First Wellness Responder
About the Program
Our First Responder Wellness program was developed to increase the awareness and supports for the emotional wellness of first responders in Fort Bend County. In addition to training and Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) support, we provide free and confidential mental health services. We believe in the importance of suicide prevention and awareness. We promote total wellness, healing from moral injury, and building resilience.
Services Provided Focus Areas
Consultation PTSD™
Individual Therapy Trauma
Group Therapy Critical Incidents
Critical Incident Stress Management - CISM Adjustment Disorders
Referrals Suicide Prevention & Awareness
Education & Training
Outreach & Prevention
About the Therapists
Kayla Elwood Agudo is a Licensed Professional Counselor and trained EMDR clinician specializing in first responder trauma. As a police officer, she brings firsthand insight into the effects of trauma, operational stress, and prolonged hypervigilance on the mind and body. Grounded in evidence-based practices, Kayla takes a practical, collaborative approach—helping first responders set meaningful goals, build effective coping strategies, and process critical incidents or trauma to gain clarity, resilience, and healing. She also provides trainings and seminars on wellness, crisis intervention, mental health, and suicide prevention for first responder agencies.
Dr. Anthony Franklin joins BHS as a Licensed Mental Health Clinician - Trauma Focused. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis and a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. He is trained in EMDR and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Dr. Franklin has experience in conducting individual and group counseling that focuses on trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, and crisis intervention. He also provides trainings on emotional regulation, trauma, and grief component therapy.
Contact First Responder Wellness
Contact: Kayla Elwood Agudo
Phone: 832-759-7647
Email ID: Kayla.Elwood2@fortbendcountytx.gov
Address: 301 Jackson Street, Suite #610, Richmond, TX 77469
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
Critical Incident Stress Management is a form of psychological first aid designed to assist first responders in returning to their normal level of cognitive, emotional, physical and behavioral functioning after being involved in a critical incident. It is not psychotherapy or group therapy. CISM provides departments with debriefs defusing's, one-on-ones, on-scene support, education, resources, and referrals.
Kayla and Dr. Connie Almeida provide clinical support to the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office CISM Team. The team is composed of department members, and a Chaplain, who have been specially trained in peer support and crisis intervention techniques. Team members also work in conjunction with other local peer support teams to establish working relationships, share resources, and exchange training materials. If your department is in need of CISM services, please contact us or the Agency Coordinator, Captain Tiffaney Budnik, with the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office.
Contact Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office CISM Team
Captain Tiffaney Budnik
Phone: 281-341-4675
Email: fbcsocism@fortbendcountytx.gov
Education & Training
Kayla is a certified Basic Instructor with TCOLE. She provides trainings for Law Enforcement classes, as well as other first responders. Kayla offers trainings and presentations on Stress Management, Crisis Intervention, PTSD, Suicide Awareness and Prevention, and other topics around Mental Health and Mindfulness for First Responders.