This page provides general information about the American Board of First Responder Behavioral Healthcare (FRBH). Detailed standards and accreditation requirements are outlined in the accreditation framework.

1. What does FRBH do?

FRBH establishes national standards for how behavioral health systems supporting first responders are organized, governed, and sustained, and accredits organizations that meet those standards.

2. What is FRBH’s mission?

FRBH’s mission is to improve the consistency, quality, and sustainability of behavioral health systems supporting first responders through clear national standards and accreditation.

The goal is to ensure that support is accessible, accountable, and embedded within organizations, rather than dependent on individual initiative or informal practices.

3. Who does FRBH serve?

FRBH serves:

• Public safety agencies (fire, EMS, law enforcement, dispatch, corrections)

• Organizations responsible for trauma-exposed workforces

• Behavioral health practitioners and professionals supporting responders

• Communities and stakeholders invested in workforce readiness and public trust

4. Is FRBH a service provider?

No. FRBH does not provide clinical services, counseling, or direct care.

FRBH functions exclusively as a standards-setting and accreditation body, establishing expectations for how behavioral health systems are designed, governed, and maintained.

5. How is FRBH different from a vendor or training organization?

FRBH does not sell programs, trainings, or services. Instead, FRBH:

• Establishes national standards

• Accredits organizations and certifies practitioners against those standards

• Focuses on system design, governance, and accountability

Vendors, providers, and consultants may support implementation, but FRBH remains independent and standards-focused.

6. What does FRBH accredit?

FRBH accredits organizational behavioral health systems, not individual programs.

Accreditation evaluates whether an organization has appropriate structure, governance, safeguards, and continuity to support responder behavioral health over time.

Additional detail is available in the FRBH Accreditation Framework.

7. Does FRBH replace EAP, counseling, or peer support programs?

No. FRBH does not replace existing services.

Most agencies already offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), internal counseling, peer support, or referral options. FRBH accreditation provides the system-level framework that integrates and governs these resources so they function cohesively and do not rely solely on individuals asking for help.

8. Why does FRBH focus on systems rather than individual programs?

Programs can change, dissolve, or depend heavily on specific individuals. Systems endure.

FRBH focuses on systems because durable, accountable structures are more effective at supporting trauma-exposed workforces across time, leadership transitions, and critical incidents.

9. Who typically uses FRBH standards?

FRBH standards are used by public safety agencies and organizations responsible for trauma-exposed workforces that want to formalize, strengthen, and sustain their behavioral health systems over time.

10. When is the right time to consider FRBH accreditation?

Organizations often explore accreditation after establishing foundational programs and resources and when leadership seeks to ensure those efforts are governed, durable, and accountable at a systems level.

11. Does FRBH dictate clinical care or treatment decisions?

No. FRBH does not direct individual clinical care, treatment approaches, or operational decisions.

FRBH standards focus on organizational systems, governance, and accountability while preserving professional judgment, confidentiality, and local control.

12. Does FRBH certify individual practitioners?

FRBH certifies practitioners against defined competency standards where applicable. Practitioner certification is distinct from organizational accreditation and does not authorize clinical practice.

13. How does FRBH update or evolve its standards?

FRBH standards are reviewed and refined periodically based on emerging evidence, stakeholder input, and field developments to ensure continued relevance and integrity.

14. Is FRBH a regulatory or enforcement body?

No. FRBH is not a regulator, licensing authority, or enforcement body.

FRBH does not license individuals, discipline practitioners, or replace statutory or regulatory oversight. Participation in FRBH accreditation does not alter existing legal or regulatory requirements.

15. Is FRBH accreditation mandatory?

No. FRBH accreditation is voluntary.

Organizations pursue accreditation to demonstrate commitment to structured, accountable behavioral health systems and to strengthen organizational continuity and trust.

16. Who oversees FRBH?

FRBH operates under a formal governance structure that includes:

• A Board of Directors

• An Executive Board

• Advisory subject-matter experts

This structure supports independence, accountability, and alignment with national standards-setting best practices.

17. How does FRBH maintain independence and objectivity?

FRBH maintains independence through defined governance practices, conflict-of-interest safeguards, and a clear separation between standards-setting and implementation activities.

These measures preserve credibility, neutrality, and public trust.

18. Is FRBH affiliated with any government agency?

No. FRBH is an independent national organization.

While FRBH engages with public agencies and stakeholders, it is not a government entity and does not replace statutory or regulatory authorities.

19. How does FRBH support public trust?

By establishing transparent, consistent standards for behavioral health systems, FRBH helps organizations clearly demonstrate how they protect their workforce.

This transparency supports trust among employees, families, leadership, oversight bodies, and the public.