A Specialized Program for First Responders

The Honor Strong Program at Cypress Creek Hospital is a dedicated, acute, inpatient program for First Responders. Cypress Creek Hospital has built a trauma-informed, resiliency-focused treatment model to address the unique symptoms experienced by First Responders (Police Officers, Firefighters, EMTs, and Military personnel). First responder recovery focuses on connecting with others experiencing similar challenges, a holistic skilled-based program, and building a support system for continued recovery after discharge. At Cypress Creek Hospital, we believe in not only treating the patient but building healthy habits for your body and brain as well as integrating patient support systems through providing multi-family groups and educational materials for patients’ loved ones. We are committed to our mission to assist First Responders in their recovery. We serve those who serve and honor their strength in their path to recovery.

Unique features of the Honor Strong Program include

• Clinicians that are certified First Responder Counselors
• VIP, expedited admissions process
• Dedicated first responder liaison available 24/7
• Dedicated first responders unit & staff
• Daily meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner), which can be ordered from our daily menu created specifically for First Responders

A Clinical Treatment Approach

Our trauma-informed, resiliency focused treatment model blends Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and prolonged exposure. In treatment, we start by addressing the lower levels of trauma and building resiliency skills to confront severe traumatic events. All counselors working with the patients are certified First Responder Counselors. Unit staff are trained on how to better understand First Responder culture and serve First Responders through treatment. Family therapy sessions and a continuum of care after discharge are provided to all Honor Strong Program participants and Honor Strong families.

At Cypress Creek Hospital, we are focused on outcomes and measurable goals. Master treatment plans are based on diagnosis and surveys completed by patients upon admission. We have measured a 50% average decrease in diagnosis symptoms from admission to discharge for Honor Strong Program patients.

Additional Program Details

Programming for Honor Strong patients consists of four groups per day. Groups are a blend of activity therapy, art therapy, music therapy, pet therapy, and group/talk therapy. Groups are on a ten-day rotating schedule where the following topics for skills building are fostered:

Admissions and Referrals

Cypress Creek Hospital’s Honor Strong Program offers First Responders a direct, private and dedicated referral line that is separate from our main hospital referral lines. First Responders may call our direct program admissions and referral line at 281-995-1475; staff are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To ensure all information is held in the strictest of confidence, patients in the Honor Strong Program remain separate from other patients throughout the admissions process. Once a First Responder arrives at Cypress Creek Hospital, they will call our Honor Strong Program line and a staff member will meet you at your vehicle and escort you into the hospital through a private entrance. A separate assessment room for First Responders will be available for all assessments. Our assessment process can range from 30 minutes to an hour. If a First Responder meets inpatient criteria, then the First Responder will be admitted to our Honor Strong Program Unit. Please refer to our “What to Bring” list on our website. Daily visitation is also listed online.

What to Bring and What to Leave at Home

We will ensure the safety of all patients and staff by defining which items are permissible on the Military unit, which items require staff supervision and which items are prohibited. Room and personal search policies are in place to ensure the safety of all involved. Smoking is allowed in our private courtyard during “Fresh Air Break” times, but we ask that lighters are not brought onto the premises.

What to Bring

• Six or seven says worth of civilian clothes (belts are permitted only during off-campus outings)
• PT Gear (civilian or military)
• Flip-flops/shower shoes
• House slippers
• Closed-toe shoes and running shoes (one pair laced for PT, one laceless pair, such as loafers)
• Hygiene gear
• Tobacco (if used)
• MP3 player (no recording devices)
• Bedding (if desired, but it is provided)
• Limited spending money
• List of important phone numbers
• OIC and/or SEL contact info
• MD/Case Manager/Therapist contact info

What NOT to Bring

• Items in glass containers
• Aerosol cans/sprays
• Weapons (includes gerbers)
• Hangers
• Scissors
• Safety pins/needles/push pins
• Steel-toed shoes
• Mirrors/compacts
• Any product containing alcohol (including mouthwash)
• Heeled shoes
• Recording devices
• Inappropriate clothing (revealing or referencing drugs/alcohol)
• Lighters
• Keepsake items
• Electronic devices with cameras are not permitted on the unit (cell phones, etc.)
• Aluminum cans
• Outside food or drink
• Items with drawstrings