The Annual Wellness Visit is a confidential, proactive service designed to support the mental health and overall well-being of first responders. These visits help normalize conversations with mental health professionals, reduce stigma, and raise awareness about available mental health resources. While not a therapy session, the visit creates space for education, self-reflection, and referrals to services such as counseling, peer support, chaplaincy, or other wellness programs.

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Importantly, this visit is not a Fitness-for-Duty evaluation, diagnostic assessment, or performance review. It is not reportable to the agency, except to verify attendance when required. The visit is completely confidential, with information shared only in rare instances of mandated reporting—such as imminent risk of harm to self or others, or suspected child or elder abuse.

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Participants may use the session however they choose—whether for a mental health check-in, general psychoeducation, or a private conversation. Although attendance may be required under some agency policies, engaging in discussion is always voluntary.

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Common topics often explored during the visit include sleep hygiene, nutrition, stress management, trauma exposure, career-related pressures, substance use, and healthy coping strategies. The goal is to empower first responders with tools and support to maintain resilience both on and off the job.

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Dr. Gina Gallivan played a leading role in shaping these wellness standards at the national level. She chaired the committee that developed the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Annual Wellness Visit Guidelines, and personally contributed to the research, drafting, and finalization of the document.

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Download the IACP Wellness Guidelines