Stronger Minds. Stronger Heroes.
Wellness is readiness. Every first responder deserves confidential support and the opportunity to stay healthy—personally, professionally, and operationally.
First responder wellness program
Across Illinois, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and dispatchers face high levels of stress, trauma, and burnout. Yet many hesitate to seek help — fearing judgment, loss of credibility, or a breach of privacy.The Guardian Wellness Program was built to change that. We provide a private mental health platform designed specifically for Illinois first responders, in compliance with Public Act 101-652, which requires regular mental health evaluations and promotes officer wellness statewide.Our platform ensures every conversation stays confidential, secure, and between you and your licensed provider — never your department, never your peers. This approach supports early intervention, emotional resilience, and long-term mental fitness for those who protect our communities every day.
Why It Matters
Illinois police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and dispatchers face daily trauma, burnout, and emotional strain.
Too often, they stay silent — worried about stigma or privacy.
The Guardian changes that by providing confidential, always-on mental health support designed for first responders.
Confidential Mental Health Support for Illinois First Responders
Private. Protected. Compliant with IL Public Act 101-652.
Who We Help
Wellness is readiness. Every first responder deserves confidential support and the opportunity to stay healthy—personally, professionally, and operationally.”
Leadership team The Guardian Health
The Guardian Board collectively ensures compliance with Illinois Public Act 101-652 and the highest standards of confidentiality for first responder wellness programs.
Connect Privately
Start a secure session with The Guardian.
Talk Freely
Share openly, knowing it stays between you and your provider.
Team
Meet our dedicated team to serve you
Mental Health, On Your Terms
Year-round psychological and psychiatric support for first responders under stress (police, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs), delivered in a safe, confidential, and accessible way.
© The Guardian. All rights reserved.
Leadership team The Guardian Health
Dedicated professionals supporting Illinois first responders with confidential, evidence-based mental health and wellness care
Donald Price, LCPC, CADC
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor • Certified Alcohol and Drug CounselorDonald Price is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. With over 25 years in behavioral health, Donald specializes in helping Illinois first responders, law enforcement officers, and public-safety professionals manage stress, trauma, and substance use.
He has directed programs for Rush Behavioral Health, Presence Behavioral Health, and Amita Health, and developed an FAA-recognized program for airline pilots in recovery.
At The Guardian First Responder Services, Donald leads program design and clinical oversight, ensuring responders receive confidential, evidence-based mental health support.
Nicolette Mireles, LCPC
Licensed Clinical Professional CounselorNicolette Mireles is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor serving Illinois first responders and healthcare workers facing anxiety, trauma, and burnout. With more than 16 years of experience, she provides trauma-informed therapy grounded in neuroscience and resilience.
A graduate of Northern Illinois University and St. Xavier University, she has led clinical teams and continuing-education programs across Illinois.
Her work blends DBT, CBT, and ACT to help law enforcement professionals build emotional strength and recover from the invisible wounds of duty.
Dr. Catherine Gianan, APN, PMHNP, FNP
Psychiatric & Family Nurse Practitioner – Bolingbrook, ILDr. Catherine Gianan is a dual board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with more than 18 years of experience helping Illinois residents achieve mental and physical wellness. Based in Bolingbrook, IL, she provides compassionate, evidence-based care for first responders, officers, veterans, and their families.A graduate of Georgetown University with a psychiatric post-master’s certificate from St. Francis University (Illinois), Dr. Gianan treats depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and other complex behavioral health conditions. Her integrative approach connects body and mind—providing treatment options tailored to the demands of law enforcement and emergency service professionals who face daily stress and trauma.
Robert “Bob” O’Dekirk, J.D.
Former Joliet Police Officer • Attorney • Public ServantRobert “Bob” O’Dekirk brings decades of law enforcement and legal expertise to The Guardian Health. A decorated former Joliet Police Officer, Bob earned the 1995 Martin S. Murrin Labor Award and multiple nominations for Officer of the Year for his service.After earning his law degree from John Marshall Law School, Bob joined the U.S. Department of State mission in Iraq in 2008, where he served as a Regional Commander overseeing policing initiatives in northern Iraq. Upon returning to Illinois, he became a Partner at Allred & Rhodes, LLC, focusing on family and municipal law.Elected to the Joliet City Council in 2011 and Mayor in 2015, Bob continues to dedicate his career to supporting Illinois communities, first responders, and their families through both his public service and his advocacy for mental-health awareness.
Derek Brenczewski
Business Development ExecutiveWith over 15 years of leadership in private equity, mergers & acquisitions, and venture capital, Derek Brenczewski brings a strong business and innovation mindset to The Guardian Health. His expertise in strategic growth, team management, and operational scaling strengthens the organization’s ability to expand access to mental-health care for Illinois’s law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders.Derek’s career includes helping start-ups secure funding and develop sustainable business structures through strategic partnerships and policy alignment. Known for his “out-of-the-box” approach and strong relationship-building skills, he drives The Guardian’s mission of making confidential mental-health support accessible statewide. His experience in sales leadership, customer retention, and innovative outreach helps ensure that first responders in Illinois receive the care and respect they deserve.
Illinois Public Act 101-652 & The Guardian Health
Understanding the Law
In 2021, the State of Illinois enacted Public Act 101-652, also known as the Police and Community Accountability Act.Among its many reforms to modernize law enforcement and improve community trust, the law established a critical new requirement:
every Illinois law enforcement officer must undergo an annual confidential mental health screening conducted by a licensed mental health professional.This mandate recognizes the high levels of stress, trauma, and burnout that police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other first responders face daily.The goal is not to discipline, but to protect officers’ well-being, improve decision-making, and reduce the long-term impact of duty-related trauma.
Serving Illinois Departments Through Confidential Care.
The Guardian’s Role
The Guardian First Responder Services was created to help Illinois departments comply with Public Act 101-652 while offering their members private, judgment-free, year-round mental-health care.We serve as a confidential mental-wellness partner for:
• Police departments and sheriff’s offices
• Fire and EMS departments
• Dispatch and corrections staff
• Municipal HR and administrative teamsOur mission is simple:
to ensure that every Illinois first responder has access to consistent, compassionate, and secure mental-health support — not just a once-a-year evaluation.
How We Support Illinois Agencies
1. Annual Evaluations (PA 101-652 Compliant)We coordinate and document the required annual psychological evaluations with licensed clinicians in compliance with Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) guidelines.
All evaluations are conducted confidentially, and results are shared only with the officer and the licensed provider, never with command staff or peers.2. Ongoing Mental Health SupportBeyond the mandatory evaluation, The Guardian provides continuous care options — counseling, therapy, and wellness monitoring — tailored for officers, firefighters, EMTs, and their families.3. Department PartnershipsWe work directly with HR departments and command staff to simplify scheduling, ensure compliance, and reduce administrative load.
Our systems are HIPAA-secure and designed for seamless annual reporting without breaching confidentiality.4. Crisis and Preventive CareWe connect first responders to immediate help when needed, while also building preventive wellness programs to reduce long-term stress and burnout.
Why Illinois Agencies Choose The Guardian
• Fully compliant with Illinois Public Act 101-652
• Licensed clinical professionals experienced with law enforcement and first responder psychology
• Private and protected data handling (HIPAA & state-level confidentiality standards)
• Flexible scheduling to fit shift work and department rotations
• Coverage available statewide — serving Bolingbrook, Joliet, Naperville, Chicago Metro, and all Illinois counties
- Public Act 101‑0652 (also known as the SAFE‑T Act) from the Illinois General Assembly
- Summary of Amendments to Public Act 101-0652, the SAFE-T Act
Partner With The Guardian
If you’re an Illinois Police Chief, Fire Chief, HR Director, or Department Wellness Coordinator, The Guardian can help your agency meet compliance requirements while supporting your team’s well-being.