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San Diego Police

The San Diego Police Department is a national leader in providing supportive psychological services to it’s employees, having established a program in the mid- 1980’s.  Wellness, Peer Support, Chaplains and Focus are the central elements designed to assist employees and their families thrive through the demands of a first-responder career.

How do I make an appointment?

Police personnel are far more comfortable providing help to others than asking for help themselves.  We understand and do our best to make the process as seamless as possible. All you or your dependents need to do is:

• CALL 858-565-0066 and leave a message in the new client voicemail, or with the therapist of your choice.
• EMAIL through the link on this page

You will be contacted within 24 hours to set up an appointment.  Appointments are available to accommodate your shifts and days off. We understand a law enforcement career can be unpredictable.  If your schedule changes, we will reschedule as soon as possible in accordance with your availability.

Who is eligible for counseling services?

The services include individual counseling for adults, adolescents and children, as well as couples and family counseling. Your dependents, defined as all your children under 21 years of age and anyone living in your home (parents, roommates, life partners) are covered.  Dependents may call directly, they do not need to go through you or the department. Retired personnel are eligible for services.

As a dependent, do I need to go through the employee to make an appointment?  

If you are a spouse, child over 12, or someone living with an SDPD employee (life partner, family member, roommate), you can access services directly. You do not need to go through the employee.  You will be asked for the employee’s name which we will verify through our roster. It is confidential. Neither the department nor the employee is contacted. Children under 12 need parental permission to make an appointment.  If parents are divorced but share legal custody, both need to give permission.

What kind of counseling is available to us?

The services are unlimited, free to you, and completely confidential.  We do not contact the department or any of its employees, or bill in a manner that would have the potential to identify our clients.  Limits to confidentiality are legal reporting requirements for child/elder abuse or neglect, and situations where we believe someone’s life is in eminent danger.  We are not mandated to report domestic violence.

Counseling services are available for most of the emotional issues faced by you and your family in today’s complex world. Common presenting issues include (but are not limited to):

• Relationship problems
• Anger
• Post-Trauma Recovery
• Stress
• Anxiety/Depression
• Habit Control
• Alcohol/Pain Medication Abuse
• Coping with Injury
• Sleep disturbance
• LGBTQ concerns
• Undergoing investigation/discipline
• Family issues
• Children with school issues
• Sexual Dysfunction

Can I pick my own therapist?  

You may leave a message for the therapist of your choice (see “Focus Professionals.”  IF you do not know who you would like to see, leave a message or email and we will assign a counselor based on your presenting problem and therapist availability.  It is important that you feel comfortable with your therapist. If at any time, for any reason you wish to change therapist, you are encouraged to do so. Ask your therapist and you will be re-assigned. 

Focus does NOT provide:

• Fitness for duty evaluations
• Child Custody evaluations
• Pre-employment screening
• Workers Compensation evaluations

or any other evaluation which would require submitting a report to the Department.