qr-code-bhs-barred.png
Image
Allowed Content types
Photos
Barred, But Not Broken: Children and Parental Incarceration
Behavioral Health Services
Barred, But Not Broken: Children and Parental Incarceration
Join Fort Bend County Behavioral Health Services for our Virtual Lunch and Learn.
With Special Guest Speaker: LIONESS, Justice Impacted Woman's Alliance
Scan QR code to register or click the button below:
Download Flyer [PDF]
Resilience in the Aftermath: Grief, Trauma, and the First Responder Experience
Behavioral Health Services
Resilience in the Aftermath: Grief, Trauma, and the First Responder Experience
May Mental Health Awareness Seminar
Presenters:
- Anthony Franklin Ed.D., LPC
- Kayla Elwood MS, LPC-A
2 hrs of TCOLE credit provided
Coffee and light breakfast provided
Contact:
281-238-3079
bhsdept@fortbendcountytx.gov
Download Flyer [PDF]
Ask the Doc
Ask the Doc
About mental and behavioral health conditions
2 FREE Events Open to Attend
Thursday, Sept. 19 @ 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 20 @ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Micah Knobles, MD, Adult and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Michelle P. Durham, MD Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Bring your questions for this opportunity to ASK THE DOC!
Download flyer [PDF]
Ask the Doc
Ask the Doc
About mental and behavioral health conditions
2 FREE Events Open to Attend
Thursday, Sept. 19 @ 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 20 @ 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Micah Knobles, MD, Adult and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Michelle P. Durham, MD Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
Bring your questions for this opportunity to ASK THE DOC!
Download flyer [PDF]
First Responder Wellness Contact
First Responder Wellness Contact
Contact: Kayla Elwood Agudo
Phone: 832-759-7647
Email ID: Kayla.Elwood2@fortbendcountytx.gov
Address: 301 Jackson Street, Suite #610, Richmond, TX 77469
First Responder Wellness Coping Strategies
First Wellness Responder Coping Strategies
(Quick links for coping techniques and stress management)
Apps
Mindfulness Coach
https://mobile.va.gov/app/mindfulness-coach
Breathing Techniques
Belly breathing
https://youtu.be/OXjlR4mXxSk?si=h5ZUDvcN4XYGv3SM
Box breathing
https://youtu.be/G25IR0c-Hj8?si=hqmH8pgmHdbsuM7g
Resonant frequency breathing
https://youtu.be/G25IR0c-Hj8?si=hqmH8pgmHdbsuM7g
Guided Meditations
Mental Reset in 5 minutes
https://youtu.be/ztTexqGQ0VI?si=-3V6zDYOqSUZ-EGT
5 Minute Meditation You Can Do Anywhere
https://youtu.be/inpok4MKVLM?si=k4zPQeQ6aJugu0MD
Relax- A 5 Minute Meditation for Deep Relaxation and Stress
https://youtu.be/lUJ3nl7N35Q?si=J2eGdmC5w9E6rTsm
5 Minute Meditation for Self-Love and Self-Compassion
https://youtu.be/vrgLjLAG9mY?si=a_GplSf9Pj-0djyv
Guided Imagery Meditation: The Beach
https://youtu.be/_ZeEPo8w-n8?si=plUhb2HwRNAbVjy_
Tapping
Brief explanation
https://youtube.com/shorts/DObrK9dhO2A?si=ELI0fkSEtufLIMce
60 second example
https://youtube.com/shorts/vGAwo3qqOlg?si=Zfl2rTMx88skTEFY
First Responder Wellness Resources
RESOURCES
(First Responder & Military Friendly)
UT HEALTH TRAUMA & RESILIENCE CENTER
Veteran and First Responder program with free to low-cost services for trauma/PTSD related services.
Phone: 713-486-2630
https://med.uth.edu/psychiatry/wp-content/uploads/sites/44/2024/01/First-Responder-flyer-2022.jpg
HEROES HELPINE
Hotline for ALL First Responders through UT Health Houston Phone: 833-367- 4689
https://sbmi.uth.edu/ace/helpline.htm
COPLINE- Hotline for law enforcement 1-800-267-5463
LEMIT POST CRITICAL INCIDENT SEMINAR
Free 3 day seminar for first responders and veterans, lodging included. Usually held at SHSU in Huntsville, TX. Locations may vary. 24 hrs. of TCOLE credit. Spouses encouraged to attend. Trauma recovery, peer support, EMDR therapists, resilience building.
http://www.lemitonline.org/programs/?mode=view&item=21
THE WOUNDED BLUE
Offers peer support and a program called Code 4 Total Wellness- app with access to telehealth and even financial assistance at low to no cost.
Phone: 702-290-5611
https://www.thewoundedblue.org/
TEXAS LAW ENFORCEMENT PEER NETWORK
Free and confidential peer support app provided by the state of Texas for law enforcement. Access to chat and resources by active and retired law enforcement.
Local representative Michael Mata: 956-588-5211
AMERICAN WARRIOR ASSOCIATION
Free 5 day retreats for active military, veterans, and first responders. Curriculum that is based on group therapy combined with outdoor activities. Men’s retreat and women’s retreat are separate.
https://www.awa-usa.org/programs/explore-awa-programs
SUNNY CREEK RANCH- HORSES FOR HEROES
Free certified Eagala equine therapy with horse specialist and therapist for veterans, first responders, and their families. Located in Montgomery, TX.
Phone: 281-229-3633
https://sunnycreekranch.com/horses-for-heroes
BEHIND THE BADGE CHARITIES
Financial support for FBC First Responders with injury, serious illness, or other emergency situation. Phone: 281-815-4980
https://www.behindthebadgecharities.org/
PTSD Foundation of America, Camp Hope
Local weekly group meetings in Stafford, TX for in person and virtual sessions, offered to Veterans and First Responders.
Contact Cory Fullerton 346-242-5930
Combat trauma support line 1-877-717-7873
988 - 24 hr. suicide and crisis hotline. Veteran line can be requested.
Call or text: 988
EAP: DEER OAKS
Covers 8 sessions per incident, solution focused therapy.
Phone: 888-993-7650 or First Responder Line: 833-253-1129
First Responder Wellness
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.
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.
Always Parenting Videos
Always Parenting Videos
Children and Teen Advice: Videos
Sesame Street: little children, big challenges: incarceration - What is incarceration?
Sesame Street: Little Children, Big Challenges: Incarceration -- Sizzle Reel
Sesame Street: Little Children, Big Challenges: Incarceration - Animation: Visiting Dad in Prison
Sesame Street: Little Children, Big Challenges: Incarceration - It's Not Your Fault
Sesame Street: Little Children, Big Challenges: Incarceration - Alex's Big Feelings
Learning from Youth who have an Incarcerated Parent: 2016 Listening Session | Youth.gov
Tips for a Successful Visit with Your Incarcerated Parent (kidsmates.org)
Resources for Children of Incarcerated Parents | Rainbows
Sesame Street Workshop: Incarceration (videos also in Spanish)
Incarceration - Sesame Workshop
Caregiver Advice: Videos and Workshop Quick Links
Online:
Sesame Workshop
Caregiver Workshop: Taking Care of Yourself - Sesame Workshop
Self-Care
Building Strength & Capacity | Partners In Healing (counselinginschools.org)
Resilience Booster
Building your resilience (apa.org)
Marriage and Relationships
How to Maintain a Marriage During Incarceration - Prison Fellowship
10 Tips for Incarcerated Spouses - How to Survive Prison (prisonfellowship.org)
Podcasts:
Always Parenting with Dr. Connie Almeida on the Reimagining Justice Podcast
In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Connie Almeida, the Director of the Fort Bend County Behavioral Health Services Department. She tells us about Always Parenting, a second chance program that assists individuals currently incarcerated (or have been in the last 6 months) at the Fort Bend County Jail and have minor children. Click the link above to listen.
Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI)™ Videos
Stories from the Founder - the Origins of TBRI - The TBRI Podcast | Podcast on Spotify
The TBRI Podcast on Apple Podcasts
ACE-ING Grief Podcast
Listen: ACE-ing Grief Podcast | Rainbows for All Children
Other Videos
A Sentence of Their Own Video