Cohen Veterans Network Partners with Gary Sinise Foundation to Serve Los Angeles Fire Department

The Gary Sinise Foundation (GSF) and Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) have teamed up to offer uniformed members of the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and their families high-quality mental health care that is easily accessible. Services can now be accessed via the network’s Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at VVSD, Los Angeles in Torrance, CA, both in-person and via CVN Telehealth, face-to-face video therapy.

The collaboration between CVN and GSF was prompted by the wildfires in January 2025 in the Los Angeles area, such as the Eaton Fire in Altadena and the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades and Malibu. These incidents resulted in substantial physical destruction and considerable emotional stress for both the community and its first responders.

"Partnering with the Gary Sinise Foundation to bring our proven model of care to Los Angeles Fire Department uniformed personnel and their families is a natural extension of our mission at Cohen Veterans Network,” said Dr. Anthony Hassan, president and CEO of Cohen Veterans Network. “LAFD firefighters face unique challenges and pressures, and we are honored to support their mental health and well-being as they continue to protect and serve. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier future for those who dedicate their lives to helping others."

After the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001, Gary’s support for first responders grew significantly. Inspired by the bravery of first responders who rushed toward the twin towers in an attempt to save lives, Gary made outreach to first responders a foundational element of his organization. Since the start of GSF in 2011, Gary and the Foundation have increased support for first responder heroes through its programs, including mental wellness.

Services are provided to current uniformed personnel of the LAFD, which includes firefighters, EMTs, and medics, as well as their immediate family members such as spouses, partners, and children residing in the same household. Treatment is available for a wide variety of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, anger, grief and loss, family and relationship challenges, and children’s behavioral issues. Therapy options include individual, couples, family, and group sessions.

To ensure clinicians are best equipped to serve this population, the Cohen Clinic at VVSD, Los Angeles staff have undergone specialized cultural competence training provided by the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). The training helps caregivers provide more effective and relatable mental health support by focusing on the distinct culture, stressors, and experiences of firefighters and their families.

"Our first responders are on the front lines of our communities, often putting their own lives on the line to protect and serve others," said Jim Ravella, Executive Vice President of the Gary Sinise Foundation. "Through this partnership with Cohen Veterans Network and on behalf of our founder Gary Sinise, we are proud to extend critical mental health services to the courageous men and women of the Los Angeles Fire Department, as well as their families. Together, we are ensuring they have the support they need to thrive, both on and off duty, and help their communities heal and recover together."

Since its inception in 2016, CVN has cared for over 94,000 veterans, service members and military family members in over 855,000 clinical sessions. Currently, the network serves 20 states with 22 Cohen Clinics.

For more information about care for LAFD uniformed personnel and their families, contact the clinic at vvsd.net/cohencliniclosangeles. For more information on the Gary Sinise Foundation, visit www.garysinisefoundaton.org.

About Cohen Veterans Network

Cohen Veterans Network (CVN) is a 501(c)(3) global not-for-profit philanthropic organization for post- 9/11 veterans, active-duty service members and their families. CVN focuses on improving mental health outcomes, operating a network of outpatient mental health clinics in high-need communities, in which trained clinicians deliver holistic evidence-based care to treat mental health conditions. It was established in 2016 by philanthropist Steven A. Cohen with a commitment of $275 million to build the network. Learn more about CVN at cohenveteransnetwork.org.

About The Gary Sinise Foundation

Gary Sinise is an award-winning actor and humanitarian, best known for his roles in CSI:NY, Apollo 13, and his Oscar-nominated performance in the film Forrest Gump as the wounded Vietnam veteran Lt. Dan Taylor. An advocate for our nation’s defenders since the 1980s, after 9/11 Sinise began a tireless crusade to support America’s military and first responders around the world with handshake tours and concerts with his band, the Lt. Dan Band. In 2011, he established the Gary Sinise Foundation as an extension of those efforts. Today, the Foundation is building custom homes for severely wounded heroes, honoring and supporting the families of our fallen, providing essential equipment and training for first responders, improving the mental wellness of our defenders, and so much more. For more information and to support, visit www.garysinisefoundation.org.