The 2025 First Responder Wellness Conference aims to support first responders by addressing wellness, trauma, and peer support. Attendees can expect workshops, keynote sessions, and networking opportunities, with a focus on empowering first responders and their families. The conference will feature new speakers and vital topics, including basic peer support training, free massages, and EMDR sessions for attendees. The agenda includes a variety of sessions led by experts in the field, covering topics such as financial wellness, post-traumatic growth, and crisis management.
Mental Health Conferences
2025 First Responder Wellness Conference
The 2025 First Responder Wellness Conference is set to take place in West Des Moines, Iowa, focusing on wellness, trauma, and peer support for first responders.
Conference Overview
Some quick details about this conference.
Time and Place
Maybe the most important details of the conference.
Conference Dates: September 17–19, 2025
Location: Hilton Garden Inn
City/State: West Des Moines, Iowa
Address: 205 S 64th St, West Des Moines, IA 50266
Event Format: in-person
Conference Organizer
This organization is hosting this conference.
Peer Support Foundation
The Peer Support Foundation is dedicated to addressing the stressors faced by first responders and their families, promoting wellness and peer support.
Email: contact@peersupportfoundation.org
Phone: 515-978-1078
Registration Fees
How much does this conference cost?
| Cost | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| $199.00 | Regular Ticket | Standard registration for the conference. |
| $50.00 | Retiree Ticket | Discounted registration for retirees. |
| $50.00 | Significant Other | Registration for significant others attending Thursday only. |
See the conference's actual website for more details around these fees, as sometimes they can be more complicated.
Schedule and Agenda
It's important to know what is planned.
The conference features two tracks: Track A includes general conference topics and keynote presentations, while Track B offers basic peer support training. Each day includes a variety of sessions, with opportunities for networking and social events.
Notable Speakers
These folks will be speaking at the conference.
Ret. Sgt. Kevin Briggs
Renowned as the 'Guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge,' Kevin Briggs is a mental health and suicide prevention speaker with over 20 years of experience.
Ben Pearson
Clinical Director at Chateau Health & Wellness, specializing in treating first responders with a focus on trauma-informed care.
Sheila Russell
Experienced therapist and lecturer, specializing in EMDR and trauma treatment for first responders and military personnel.
Aaron Groves
Executive Director of Impact Iowa’s Heroes, focusing on strengthening hero marriages and providing support for first responders.
Jeremy Sprague
President of the Peer Support Foundation, specializing in peer support and critical incident response.
Joel Hall
Financial advisor with Guide Financial Group, maintaining strong ties to the first responder community.
Amber Nuehring
Former crisis negotiator and peer support specialist, sharing her journey of sobriety and personal growth.
John Coulter
Retired Sheriff and Police Chief, actively involved in peer support programs and education for public safety employees.
Matt Jenatscheck
Certified police officer with the Cedar Rapids Police Department, sharing his experiences with mental health challenges.
Justin and Rebecca Smith
Co-founders of Crisis Canines of the Midlands, providing support with therapy dogs for first responders.
Hotel Information
You need somewhere to stay! (Unless you live relatively close.)
Special room rates of $119/night are available at the Hilton Garden Inn. Rooms are limited, so early booking is recommended.
Sponsorship, Exhibitor, and Advertising Opportunities
If you're an organization that wants to contribute to this event, here are some details.
Organizations can become sponsors by downloading the sponsorship form available on the conference website. Sponsorship opportunities provide visibility and engagement with attendees.
Other Links and Information
The above information is from the conference or event webpage. Please review the organization's website for official information, as that will be more up-to-date.
Reminder: This is an overview of this conference, and you should consult the official website for details on registration, fees, deadlines, and other details. Quill Therapy Solutions is maintaining this information to make it more accessible to the therapist and mental health professional community.
If you noticed an issue with the above information, please send us an email: conferences@quilltherapysolutions.com (Ideally, include a link to the conference and the details that need to be corrected. Thank you!)
About Quill
Take the stress out of progress notes with Quill. Our AI-assisted platform helps you finish your documentation faster, while respecting your ethical and professional standards.