Dr. Portia Rawles: Mental Health and Racial Issues in the First Responder Community

Portia Rawles, Psy.D., discusses her journey from firefighter to clinical psychologist, the importance of mental health support for our nation's first responders, how race and racism informed her work as a firefighter, and the fascinating book she authored on the first Black women to desegregate the U.S. Fire Service.

Dr. Rawles, faculty and specialization coordinator in Saybrook’s department of humanistic clinical psychology, is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who offers traditional psychological services along with training, speaking, and consultation services to individuals as well as local and state organizations and governments. Prior to becoming a clinical psychologist, Dr. Rawles served 13 years with Norfolk Fire and Paramedical Services, now Norfolk Fire and Rescue. She retired as a captain and was the first African American woman in the department to reach this rank as well as the rank of lieutenant. Visit Saybrook University at https://www.saybrook.edu/

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