Jeff Sych is a Registered Psychologist in private practice, with a focus on clinical and counselling psychology. He has been a member of the College of Alberta Psychologists since 2004. Jeff is the Clinical Director for the Alberta Critical Incident Peer Network and International Critical Incident Stress Foundation – Canada, Inc. Jeff is trained in the assessment and evidence-based treatment of mental health conditions that arise from public safety and healthcare service but prefers to present on building resilience so that personnel stay psychologically healthy and put him out of business by not needing his services any longer.
Jeff is trained in the assessment and evidence-based treatment of mental health conditions that arise from public safety and healthcare service but prefers to present on building resilience so that personnel stay psychologically healthy and put him out of business by not needing his services any longer.
He also conducts research and has published articles on supports and mental health programs for first responders. Jeff has previous work and consulting experience that include the Zebra Child Protection Centre, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Alberta Health Services, Office of the Fire Commission, Government of Alberta, Alberta Fire Chief’s Association, and Stollery Children’s Hospital. In addition, Jeff was instrumental in opening and managing the Edmonton Operational Stress Injury Clinic for Northern Alberta to serve RCMP, Veterans and the Military in Northern Alberta.
Jeff holds a Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Psychology and a Master of Science in Psychiatry, both from the University of Alberta. He served on the Lieutenant Governor’s Circle on Mental Health and Addictions from 2012-16 and was Vice-Chair from 2013-15. He is a current member of the Clinician Advisory Committee with the Canadian Institute of Public Safety Research & Treatment and of the National Peer Support Community Network.
Jeff is also a current Board member of Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Edmonton. Jeff is an ICISF Approved Instructor for CISM peer support courses; “Assisting Individuals in Crisis,” “Group Crisis Intervention,” “Advanced Assisting Individuals in Crisis,” “Psychological Body Armor™ for Emergency Services and Healthcare,” and “Resilient Leadership for Emergency Services and Healthcare.” Jeff has a current Certificate in Critical Incident Stress Management (CCISM) from the University of Marilyn Baltimore County. He is the clinical director of nine CISM teams: first responder, hospital and corporate based. He provides expert consultation on mental wellness initiatives, CISM team development, functioning and has participated directly in CISM interventions.
Since 2017 Jeff has trained over 3000 front-line public safety personnel and 200 leaders in emergency services in CISM Peer Support. Traveling throughout the province of Alberta for an initiative to establish the Alberta Critical Incident Peer Network (ACIPN): a 24/7 peer led/peer driven network of trained peers who can provide evidence-informed peer support to those members impacted by the traumatic experiences they are exposed to during the routine course of their operational duties.
In 2018, Jeff received the ICISF Co-Founders Award of Excellence in Crisis Intervention and in 2022, The Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee Award for his ongoing work in supporting first responders’ mental wellness.
