diagnostic boxes. We also work directly with departments to support wellness programs, peer support initiatives, and collaborative approaches that value prevention, not just reaction.

Our name, Bizaan, means “peace” or “stillness” in Ojibwe. That’s the goal. Not just surviving your shift or your story, but actually finding a moment of stillness within it. Peace doesn’t always mean quiet. Sometimes it just means not feeling like you’re at war with yourself anymore.

To the officers, medics, dispatchers, firefighters, and frontline professionals reading this: If you’ve been carrying more than you let on, you don’t have to carry it alone. And you don’t have to explain everything from scratch. We get it.

Being a public servant (whatever the roll is) doesn’t mean you stop being human. It means you carry more—and deserve support that understands that weight

You serve others. Let someone serve you, too.

08/03/2025

Honoring the Women Who Serve: Strength, Courage, and Dedication in First Response

Today, we celebrate the incredible women who dedicate their lives to serving and protecting our communities. Whether wearing a badge, firefighting gear, an EMS uniform, or working in dispatch, corrections, and beyond, women in first response continue to break barriers, save lives, and lead with strength and resilience.

The reality of working in emergency services is not for the faint of heart. Long shifts, high-stress calls, and the emotional weight of the job require an unshakable commitment to the mission. Women in first response don’t just show up—they excel. They lead with courage in the face of danger, compassion in times of crisis, and determination when the job demands more than most could ever imagine.

Despite the challenges, women continue to prove they belong in this field—not because they have to because they always should have a place! Every day, they face the same dangers, shoulder the same burdens, and carry the same responsibility as their male counterparts, all while navigating unique challenges that come with being a woman in a historically male-dominated profession. Yet, they persist. They rise through the ranks, become mentors, change policies, and advocate for those who come after them.

The sacrifices these women make often extend beyond the job itself. Many balance the demands of their careers with motherhood, caregiving, education, and other responsibilities, all while staying committed to a profession that demands so much of them. They don’t ask for recognition; they don’t seek special treatment. They simply do the job because they believe in it. They believe in protecting, in serving, in making a difference. And they do!

Leadership in first response is not about gender—it’s about dedication, skill, and the ability to make tough decisions under pressure. Women in these roles embody these qualities every single day. They command scenes, save lives, and bring perspectives that enhance the way we serve our communities. They support one another and push each other to be better, knowing that their presence paves the way for future generations.

To the women who answer the call, who wear the uniform with pride, who refuse to back down in the face of adversity—you are seen, valued, and appreciated. Your impact extends far beyond the calls you run or the cases you solve. You are changing the face of first response for the better, and your contributions do not go unnoticed.

On this International Women’s Day, let’s not only celebrate but also uplift and support the women who serve. Let’s ensure they have the opportunities, mentorship, and respect they deserve. Because when women in first response thrive, we all do.

08/01/2025

Data-Driven Policing: Behavioral Threat Assessment and Mental Health

Law enforcement stands at the intersection of public safety and community care, uniquely positioned to prevent violence before it occurs. However, achieving this requires moving beyond traditional reactive responses. Data-driven policing and evidence-based behavioral threat assessment are transformative approaches that integrate mental health insights with proven methods to identify and mitigate threats. These strategies not only improve public safety outcomes but also reduce the stigma surrounding mental health while equipping officers to make informed, compassionate decisions.

Extensive research underscores the critical role of proactive intervention. The National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) has consistently found that most mass attackers display observable warning behaviors prior to their actions. These behaviors—such as grievances, fixation, or leakage of intent—offer opportunities for intervention when identified early. By analyzing these patterns and employing tools like behavioral threat assessment teams, law enforcement can effectively disrupt the pathway to violence. Multidisciplinary teams that include mental health professionals allow agencies to evaluate risk factors comprehensively and implement tailored interventions that address the root causes of violent behavior.

The data also highlight the connection between mental health crises and public safety risks. According to the Treatment Advocacy Center, individuals with untreated mental illness are 16 times more likely to be killed during a police encounter. This statistic is not merely alarming—it is a call to action for law enforcement to adopt evidence-based approaches like the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) model and co-responder programs. Research has shown that these initiatives not only improve outcomes for individuals in crisis but also significantly reduce officer injuries and use-of-force incidents, creating safer situations for everyone involved.

Effective behavioral threat assessment requires a holistic understanding of individuals and their circumstances. It’s not simply about identifying “bad actors” but rather recognizing the broader societal and psychological contexts that contribute to violence. Factors such as adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), social isolation, substance abuse, and untreated mental health conditions often act as catalysts. Addressing these issues at their source requires patience, expertise, and collaboration at all levels of law enforcement.

This effort also calls for street cops’ commitment. Street-level officers play an essential role in gathering intelligence, building rapport, and understanding the nuanced lives of both victims and offenders. Every interaction offers a potential insight that can inform threat assessments and support meaningful interventions. Officers must be equipped with the training, resources, and time necessary to collect this data and use it effectively. It requires a great deal of patience, empathy, and buy in from shift leadership to allow this to happen.

Collaboration is another cornerstone of success. Law enforcement cannot act alone in addressing these complex issues. Partnerships with mental health providers, social services, schools, and community organizations are essential. Programs like Handle with Care, which notifies schools when a child has been exposed to trauma, exemplify the power of interagency collaboration. Such initiatives demonstrate that prevention requires a village, not just a badge.

This work is undeniably challenging. It demands a balance of compassion and vigilance—a fine line that officers walk daily in a profession where decisions often carry life-altering consequences. However, the rewards are profound: fewer crises, reduced victimization, stronger community trust, and a safer society for all.

So, how are we as a profession advancing these efforts? Are we adequately equipped with the tools, training, and partnerships needed to address today’s challenges? Are we using behavioral threat assessment not only to prevent harm but to build stronger, healthier communities?

I invite you to share your experiences, challenges, and successes in this space. Together, we can learn, adapt, and strengthen the role of law enforcement in preventing violence and supporting mental health.

02/01/2025

The Psychological and Physical Toll of High-Threat Situations on First Responders and Their Families

When first responders answer the call to high-threat situations—active shooters, violent attackers, or other critical incidents—they step into chaos to protect others. These moments demand exceptional courage, skill, and decision-making under pressure. But what happens to these heroes during and after the call? And how do their families and loved ones feel the ripple effects of these traumatic events?

The physiological and psychological responses to high-threat scenarios are rooted in survival mechanisms. When faced with danger, the brain’s amygdala triggers the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones heighten awareness, increase heart rate, and suppress pain. This “fight-or-flight” response helps responders act quickly, but it comes at a cost.

During such events, tunnel vision narrows focus, sometimes to the exclusion of critical peripheral details. Auditory exclusion—where peripheral sounds fade away—can distort awareness. Fine motor skills deteriorate under stress, which can hinder complex actions like handling equipment or fi****ms. Responders often operate with heart rates well over 170 beats per minute, a range that impairs cognitive function, reduces situational awareness, and complicates effective communication.

These physiological changes don’t stop when the event ends. After the adrenaline fades, responders often experience physical exhaustion, headaches, nausea, or tremors. Sleep disturbances are common, fueled by replaying the event in their minds or the lingering hypervigilance of being on high alert. Psychologically, acute stress responses can manifest as irritability, intrusive memories, emotional detachment, or feelings of helplessness. Without appropriate intervention, these symptoms can compound, leading to PTSD, depression, or burnout over time.

Family members and loved ones often shoulder an unseen burden. When a responder leaves for a shift, especially during high-profile events, families are left to grapple with fear and uncertainty. Will their loved one come home safely? After an incident, they may witness mood swings, withdrawal, or difficulty engaging emotionally—sometimes without understanding why. Children may sense the stress in their parent but lack the ability to articulate their concerns, leading to their own anxiety or behavioral issues.

Research emphasizes the critical need for recovery for both responders and their families. For responders, controlled breathing and grounding techniques immediately after an incident can begin the process of calming the body. Structured physical recovery—hydration, balanced meals, and moderate exercise—supports the body’s ability to process and expel stress hormones. Peer support teams and debriefing sessions allow responders to share their experiences in a safe and understanding environment, breaking down the stigma of asking for help.

For families, education is key. When they understand the physiological and emotional toll of high-stress incidents, they are better equipped to provide support. Departments and organizations should offer family-oriented resources, such as workshops, counseling, or family days, to build stronger networks of resilience. Loved ones who feel included and informed are more likely to stand as strong pillars for responders.

Equally important is the systemic response. Departments must foster a culture that prioritizes mental health, providing access to trained therapists who understand first responder trauma. Leaders should set the tone, modeling vulnerability and emphasizing the importance of recovery. Families should be invited into the conversation—not as an afterthought, but as an integral part of the responder’s support system.

First responders willingly place themselves in harm’s way for the greater good, but they don’t do it alone. Behind every responder is a family or loved one, anxiously waiting for their safe return. Understanding the toll these events take on both responders and their families is the first step toward meaningful support. Recovery is not a solo journey—it’s a collective effort to ensure the health and resilience of the entire responder community.

Let’s commit to taking care of those who take care of us—and their families, too.

16/12/2024

🧠 Understanding PTSD in Law Enforcement: A Psychological Injury, Not a Weakness!

The graphic I’m sharing highlights a critical truth: PTSD is not a mental illness; it’s a psychological injury. For law enforcement officers and other first responders, this distinction matters. Trauma is a reality of the job. Day in, day out, officers respond to violent incidents, witness life-threatening situations, and carry the responsibility of maintaining safety. Over time, the brain adapts—but not always in ways that serve us.

What happens to the brain when it’s exposed to cumulative or acute trauma? Research shows three significant changes:
- The hippocampus shrinks, which affects how we distinguish past memories from the present. This explains why flashbacks or intrusive thoughts feel real—the brain struggles to tell the difference.
- The amygdala—the region tied to emotional processing and fear—becomes hyperactive. For officers, this can mean heightened responses to perceived threats, difficulty relaxing off duty, and increased irritability.
- The ventromedial prefrontal cortex shrinks. This part of the brain helps regulate emotions, especially negative ones. When compromised, anger, frustration, and even guilt can feel impossible to manage.

For many officers, these changes aren’t noticeable right away. You power through the next call, the next shift, the next crisis, believing that’s what the job demands. But over time, these brain changes begin to manifest: hypervigilance, trouble sleeping, strained relationships, or emotional detachment. This isn’t weakness; it’s biology.

The good news? PTSD can be treated. Interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are proven to reverse some of these neurological effects. In fact, research suggests that CBT and EMDR help restore hippocampal volume, reduce amygdala hyperactivity, and improve prefrontal cortex function. This means you can regain control, experience fewer flashbacks, and reconnect emotionally.

Departments across the country are beginning to prioritize officer wellness, but we need to go further. Mental health support must be integrated into the culture of law enforcement—not as an afterthought, but as a proactive strategy. PTSD, when unaddressed, impacts not only the officer but their families, colleagues, and the communities they serve. Early intervention can change lives.

If you’re an officer struggling with symptoms of PTSD, know this: You’re not alone. There’s help, and there’s hope. If you’re a department leader, ask yourself: Are we doing enough to provide officers with the tools they need to heal?

PTSD doesn’t mean the end of your career or life as you know it. Understanding it as a psychological injury—not a personal failing—can be the first step toward recovery. The brain can heal. You can heal.

16/12/2024

🎄🎅🏼🎁Prioritizing Mental Health for First Responders During the Holidays 🧠🚓🚒🚑

The holidays can be a difficult season for first responders. Long shifts, missed family time, financial stress, and responding to crises during “the happiest time of the year” take a toll on mental health.

Research shows first responders face elevated rates of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and burnout—challenges that worsen during the holidays. Increased call volumes, emotional exposure to tragic incidents, and feelings of isolation only add to the stress. Yet, many push through without addressing their mental health, leading to long-term harm.

Why does this happen?
1) Increased call volume: Holiday celebrations lead to more DUIs, domestic disturbances, and tragic accidents.
2) Missed family time: Shift schedules mean missing milestones like holiday dinners or seeing children open gifts.
3) Heightened emotional exposure: Responding to critical incidents, such as holiday su***des, fatal car crashes, or house fires, leaves lasting impacts.

Taking Control of Your Mental Wellness
1) Set Boundaries: Communicate your schedule with loved ones and be realistic about what you can commit to.
2) Build Connection: Find support among peers who understand. Simple gestures like shared meals or peer support chats help reduce isolation.
3) Prioritize Self-Care: Sleep, nutrition, and exercise are vital. Even 10 minutes of deep breathing or movement between calls can make a difference.
4) Seek Professional Help: Access resources like EAP programs, therapists, or peer support teams.

Leadership Responsibility:
Supervisors and agency leaders must take an active role in addressing mental health during the holidays. Openly discussing mental health, creating a culture of support, and offering resources like peer support, counseling, or additional time off when possible can significantly improve morale and well-being.

Remember: Resilient teams begin with mentally healthy individuals.

Breaking the Stigma:
Mental health isn’t a weakness—it’s strength. This season, check on your partners and yourself. Resilient teams start with mentally healthy individuals.

23/11/2024

Countertransference in Law Enforcement: A Silent Challenge We Need to Talk About

As law enforcement officers, we often step into some of the most emotionally charged and high-stakes moments of people’s lives. While we are trained to focus on facts, evidence, and procedures, the human side of policing often introduces unseen challenges. One of the most complex of these is countertransference. This is a topic I’ve never really seen discussed relating to policing!

Countertransference occurs when our personal emotions or past experiences subconsciously influence how we respond to others. This could mean sympathizing with a suspect whose story reminds us of our own struggles or feeling frustration toward a victim whose behavior triggers unresolved emotions. These reactions aren’t intentional, but they can affect how we handle investigations, interact with those involved, and deliver justice.

Victims, like suspects, can also unintentionally trigger emotional responses in us. We may feel protective of a victim whose situation reminds us of someone we care about, or we might experience anger or frustration if we perceive the victim as complicit in their own victimization. These emotional triggers can distort our judgment, leading to an emotional reaction rather than a rational, objective one.

Criminals, especially seasoned offenders, know how to exploit countertransference. Manipulation is a tool many offenders use, and they are adept at sensing emotional vulnerabilities in officers. They can pick up on feelings of guilt, empathy, or anger and use them to shift the narrative or divert suspicion. A suspect may share a sob story to elicit sympathy, subtly steering the focus away from their actions. Others might mimic vulnerabilities they sense in you, creating a false connection to lower your guard. These are tactics rooted in dark psychology, where understanding human behavior becomes a tool for manipulation.

Imagine responding to a suspect who reminds you of someone you’ve cared for deeply. Before you realize it, you may be giving them the benefit of the doubt they haven’t earned. Similarly, facing a victim whose story resonates with your own experiences may cause you to feel overprotective, or frustrated if their actions don’t align with your understanding of victim behavior. These aren’t failures—they’re human responses—but when left unchecked, they can cloud our objectivity and open us up to manipulation, both from suspects and the emotional complexity of victims.

First responders work in environments filled with trauma, conflict, and stress. Over time, this constant exposure can stir subconscious connections to our own histories, making us more susceptible to countertransference. Research in Frontiers in Psychology shows that individuals in high-stress roles—especially those with unresolved personal trauma—are particularly vulnerable. Recognizing this isn’t a weakness; it’s the first step toward maintaining professionalism and integrity.

Managing countertransference starts with building self-awareness. Pay attention to your emotions during and after calls. Ask yourself whether your reactions are rooted in the facts of the case or in something deeper. Understanding trauma—both in others and in yourself—can help you stay grounded. Reflect on your responses after each interaction and ask what role, if any, personal feelings played in your decisions.

Debriefing with colleagues you trust is also critical. Sometimes, others can spot what we miss in ourselves and offer clarity. When emotions become overwhelming, seeking professional support—like therapy—can help you process them in a healthy way. Taking these steps doesn’t just protect your mental health; it protects your ability to serve your community effectively.

Policing requires a careful balance of empathy and objectivity. Empathy helps us connect with the people we serve, including victims, while objectivity ensures fairness and justice. Countertransference threatens both when left unchecked, but addressing it strengthens them. Criminals may try to exploit your humanity, but by understanding your own emotional triggers and staying vigilant, you can remain both compassionate and professional without becoming a target for manipulation.

This is an issue we don’t talk about enough, yet it’s one so many of us face. Countertransference doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you’re human. By recognizing it, addressing it, and learning how to manage it, we grow stronger, both as individuals and as a profession.

Have you ever faced emotional challenges on the job, whether with victims or suspects? How do you maintain objectivity in high-stress situations? Let’s open up the conversation and share strategies to better support one another.

09/11/2024

When have you last felt despair? What a heavy feeling…Brené Brown describes despair as a “claustrophobic feeling” that whispers, “Nothing will ever change.” For first responders, this feeling can be amplified by the high-stress, high-stakes nature of our work. Long shifts, exposure to trauma, and constant vigilance wear down even the strongest among us. But research offers a roadmap to resilience, with hope as a crucial guide.

Psychologist C.R. Snyder’s research breaks hope down into three components: setting clear goals, identifying pathways, and cultivating a sense of agency—the belief that “I can do this.” Snyder emphasizes that hope is an active, cognitive process we can build, especially when the odds feel stacked against us. This is crucial for first responders, where resilience isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

Brown’s own work highlights the importance of leaders who foster hope and avoid “power-over” tactics that stifle morale. In a culture valuing strength, leadership that emphasizes vulnerability and connection is transformative. Leaders who model resilience and openness about mental health help build a culture where hope can flourish.

Studies show that “micro-moments” of connection build resilience. Positive psychologist Barbara Fredrickson found that small acts of kindness and connection not only improve mood but create an “upward spiral” of resilience. Small acts—checking in on a colleague, showing appreciation, sharing a laugh—build collective strength.

Viktor Frankl’s work on finding purpose under harsh circumstances is also relevant. Frankl argues that meaning in suffering can provide a lifeline to hope. For first responders, meaning comes from service, supporting each other, and making a difference. Even when larger goals seem distant, purpose in each moment can create a foundation for hope.

Despair may sometimes feel inevitable. But we can counteract it by focusing on the “small next right things”—everyday acts of courage, kindness, and commitment. For leaders, this means creating an environment where every team member feels valued. For all of us, it means showing up, staying grounded in purpose, and remembering that hope isn’t just a feeling; it’s something we build, one action at a time. This can often take an intentional effort to ensure this is done that goes against current culture. Ensuring this happens is not just for retention purposes…it can be lifesaving for first responders!

Let’s stay committed to courage, kindness, and connection. Sometimes, that’s all we need to keep going.

What are your thoughts?

07/06/2024

🏳️‍🌈🌈 Happy Pride Month!🌈🏳️‍🌈

At Bizaan Behavioral Health, we believe in creating a world where everyone feels safe, accepted, and understood. During Pride Month, we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community & reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity and acceptance for all.

Research shows that LGBTQ+ individuals face higher rates of mental health challenges due to stigma & discrimination. According to the American Psychological Association, LGBTQ+ people are more than twice as likely to experience depression & anxiety compared to their heterosexual peers. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also reports that LGBTQ+ individuals are at a higher risk for suicidal thoughts & behaviors, substance use, & other mental health conditions.

A study published in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that LGBTQ+ youth who experienced high levels of family rejection were 8.4 times more likely to have attempted su***de & 5.9 times more likely to report high levels of depression. Additionally, the Trevor Project’s National Survey on LGBTQ Mental Health revealed that 39% of LGBTQ youth seriously considered attempting su***de in the past 12 months, with more than half of transgender and non-binary youth having seriously considered it.

At Bizaan, our mission is to provide compassionate & affirming mental health care. We offer specialized support for LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need in a safe and welcoming environment. Our team is trained in LGBTQ+ cultural competence, helping to break down barriers & create an inclusive atmosphere where all clients feel respected & valued.

We recognize that mental health care must address the unique experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. For example, minority stress theory suggests that the chronic stress from being part of a stigmatized group can lead to adverse mental health outcomes. This is why our services are tailored to address issues such as internalized homophobia, identity development, & coping with discrimination.

Moreover, we understand the importance of community & social support in improving mental health outcomes. Research published in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry highlights that LGBTQ+ individuals who have strong social support networks experience better mental health. At Bizaan, we facilitate support groups and community resources to help clients build these crucial connections.

Our commitment to inclusivity extends beyond Pride Month. We strive to create an ongoing culture of acceptance and understanding within our practice and the broader community. We believe that everyone deserves to live a life of dignity, free from discrimination and fear.

This Pride Month, let's celebrate diversity, support each other, and continue advocating for a world where everyone can thrive. By working together, we can promote mental wellness and acceptance for all.

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Bizaan Behavioral Health

24/07/2025

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