Stronger Minds. Stronger Heroes.

Wellness is readiness. Every first responder deserves confidential support and the opportunity to stay healthy—personally, professionally, and operationally.

• Get started
• Call - 844 954 6040

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.

• Read More About New Illinois Regulations

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.

• Schedule a consulation

Who We Help

Wellness is readiness. Every first responder deserves confidential support and the opportunity to stay healthy—personally, professionally, and operationally.”

• Read more about help

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.

• Ask for invitation

Talk Freely

Share openly, knowing it stays between you and your provider.

• Contact us

Team

Meet our dedicated team to serve you

• Meet our team

• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• User Consent Agreement

• Twitter
• ProtonMail
• Google Business
• Email

© The Guardian. All rights reserved.

Contact Us:

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.

• Read more about us

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.

• Contact us

• If You’re a Police Officer, Click Here to Learn More

• 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

Terms & Conditions

Last Updated: January 2025
Operated by: TGFRS, Corp
899 S Weber Rd, Unit G, Bolingbrook, IL 604901. IntroductionWelcome to The Guardian First Responder Services (“The Guardian FRS”), operated by TGFRS, Corp (“TGFRS,” “we,” “us,” or “our”).
The Guardian FRS provides a communication, documentation, scheduling, and reporting platform designed to support licensed mental-health providers in meeting the requirements of Illinois Public Act 101-652 and other applicable mental-health standards for first responders.By accessing or using theguardianfrs.com or any related mobile, SMS, RingCentral, or reporting features (collectively, the “Services”), you agree to these Terms & Conditions.If you do not agree, do not use the Services.2. Nature of the ServiceTGFRS does not provide medical, psychiatric, psychological, diagnostic, or clinical treatment.
All clinical services are provided exclusively by independent licensed professionals or agencies (“Covered Entities”).TGFRS provides:
• A secure communication and scheduling platform
• Digital tools for evaluations
• Data storage and reporting on behalf of Covered Entities
• Optional SMS notifications, reminders, and updates via RingCentral
• A portal for first responders to participate in mandated evaluations and follow-upTGFRS does not supervise, employ, or control clinical decision-making of any provider using our platform.
3. HIPAA Compliance & RolesUnder HIPAA:
• Covered Entities = Independent licensed mental-health providers and agencies who deliver clinical services
• Business Associate (BA) = TGFRS, Corp, which handles PHI on behalf of those providers
• End Users (“First Responders”) = Individuals participating in evaluations or receiving communications through the platformTGFRS enters into Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) with Covered Entities and complies with:
• HIPAA Privacy Rule
• HIPAA Security Rule
• HITECH Act
• Applicable state privacy lawsTGFRS safeguards PHI (Protected Health Information) and will not use or disclose PHI except as permitted by Covered Entities or required by law.4. No Emergency or Crisis ServiceThe Guardian FRS is not an emergency service.
If you or someone else is experiencing a crisis or life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.SMS reminders, scheduling messages, or notifications must not be used to request emergency assistance.5. EligibilityThe Services are provided solely to:
• Authorized first responders assigned by their department
• Covered Entities who provide clinical evaluations
• Agency administrators overseeing complianceUnauthorized access is strictly prohibited.6. Use of RingCentral & SMS Consent RequirementsTGFRS uses RingCentral as its SMS and communication provider.
All SMS activities must comply with:
• RingCentral Terms of Service
• RingCentral Acceptable Use Policy
• CTIA Messaging Guidelines
• The Short Code Monitoring Handbook
• Carrier-specific (AT&T, T-Mobile) Code of Conduct
• All opt-in/opt-out and consent requirements6.1 Required User ConsentBefore receiving SMS messages, users must provide express consent.
No implied consent is accepted.Consent may be collected:
• Through a web form
• By replying to an initial opt-in SMS
• Through agency enrollment
• Via department authorization where legally permittedAll opt-ins and opt-outs are logged.6.2 Automated MessagingIf automated SMS reminders are used (e.g., appointment reminders), they:
• Must originate only from TCR-registered numbers
• Must include opt-out instructions (“Reply STOP to end”)
• Must honor all opt-out requests immediately6.3 Opt-Out ComplianceUsers may stop SMS communications at any time by texting:STOP, UNSUBSCRIBE, or as instructed within a message.Some SMS communications related to mandatory evaluations may still occur through alternative channels (email, portal access) as required by law.6.4 Prohibited Campaigns and ContentTGFRS will not use SMS for:
• Marketing loans, credit repair, or debt services
• Political messaging
• Advertisements for alcohol, tobacco, firearms, or controlled substances
• Gambling or investment offers
• Any activity prohibited by RingCentral or wireless carriersViolation of SMS rules may result in suspension of messaging access.7. User ResponsibilitiesYou agree to:
• Provide accurate personal and contact information
• Maintain the confidentiality of your login credentials
• Only use the platform for its intended purpose
• Not attempt to bypass security measures
• Not use the Services in any way that violates HIPAA, state law, or agency policies8. Data Collection & PHI HandlingTGFRS may collect and store:
• Appointment information
• Notes and evaluations from Covered Entities
• Communication logs
• RingCentral SMS metadata
• Account activity related to the ServicePHI is only processed:
• As permitted by Covered Entities
• To support mandated evaluations
• To generate reports required by agencies (when authorized)
• To comply with legal obligationsTGFRS will not sell, transfer, or use PHI for marketing or unrelated purposes.9. SecurityTGFRS uses administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect PHI, including:
• Encrypted transmission (HTTPS/TLS)
• Encrypted data storage
• Access controls and auditing
• RingCentral HIPAA-enabled accounts
• Role-based accessCovered Entities are responsible for securing their own access credentials.10. Fees and BillingAgencies, departments, or organizations—not individual first responders—are responsible for subscription fees.Billing terms are defined in separate service agreements.11. Third-Party ServicesThe Guardian FRS integrates with:
• RingCentral (SMS, calling, telecommunication)
• Cloud hosting providers
• Optional agency systemsYour use of the Services is subject also to these providers’ policies.TGFRS is not responsible for outages, failures, or restrictions imposed by third-party providers.12. TerminationTGFRS may suspend or terminate user access if:
• Required by the Covered Entity or agency
• The user violates SMS or HIPAA rules
• The user attempts to misuse or hack the system
• Required by law or court orderUpon termination, PHI will be retained or destroyed according to the applicable BAA and HIPAA rules.13. Disclaimer of WarrantiesThe Services are provided “as-is” and without warranty.TGFRS does not guarantee:
• SMS delivery
• Continuous availability
• Carrier reliability
• Clinical outcomes
• Compliance without agency participationCovered Entities remain solely responsible for clinical decisions.14. Limitation of LiabilityTo the fullest extent permitted by law:
• TGFRS is not liable for medical decisions, clinical consequences, misuse of PHI by Covered Entities, or failure of agencies to comply with laws.
• TGFRS is not liable for carrier delays, message blocking, or RingCentral restrictions.Liability for any claim is limited to the amount paid by the agency for the Services in the prior 12 months.15. Governing LawThese Terms are governed by the laws of the State of Illinois, without regard to conflicts of law principles.16. Changes to TermsTGFRS may update these Terms at any time.
Continued use of the Services constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.17. Contact InformationFor questions:TGFRS, Corp
899 S Weber Rd, Unit G
Bolingbrook, IL 60490
Email: [email protected]

HIPAA Privacy Policy

Last Updated: January 2025
Operated by: TGFRS, Corp
899 S Weber Rd, Unit G, Bolingbrook, IL 604901. IntroductionThis HIPAA Privacy Policy explains how TGFRS, Corp (“TGFRS,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) handles, protects, and uses Protected Health Information (“PHI”) collected through The Guardian First Responder Services (“The Guardian FRS”) platform.TGFRS operates as a Business Associate under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the HITECH Act.
All medical and clinical services are provided by licensed third-party mental-health professionals (“Covered Entities”).This Policy applies to:
• First responders using The Guardian FRS
• Covered Entities using our technology
• Agencies participating in mandated mental-health compliance2. Our Role Under HIPAATGFRS is not a healthcare provider and does not deliver clinical services.
TGFRS acts as a Business Associate, which means:
• We handle PHI only on behalf of Covered Entities
• We do not use PHI for marketing, sales, or unrelated purposes
• We comply with all HIPAA Privacy & Security requirements
• We sign Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) with Covered EntitiesCovered Entities retain full clinical and legal responsibility for all medical decisions, evaluations, and documentation.3. Protected Health Information (PHI) We CollectTGFRS may collect, store, or process PHI including:
• Personal identifying information (name, date of birth, contact information)
• Department and employment details (where provided)
• Appointment records
• Notes and observations from Covered Entities
• Compliance and evaluation data
• Communication history with providers
• SMS metadata via RingCentral (not message content unless authorized)
• User activity within the platformWe do not request or store unnecessary medical records beyond what Covered Entities require for compliance.4. How We Use PHITGFRS uses PHI only to support Covered Entities and for:
• Scheduling appointments
• Facilitating required mental-health evaluations
• Secure communication and reporting
• Providing agencies with compliance updates (when authorized)
• Maintaining accurate logs for legal or operational purposes
• System operation, troubleshooting, and supportTGFRS does not use PHI for advertising, resale, lead generation, or any purpose not explicitly allowed by the Covered Entity.5. How We Share PHIPHI may only be shared with:✔ Covered Entities who are treating or evaluating the user
✔ Authorized representatives of the user’s department or agency, when legally allowed
✔ Our subcontractors who operate under HIPAA-compliant agreements
✔ RingCentral (SMS delivery metadata; not message content unless required by law)
✔ Law enforcement or regulators, only when legally mandated
✔ Technology providers (hosting, encryption, backup) operating under HIPAA-compliant agreementsWe never share PHI with:
• Advertisers
• Data brokers
• Marketing companies
• Unauthorized parties
• Third-party affiliates6. User Rights Under HIPAAAs a user of a HIPAA-protected service, you have the right to:✔ Access your records
✔ Request corrections
✔ Request an accounting of disclosures
✔ Request restrictions on certain uses of PHI
✔ Request confidential communications
✔ File a complaintAll requests must be directed to the Covered Entity (your evaluating clinician), not TGFRS.TGFRS will support the Covered Entity in responding to these requests.
7. Data Security & SafeguardsTGFRS uses administrative, technical, and physical safeguards including:
• Encrypted transmission (TLS/HTTPS)
• Encrypted data storage
• Access logging and monitoring
• Role-based access controls
• Password and authentication requirements
• Use of HIPAA-enabled RingCentral accounts
• Secure cloud hosting providersWe maintain incident response procedures, including mandatory breach notifications as required by HIPAA.8. SMS Messaging & RingCentral PrivacyTGFRS uses RingCentral to deliver SMS reminders and notifications.As required by CTIA and carrier guidelines:
• Users must provide express opt-in consent before receiving SMS messages
• Each SMS includes opt-out instructions (“Reply STOP to end”)
• TGFRS logs and honors all opt-out requests
• SMS may be limited by carrier rules, outages, or message blocking
• TGFRS does not control carrier-level restrictions or failuresSMS should not be used for emergencies.9. Data RetentionPHI is retained according to:
• Federal HIPAA requirements
• Applicable state laws
• The Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with each Covered EntityWhen retention periods expire or a Covered Entity requests deletion, TGFRS securely deletes PHI according to HIPAA standards.10. Breach NotificationIf PHI is compromised, TGFRS will:
• Notify the Covered Entity without unreasonable delay
• Assist with investigation and remediation
• Provide required documentation for regulatory complianceCovered Entities are responsible for communicating with affected individuals unless otherwise stated in the BAA.11. Changes to This PolicyWe may update this Privacy Policy periodically.
Continued use of the Services constitutes acceptance of any changes.12. Contact InformationFor privacy or HIPAA-related inquiries:TGFRS, Corp
899 S Weber Rd, Unit G
Bolingbrook, IL 60490
Email: [email protected]

User Consent Agreement

By using The Guardian First Responder Services (“The Guardian FRS”), I acknowledge and agree to the following:
1. Independent Providers
I understand that all clinical evaluations and services are provided by licensed independent mental-health professionals (“Covered Entities”), not by TGFRS, Corp.
2. Use of My Information
I consent to the collection, use, and disclosure of my personal information and Protected Health Information (“PHI”) solely for the purpose of:
• Scheduling and participating in required evaluations
• Facilitating communication with my assigned clinician
• Supporting mental-health compliance required by my department or state law
• Generating legally required reports for my agency, when authorized
3. HIPAA Compliance
I understand that TGFRS, Corp acts as a Business Associate and follows HIPAA rules for protecting my PHI.
4. SMS Consent
By providing my phone number, I consent to receive SMS messages through RingCentral related to:
• Appointment reminders
• Required evaluation scheduling
• Follow-up instructions
• Administrative updates
I may opt out at any time by replying STOP.
5. No Emergencies
I understand that The Guardian FRS is not an emergency service.
If I am experiencing a crisis, I must call 911 or contact emergency personnel immediately.
6. Rights
I understand that I have the right to access, request corrections, or ask questions about my PHI through my licensed provider.
7. Voluntary Participation
Except where mandated by law or department policy, my participation is voluntary and I may cease using the Services at any time by contacting my provider.By clicking “I Agree,” signing electronically, or continuing to use The Guardian FRS, I confirm that I understand and consent to the terms above.