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Mental Health for Police Officers

Active-duty and retired police, plus their partners and adult children. Real stats, specific resources, and guidance written for the particular culture of this profession — not generic advice.

The numbers
1.5× higher suicide rate than the general population. ~1 in 4 meet criteria for PTSD.
~700,000 sworn officers in the US

Why mental health looks different here

Culture of stoicism + fear of fitness-for-duty review creates a silence around mental health that's often worse than in civilian life. Many officers don't seek help because disclosure can affect their badge.

Profession-specific resources

Built for your job. Not generic EAP. These know the culture.

COPLINE
Officer-staffed 24/7 hotline (1-800-267-5463). Confidential. Peer-to-peer.
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Safe Call Now
Crisis line for first responders (1-206-459-3020). Confidentially connects to treatment.
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Blue H.E.L.P.
Tracks LEO suicide, advocates for surviving families, reduces stigma.
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International Association of Chiefs of Police — Officer Safety and Wellness
Resources for department-level wellness programs.
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Most common issues in cops

Based on prevalence data for this profession. Each links to a specific resource on Typical Male.

Licensure / fitness-for-duty — what's real and what's myth

Most jurisdictions have pathways for therapy that DON'T automatically trigger fitness-for-duty review. Many EAP (Employee Assistance Programs) are confidential. Ask your union rep (not your supervisor) about confidential pathways before deciding whether to go.

Free tool
Not sure what's going on?

The PHQ-9 + GAD-7 screeners your doctor uses. Private. Printable for your appointment. Tracks over time.

Take the PHQ-9 →