IAFF Center of Excellence

About IAFF Center of Excellence

IAFF Center of Excellence is located in Upper Marlboro, Maryland just 30 minutes outside of Washington, D.C. This specialized recovery center was created through a partnership between Advanced Recovery Systems and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). You can access integrated behavioral health treatment including addiction care.

Their Joint Commission accredited facility offers a full continuum of care for dispatchers, first responders and firefighters. You can participate in whole person approaches like recreational therapy, medical support and mental health counseling. You’ll benefit from diving deep into the contributing factors of mental health and substance use disorders. Their dedicated team is there to offer unwavering support and help you build essential skills to sustain recovery.

What stands out most to me is their impressive campus. With 15 acres of nature and open space, you’ll have the ideal environment to hone in on recovery. In your downtime, you can enjoy nutritious meals, walking trails, a fitness center, a pool, pickleball, volleyball, video games and much more. They offer a secure space to relax and reflect while healing your mind, body and soul.

Another great feature that caught my eye was their holistic approach. They provide experiential therapies, like yoga and equine therapy to help you reduce stress and connect with others and your inner self. You’ll also benefit from traditional approaches to gain coping skills. That way, you’ll leave treatment with a clear path for healing and growth.

Lastly, their alumni aftercare services also stood out. Throughout your stay you’ll connect with others on similar paths who understand your unique experiences. They ensure you can keep in touch with your recovery network. You can remain in contact with one of their research assistants for up to 18 months after treatment.

Latest Reviews

meaux Edward

3 weeks ago on Google

Worth it 100%

Joel Krizel

4 weeks ago on Google

There should be at least 3 of these facilities for firefighters. The need is great!! This facility is the only place I would trust to send fellow firefighters to get them mental health and substance issues addressed. The love that is shown is real and the brotherhood is still alive and well.

Ian Palmer

4 weeks ago on Google

Giving it five stars solely on the life changing experience I had with Raina and her expert-level EMDR process and my Clinician, Dan and his care. If it weren't for these two, I have no idea where my life would be now. What they did truly changed and saved my life.

Rehab Score

Our Methodology

Scoring is assigned by a proprietary system which helps surface key metrics that determine quality. The 10-point scale factors in categories such as operations, customer satisfaction, and trust metrics. Read Full Methodology

8 / 10

Gallery

The facilities at IAFF Center of Excellence in Upper Marlboro, MD 1

The facilities at IAFF Center of Excellence in Upper Marlboro, MD 2

Accepted Insurance

IAFF Center of Excellence works with several private insurance providers and also accepts private payments when possible, please contact to verify your specific insurance provider.

Aetna

Cigna

Blue Cross Blue Shield

Other Forms of Payment

Private insurance refers to any kind of healthcare coverage that isn't from the state or federal government. This includes individual and family plans offered by an employer or purchased from the Insurance Marketplace. Every plan will have different requirements and out of pocket costs so be sure to get the full details before you start treatment.

Self-pay involves paying for treatment out of your own pocket. You can use savings or credit, get a personal loan, or receive help from family and friends to fund your treatment. If you don't have insurance or your insurance plan doesn't cover a specific program, self-pay can help ensure you still get the care you need.

Financial aid can take many forms. Centers may have grants or scholarships available to clients who meet eligibility requirements. Programs that receive SAMHSA grants may have financial aid available for those who need treatment as well. Grants and scholarships can help you pai for treatment without having to repay.

Military members, veterans, and eligible dependents have access to specific insurance programs that help them get the care they need. TRICARE and VA insurance can help you access low cost or no cost addiction and mental health treatment. Programs that accept military insurance often have targeted treatment focused on the unique challenges military members, veterans, and their families face.

Addiction Treatments

Levels of Care

Outpatient

Clients who are exiting detox or intensive inpatient treatment often enroll in outpatient rehab programs to ensure a robust continuity of care. Outpatient programs allow clients to remain in or return to their homes and workplaces while continuing to receive treatment, which typically includes addiction counseling and recovery-focused life skills training. Clients in opioid and/or alcohol recovery may also receive medication assisted treatment (MAT), including medication induction and maintenance, at an outpatient facility.

Inpatient

Inpatient rehab enables clients to focus exclusively on their recovery while living in a highly structured and supportive environment. Inpatient treatment is typically designed for clients who have just completed detox, are in early recovery, and/or are at an elevated risk of relapse. Their treatment generally involves intensive addiction counseling, including individual, group, and family counseling. Many inpatient rehabs also offer recovery-focused life skills training and/or holistic therapies, such as yoga, massage, and meditation.

Intensive Outpatient

Clients who are leaving inpatient rehab often choose to transition into an intensive outpatient program (IOP) to receive high-level support as they reintegrate into their home, workplace, and community. Intensive outpatient rehab also benefits those at risk of relapse. Clients typically participate in nine to 20 hours of treatment weekly, with modalities ranging from psychotherapy to addiction and recovery education. Many programs also provide medication assisted treatment (MAT) and complementary care, such as nutrition counseling, and acupuncture.

Aftercare Support

Clients receiving support in a rehab aftercare program typically partner with their case manager and care team to identify and access the services that best align with their recovery needs and goals. Rehab aftercare services are designed to evolve with clients' changing needs to promote their long-term sobriety. Care modalities are highly customized and may include a range of medical, mental health, and social service resources, including peer coaching, career counseling, and 12 step program induction.

Partial Hospitalization Program

Commonly known as "day treatment," a partial hospitalization program (PHP) is a short-term intensive rehab option designed to provide treatment during the day and you're able to return home at night. PHP treatment offers structured programming, including individual and group therapy, typically meeting 3-5 days a week for 6-8 hours per day. PHP duration averages around 90 days, with some programs offering amenities like transportation and meals.

Medically Assisted Detox

Quitting drugs and alcohol on your own can cause uncomfortable and even dangerous side effects caused by the withdrawal process. In medically assisted detox, a team of licensed medical professionals will monitor your health, provide medication for potential withdrawal symptoms, and work to keep you safe and comfortable. Most people transition to an inpatient program or a maintenance program that uses medication assisted treatment (MAT).

Treatments

Alcohol use disorder (AUD), commonly referred to as alcoholism, can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Each category involves unhealthy patterns of alcohol consumption and can cause harmful effects. To treat alcohol addiction at any level, alcohol rehab in Maryland is often necessary. These treatment programs provide psychological, social, and medical supports that help individuals overcome alcohol addiction and maintain long-term recovery.

Once a person has become addicted to a substance, drug rehab in Maryland is often necessary to overcome that addiction. These programs provide the tools individuals need to manage the physical, mental, and emotional issues involved and begin a successful recovery journey.

Opioid Addiction

Maryland dual-diagnosis rehabs typically offer comprehensive care to individuals with mental health and substance abuse diagnoses. You can usually find inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs tailored to your specific needs. These specialized addiction treatment facilities combine evidence-based therapies — such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) — with experiential therapies like mindfulness, with the goal of treating both mental health disorders and providing you with the tools to stay sober.

In Maryland, substance abuse treatment programs support individuals struggling with drugs or alcohol, and those who also have mental health conditions. These rehab programs vary, depending on the level of care you need. That might include inpatient rehab, or an outpatient program. Typically, substance abuse treatment includes evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), recovery support meetings, and skills groups to equip you with new coping strategies when you leave rehab.

Treatment for drug and alcohol addiction often centers on improving mental health. Inpatient care is ideal for people who need closer monitoring while receiving therapeutic and mental health services. Standard therapies include group and individual counseling, relapse prevention education, coping skills training, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing and family support groups. With all critical therapies combined, there is a greater chance for improving mental health and achieving sustained recovery.

Programs

Adult Program

Adult rehab programs include therapies tailored to each client's specific needs, goals, and recovery progress. They are tailored to the specific challenges adult clients may face, including family and work pressures and commitments. From inpatient and residential treatment to various levels of outpatient services, there are many options available. Some facilities also help adults work through co-occurring conditions, like anxiety, that can accompany addiction.

Young Adult Program

Young adulthood can be an exciting, yet difficult, time of transition. Individuals in their late teens to mid-20s face unique stressors related to school, jobs, families, and social circles, which can lead to a rise in substance use. Rehab centers with dedicated young adult programs will include activities and amenities that cater to this age group, with an emphasis on specialized counseling, peer socialization, and ongoing aftercare.

Military Program

Serving in the military is both mentally and physically challenging, and can result in trauma that persists even after combat ends. Military programs are tailored to the specific and often complex needs of active duty personnel, veterans, and military families. Clients often access these programs through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Clinical Services

Cognitive behavioral therapy in Maryland emphasizes your current life rather than what has happened in the past. Your therapist will help you develop methods to deal with current and future challenges so you can cope in healthy ways that don't involve substances.

During dialectical behavior therapy sessions, you'll review the challenges you faced the previous week and the feelings you experienced during those times. You and your therapist will engage in problem solving, discussing how you can handle those situations in the future for a better outcome. This involves keeping a diary throughout the week to track your emotions.

Individualized one on one therapy allows the therapist to focus on your specific challenges and strengths. Using a personalized approach enables the therapist to help you develop effective coping mechanisms and build a more stable and fulfilling substance free life.

Four key principles guide motivational interviewing. These are empathy, self efficacy, rolling with resistance, and developing discrepancy. These techniques allow the client to examine their motivations for change, identify discrepancies in their current situation and future goals, and feel empowered to make changes to reach their goals.

Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing

Cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing techniques are often part of group therapy sessions. These are evidence based techniques that address thinking and behavioral patterns that trigger addictive behavior. Learning how to address these thought patterns can help create lasting change.

Amenities

Staff & Accreditations

Staff

Dr.Mitchell Eisenberg, MD

CEO

Dr.Lewis Gold, MD

Chairman of ther Board

Josh Gold

Co-COO

Brian Geraghty

CFO

Anthony Katz

VP of Human Resources

Hunter Mefford

Co-COO

Nanci Stockwell

Senior VP of Operations

Dr.Kevin Wandler, MD

Chief Medical Officer

Nicole Cosra

Chief Clinical Officer

Samuel Winikoff

Chief Legal Officer

Mandy Seymour

Chief Nursing Officer

Marta Nelson

Chief Compliance Officer

Accreditations

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1992 by congress, SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on American's communities.

SAMHSA Listed: Yes

LegitScript has reviewed IAFF Center of Excellence as part of their certification program, and has determined that it meets the LegitScript standards for legality, safety and transparency.

LegitScript verified in

The Joint Commission, formerly known as JCAHO, is a nonprofit organization that accredits rehab organizations and programs. Founded in 1951, the Joint Commision's mission is to improve the quality of patient care and demonstrating the quality of patient care.

Joint Commission Accreditation: Yes

Contact Information

(855) 900-8437

Website

13400 Edgemeade Rd
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772

Get Help Now - 443-376-8434

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Reviews of IAFF Center of Excellence

4.9/5 (883 reviews)

824

Google Reviews

4.9 (883 reviews)

3 weeks ago

4 weeks ago

David Walsh

The IAFF Center of Excellence truly saved my life. The staff understands first responders on a level you won’t find anywhere else. I left with real tools, a clearer mind, and hope for the future. If you’re struggling, this is the place to be.

Mike Buck

1 month ago

They provide care for the individual. My care was ok. However, when it comes to family, they lack in that department and expect you to forget about life outside of here. There is no in depth family therapy here. It should be of importance to add into the program. The one dimensional side to this place isn't good for families. They offer family support sessions once a week for 30 mins but that doesn't address issues involving families. The food here is mediocre at best. The facility as a whole is nice. If you are coming here for just yourself and mental well being, great. However, don't expect any kind of help or therapy with family. Proceed to this facility with some caution if you have family in mind. I have been away from my son and family for weeks. It's so unfair to be away from your family for that long, and the facility basically tells you to worry about yourself. Very inconsiderate and impossible to do. Don't come here unless you're ready to be away from your family for 30 plus days.

James Nelson

The IAFF Center of Excellence changed my life. The program gave me the tools, guidance, and support I needed to heal and grow... not just as a firefighter, but as a person. I returned home a better father, a stronger husband, and a more grounded version of myself. The staff truly understands the unique challenges we face in the fire service, and they create an environment where you can be open, honest, and committed to change. I left with renewed purpose, practical strategies for mental wellness, and a deep gratitude for the brotherhood and sisterhood that carried me through. If you’re struggling, know that help is out there and it works. This place gave me my family back, and for that, I’ll be forever thankful.

Kerry Hughes

I am leaving Tuesday to get tha help I need.

John Mellace

Would highly recommend! The professionalism of the staff and the closeness of the fellow firefighters makes it so much easier to hea. Thank you C.O.E.

Daniel Meeuwsen

2 months ago

Excellent place for recovery and skills for all of life. God has blessed the people and mission of this facility. Highly recommended.

Jon K

The clinicians are amazing, and the facility is set up extremely comfortable. I encourage any IAFF member to attend their program for help with mental health or substance abuse issues.

Kristen Bogert

This program completely changed my life. The entire staff is dedicated to helping first responders save themselves. A powerful and unique place.

Charlie Williams

The best place for mental health help and addiction assistance. Dedicated to firemen and specially built to help

Overall Experience

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