IAFF Center of Excellence Upper Marlboro

Located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, the IAFF Center of Excellence serves career firefighters who are contending with behavioral health difficulties. Trauma, substance misuse, and addiction are all part of what it treats, and post-traumatic stress disorder sits at the core of its mission. Physicians, nurses, and clinicians representing several specialties form a coordinated team, and their work centers on the whole individual rather than on the substance use alone or a single co-occurring condition.

People living with PTSD, depression, and anxiety are the clients this center usually serves. Evidence-based practices form the foundation of its care, and its services include detox with clinical oversight, residential treatment, and outpatient programming. The Joint Commission accredits the program, which has been in operation since 2017.

Programs for IAFF Center of Excellence

Care at the IAFF Center of Excellence comes in several levels, spanning detox and residential rehab through outpatient treatment. Among the therapies are cognitive behavioral therapy, individual counseling, art therapy, equine therapy, acupuncture, family therapy, group therapy, motivational interviewing, and Twelve Step facilitation. The center is guided by evidence-based and individualized treatment approaches, including Twelve Step principles.

If you are considering this center, then it helps to know that detox is clinically supervised and residential care is structured around shared treatment needs. Outpatient options allow for continued support while living at home. The program is designed for men and women, and all services are delivered in English.

• Family Therapy
• Twelve Step
• Twelve Step Facilitation
• Evidence-Based
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Acupuncture
• Individual Treatment
• Art Therapy
• Equine Therapy
• 1-on-1 Counseling

Who the IAFF Center of Excellence serves

• Professional firefighters and other first responders
• Women and men living with both mental health and substance use disorders
• People with PTSD, depression, anxiety, and trauma histories
• Those needing detox from benzodiazepines, heroin, prescription drugs, or other substances
• Individuals with chronic relapse or codependency concerns

Setting for IAFF Center of Excellence

The IAFF Center of Excellence sits on a 15-acre campus with 7 buildings, including four station house-style residences with firehouse-inspired themes. The program typically lasts 30 days and accommodates 31-50 beds. Amenities include walking trails, a basketball court, a fitness center, a pool, and gourmet dining. Private or shared rooms are available, and activities such as yoga and AA/NA meetings are offered. The center provides translation or other language services upon request.

• Volleyball Court
• Access to Nature
• Business Center, Computers
• Basketball Court
• Gourmet Dining
• Pool
• Fitness Center
• Walking Trails

Paying for IAFF Center of Excellence

Cash pay rates are accepted at the IAFF Center of Excellence, and insurance may be taken as well. Call the helpline to confirm coverage; the staff will check your benefits and walk you through the costs. Nothing about the helpline costs money, stays between you and the advisor, and requires no commitment to treatment. If you carry Medicaid or another insurance plan, ask about coverage before admission. The helpline can help you review availability and payment options.

Questions to ask before admission

• Is detox medically supervised, and who oversees it?
• How long do most people stay, and is an extension possible?
• How are co-occurring conditions like PTSD addressed alongside substance use?
• What aftercare and follow-up services are available?
• Does the center honor my insurance and what would my share of out-of-pocket costs be?