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Seeking addiction treatment can feel overwhelming. We know the struggle, which is why we're uniquely qualified to help.
Your call is confidential, and there's no pressure to commit to treatment until you're ready. As a voluntary facility, we're here to help you heal -- on your terms. Our sole focus is getting you back to the healthy, sober life you deserve, and we are ready and waiting to answer your questions or concerns.
Through a partnership between the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) and Advanced Recovery Systems, a nationwide leader in rehabilitation and behavioral health, the IAFF Center of Excellence is a flagship recovery center where IAFF members can heal from behavioral health conditions.
Located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, the IAFF Center for Excellence is approximately 30 minutes from Washington, DC, and an hour from Dulles International Airport. Designed with fire fighters in mind, our 15-acre campus is ideal for focusing on treatment and recovery. Our dual-diagnosis rehab programs balance medical support with mental health counseling, while our recreational therapies facilitate whole-person healing.
Our Location
IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery
13400 Edgemeade Rd
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
During partial hospitalization programming, IAFF members live on-site at our facility and benefit from continued medical support and comprehensive mental…Learn More
Our full-time medical and clinical staff at the IAFF Center of Excellence empower people to get back to the careers they love with renewed health and vitality.
The IAFF Center of Excellence is accredited by The Joint Commission and licensed by the state of Maryland for both substance abuse treatment and mental health treatment.
Tour Our Facility
Tour the IAFF Center of Excellence virtually to view or facility and amenities.
Amenities
Depending on the level of care, indoor and outdoor amenities at the IAFF Center of Excellence may include:
Swimming pool
Recreation room with foosball and pool tables
Fully equipped exercise gym
Basketball court
Volleyball court
Wood-lined walking trails
Yoga and mindfulness therapy
Designated smoking areas
Computer lab
Off-site activities
What to Expect
It’s our goal to provide each IAFF member with a safe environment, free from familiar triggers, distractions and stress. Knowing what to expect during rehab can help inform clients about what to bring along and prepare them for a positive treatment experience.
We recommend that all clients bring:
Insurance and pharmacy card and a state ID or driver’s license
One week’s worth of season-appropriate clothing, including workout clothing and a jacket or sweater for indoors
Prepaid credit card or cash, which will be retained by staff when not in use
Sealed (unopened) alcohol-free toiletries, including shampoo and conditioner, sunscreen, face wash, lotion and feminine products
The following items aren’t permitted at the IAFF Center of Excellence:
Drugs or alcohol, drug paraphernalia and clothing depicting drugs
Products that contain alcohol, including hand sanitizer, mouthwash and other toiletries
The IAFF Center of Excellence is licensed to offer evidence-based treatment for substance use disorders and mental health conditions, whether or not the issues co-occur. Specialists at the center formulate treatment plans to address one or both conditions for each client, depending on their needs.
Rehab at the IAFF Center of Excellence is tailored to each IAFF member’s unique needs. However, regardless of a client’s specific treatment plan, rehab usually follows an outlined process, beginning with an evaluation and ending with aftercare planning.
Intake Evaluation
Upon arrival at our facility, IAFF members participate in a comprehensive screening process that includes mandatory searches and a medical exam. We evaluate past and current drug use, along with mental and physical health to create a treatment plan for each client.
Clinically Managed Detox, If Applicable
If an IAFF member needs treatment for drug or alcohol abuse, they will likely first go through clinically managed detox to cleanse their body of drugs or alcohol. This essential level of care prepares people to transition to further rehab programming, like inpatient treatment.
Substance Abuse Treatment
After participating in detox, clients who struggle with drug or alcohol abuse can enroll in further programming for substance abuse, including inpatient, partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient care. In addition to medical support, mental health counseling is included in each level of care. Once it’s deemed medically appropriate, clients can also transition to outpatient programming in preparation for returning to daily life after rehab.
Mental Health Treatment
For clients who do not need substance abuse treatment, we offer a variety of programs (inpatient through outpatient) to address behavioral health concerns like PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief and other conditions.
Aftercare Planning
All clients leave rehab with a solid aftercare plan that outlines necessary follow-up appointments with doctors and therapists. Our case managers work with each client to set up aftercare plans with recommendations specific to a client’s hometown.
I graduated the program on November 8th after 37 days at the facility. I can't say enough wonderful things about my time there. The staff from the call center folks like Joe, Richard and Cole to the BHT's, clinicians, office staff etc are all second to none. And leading the charge is Marc Hattigan. This guy is absolutely top tier! He is good people. He introduced himself right upon my arrival and never forgot my name. He always asked how I was doing and checked in on me and the other residents at facility. I trusted him implicitly with the well-being of all firefighters who attend this great facility. Of you are on the fence about going, please take the leap of faith and get there. The C. O. E. Absolutely saves lives and saved mine. Thank you
lesley morgan
22:05 10 Nov 19
I spent 45 days at COE and found the experience so much better than I imagined it would be. It had only been open a short while when I attended and had a hiccup here or there, which is but to expected at any new place, but the staff were immediate when responding to any issues. The help I received to better my mental health was genuine and knowledgeable. From your first phone call to your day there you feel welcome. And being with other firefighters/medics is the strength in your recovery.
Troy Allen
16:35 07 Nov 19
I highly recommend the IAFF Center of Excellence to any member who is struggling with mental health and/or substance abuse issues. If you are considering going and reading over these reviews, make the call, it will change your life for the positive. The entire staff, no matter what their function, are absolutely amazing and caring. The relationships made and the tools that were taught to manage lifes negative issues will stay with me forever. Make the call...it could save your career and most importantly, your life.
Ted Ritchie
14:19 04 Nov 19
I highly recommend this facility. The staff and the clinicians are extremely insightful and caring and the experience was life-changing for me. For first responders, as well as people in general, there is often a fear of what others may think and you may be struggling with that. The best thing you can do for yourself is getting the help you need and coming to understand yourself and your situation more entirely. Being in public safety takes a high toll on many people that have been following this career path. It also takes a toll on your family. Knowing that there is a center providing the unique kind of support necessary for first responders and getting the help needed made all the difference in my own life. If you are struggling, if you are unsure, reach out and seek the help that’s available. It may very well be one of the best things you ever did.
Anthony
16:02 27 Oct 19
The staff at the Center of Excellence are amazing. Every single employee there was dedicated to helping me get well and would go out of their way to help. This place exceeded every hope and expectation that I had going in. I am a better man, husband, father, and firefighter because of my experience here. I am unbelievably grateful for the care I received and to be a member of a union that cares enough about its' members to create a place like this. If you have any reservations don't it is an exceptional place full of caring and compassionate people. Plus, there is the incredible therapeutic benefit of being surrounded by brother and sister firefighters that have similar experiences and create a safe, caring, and nonjudgmental environment.
kevin harris
15:58 24 Oct 19
Joe Sawyer has pretty much helped save my life. He is a follow up /alumni specialist. My stay was cut to only 8 days , I came home lost and broken and treading water. Joe was literally at one point the only person I had to talk to that has been there and really understood. He is now saving firefighters. I am proof. The center was awesome and everyone there had the same attitude as Joe. If you have been on the job for a few years, you need to go here! It can save your life! It did mine.
Alumni Testimonials
Angela and Jeff both struggled with substance use and the pressures that come along with their jobs as firefighters. With the help of the IAFF Center of Excellence, both Angela and Jeff are on their path to life long recovery. You are not alone in your recovery journey with mental health, substance abuse, and PTSD. The IAFF Center Of Excellence is here to help.
Yes, rehab at the IAFF Center of Excellence is always confidential, and your presence here will only be disclosed to the people you choose. Your union leaders, fellow fire fighters, friends and family members will not be informed of your treatment without your consent.
Is cell phone use allowed during treatment?
Cell phones will be securely stored upon arrival and returned at discharge. Following an initial adjustment period upon arrival, clients may use our facility’s phones three times a week.
Will the IAFF Center of Excellence pay for traveling to rehab?
No, our facility does not pay for transportation to or from the center, but representatives can help clients coordinate travel arrangements, if necessary.
How long does rehab last at the IAFF Center of Excellence?
Treatment program lengths at the IAFF Center of Excellence vary depending on each client’s needs. We understand that many fire fighters and first responders may be concerned about time spent away from their jobs, but typically, the longer a person stays in treatment, the better equipped they are to handle life after rehab.
At the IAFF Center of Excellence, we welcome both in- and out-of-state IAFF members, and we are proud to serve the surrounding Maryland communities of:
With a scenic location in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, The IAFF Center of Excellence accepts clients from across the United States and Canada. Call today to learn more about treatment options for IAFF members.
