Breaking Mental Health Stigma: Hosts of Halt and Call For Backup Jim and Mike Share Their Insights

Mike Koch and James McLintock of Halt and Call for Backup Podcast Join Kyle Goodknight for an insightful discussion on mental health within the first responder community. They introduce guests and delve into the stigma surrounding mental health, sharing personal journeys and the transition into mental health professions. The episode covers finding suitable therapists, challenges in seeking treatment, and the importance of purpose post-career. They discuss the ACE score, self-motivation in recovery, and alumni support programs. Key topics include normalizing mental health care, addressing crisis moments, broadening support, and early mental health training. The episode concludes with gratitude and cross-promotion.

James McLintock, MA Clinical Psychology, LMFT 114137 is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who specializes in working with lifeguards, paramedics, firefighters, 911 telecoms, and law enforcement personnel. Born at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton’s Naval Hospital and raised in North Coastal San Diego County California, he is the son of World War II and Korean War veteran parents. With a strong swimming and athletic background—and a passion to be of service to those in need—he became a career Ocean Lifeguard Supervisor/Training Supervisor/EMT and POST Senior Master Advanced FTO Police Officer in Orange County, California. As a result of both public safety professions, James has hands-on street credibility and provides world-class counseling to sworn and non-sworn emergency responders alike. A keynote speaker for first responder agencies, he works closely with the California Department of Forestry / Cal Fire / California Highway Patrol Peer Support Teams. He provided trauma support for the Butte County Sheriff's Department for the 2018 “Camp Fire” forest fire. He has solid training and experience in working with trauma, anxiety, panic, depression, divorce recovery, anger, stress, childhood issues, emotional abuse, and pornography/substance recovery. James is the co-host of the emergency responder podcast “H.A.L.T. and Call for Backup” with Mike Koch on Positive Connections Radio on The Mental Health News Radio Network. He can be reached by cell at 760-212-0444 and by email at 911Therapy@gmail.com. LINKS FOR JIM McLINTOCK: Psychotherapist ‎in California | McLintock Counseling Positive Connections Radio - Mental Health News Radio Network

Michael C. Koch – CADC II, is a former police officer/narcotics detective of 19 years and holds a Bachelor of Science degree from San Diego State University in Criminal Justice Administration, and is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Level II. Michael spent 19 years of his life serving the public as a peace officer, first as police and then for 10 years as an undercover narcotics detective. He knows what life and death look like in addiction as a result of the front row seat that inspired his dedication and career change. Michael understands the culture of being a first responder and experiencing post-traumatic stress. He has dedicated his life to assist those suffering from drug and/or alcohol dependence with special emphasis with assisting first responders.
In 2012, his career as a police officer ended and his life helping those dealing with substance abuse dependence began. Michael has worked as a counselor for drug and alcohol programs and intensive outpatient (IOP) facilities in the City of San Diego and program director of a San Diego drug and alcohol detox. He currently works as the First Responder Case Manager for Simple Recovery in Newport Beach, Ca., and collaborates with First Responder recovery support consultation for First Alarm Wellness in Vista, Ca and Focus Psychological Services in San Diego, Ca. In 2017 Michael became the founder of the First Responder Fellowship in SD north county. This confidential 12-step/peer-based recovery group is open to all First Responders present or former and meets once a week. Additionally, Michael is a speaker at the San Diego Police Academy, San Diego Fire Department, panel member for the POST Management Police Lieutenants, SDDA Supervisor Investigations and PDATF Prescription Drug Abuse Task Force. He provides peer support for SDPD, SDFD, local police and fire agencies including Cal Fire and Border Patrol. Michael is also a strong supporter of a 24/7 confidential hotline for police officers named CopLine and he assists with fundraising for this non-profit organization. On his quest to help those who are suffering, he has reached out around the country on his search for qualified, trusted and well-vetted people and organizations. With this goal in mind Michael started a podcast in 2018 named Positive Connections Radio.

(0:00) Introduction and Welcome by Mike Koch and Kyle Goodknight (0:33) Introducing Guests and Their Backgrounds (3:35) Addressing Mental Health Stigma in First Responders (8:36) Personal Mental Health Journeys of the Hosts and Guests (16:14) Transitioning into Mental Health Professions (22:08) Finding the Right Therapist for First Responders (26:12) Challenges in Seeking Treatment for First Responders (33:39) The Significance of Purpose Post-Career (36:31) Understanding the ACE Score for First Responders (40:10) Emphasizing Self-Motivation in Recovery (43:30) Alumni Programs and Community Support (45:02) Normalizing Mental Health Care in First Responder Culture (48:15) Mayday Calls: Addressing Crisis Moments (50:04) Broadening Mental Health Support and Awareness (51:17) Introducing the HALT Method and PTO Concept (56:33) Highlighting Early Mental Health Training (57:05) Expressing Gratitude and Guest Appreciation (58:12) Podcast Cross-Promotion and Final Thoughts (58:53) Sponsor: Frontline Empowerment Solutions