Crisis Stress Team
Mental health and resilience support for Florida’s frontline responders
The FloridaOne Emerald Coast Crisis Stress Team (ECCST) is a specialized unit of peers and professionals dedicated to the psychological wellbeing of first responders. Our mission: reduce trauma’s impact, build resilience, and ensure those who serve are never left behind.
What We Do
Mental Health Response for First Responders
FloridaOne ECCST is an elite volunteer team providing behavioral health support to emergency personnel during and after critical incidents. Built from the ranks of mental health professionals, veterans, and current/former first responders, ECCST responds statewide—and beyond—when help is needed most.
ECCST Core Services
ECCST provides critical mental health support tailored to the unique challenges first responders face. Our services are grounded in proven crisis intervention models, peer support, and trauma-informed care—delivered by a team that understands the culture, stress, and stakes of emergency response.
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
Peer-led, structured interventions designed to help first responders process and recover from the psychological impact of traumatic events—whether from a difficult call, mass casualty incident, or natural disaster. CISM aims to reduce long-term emotional strain and promote healthy coping strategies.
Psychological First Aid
Rapid, compassionate, and evidence-informed support provided in the immediate aftermath of a crisis. This approach helps stabilize emotional response, reduce initial distress, and foster short-term and long-term adaptive functioning for responders in the field.
Behavioral Health Assessments
Timely mental health screenings designed to evaluate the psychological well-being of responders post-incident. These assessments help identify signs of acute stress, burnout, or trauma exposure, guiding the need for further care or support.
Targeted Mental Health Support & Referral
Personalized follow-up services based on responder needs identified through assessments. This may include direct mental health intervention or referrals to qualified specialists for counseling, therapy, or treatment of trauma-related conditions.
K-9 Support Team
Meet Tessa! Specially trained therapy dogs and handlers who provide emotional grounding, comfort, and stress relief during deployments. Their presence can lower anxiety, enhance morale, and offer a non-verbal connection that supports psychological healing.
Responder Education & Resilience Training
Proactive mental wellness workshops and training programs focused on helping responders build resilience, recognize early signs of stress, and implement tools for maintaining long-term mental health before, during, and after deployment.
Team Development & Consultation
Expert guidance and mentorship to help agencies or regions establish their own responder mental health teams. Includes support for planning, training, and integration of crisis support programs into emergency response operations.
TEAM LEADERSHIP
Led by Professionals Who Understand
Dr. Frank Goldstein, PhD
Director
Richea Driskell
Deputy Director
ECCST is led by Dr. Frank Goldstein, PhD, Col. USAF (Ret.) and Deputy Director Richea Driskell, EMT/Paramedic (Ret.). Our members include licensed mental health specialists, experienced EMTs, law enforcement, firefighters, veterans, dispatchers, and nurses—offering lived experience and proven tools to support peers in crisis.
Get Involved
Want to make a difference?
Join a Response Team
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Florida Needs Heroes Like You. Team Up with FloridaOne.
Step up when disaster strikes and be part of a team that delivers rapid medical aid and crisis support.