Things Police See: First Hand Accounts

Really fun interview with cop turned psychologist, Josh Vander Zwaag! Josh is now dedicated to helping first responders through his new career!    Walnut Creek Psychiatry Contact Josh - Cop2Therapist@gmail.com   Josh Vander Zwaag, LMSW, served as a police officer with the Ames Iowa police department from 2009 - 2021. During those years he primarily worked the patrol shift from 3 PM - 11 PM. During his career Josh received a Life Saving award (2018), Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Award (2017), and a Meritorious Service Award (2016).   A year and a half into his career, Josh was involved in an OIS and throughout his career was involved in many other incidents that not only challenged him as an individual and shaped his life, but also changed his perspective on mental health. After realizing a need for additional mental health providers and witnessing failures and inconsistencies within the mental health system, Josh decided he wanted to do something that would help make a difference in his community. Despite w