Resilient Responder Program
Licensed Clinicians from the MUSC-P forensics department provide wellness and resiliency trainings for educational purpose to First Responder personnel. This is known as the MUSC Resilient Responder Program. An annual, fully confidential one-hour check-in session for all personnel for mental well-being follows the initial classroom style training. MUSC promotes health/staying healthy and effectiveness with both physical and mental wellbeing in the role of Responder.

https://medicine.musc.edu/departments/psychiatry/divisions-and-programs/divisions/cpspd/programs/resilient-responder-program

Presented by:

Elizabeth Evans MSW, LISW-CP, Certified First Responder Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Community & Public Safety Psychiatry Division

My Qualifications
17 years as a licensed clinical social worker in South Carolina. Owner of a private practice with Therapist employees since 2013, virtual services since 2011. MUSC has been my employer and/or community partner since 2006. My employment history spans schools, colleges, forensics, residential treatment facilities, court, outpatient clinics and more. In 2019 I served as South Carolina’s state captain for the National Council for Behavioral Health in Washington D.C., to help lobby for state funding for community mental health services.

My First Responder Clinical Preparation 
Through the National Board of Clinical Counselors (NBCC) I hold an intensive counseling certificate titled “Certified First Responder Counselor”. There is 1 other licensed Therapist in South Carolina with this specialty. I also hold a clinical trauma professional certificate (CCTP). 

I completed crisis incident stress management training (CISM) at Charleston County Sheriff’s Office/SC LEAP for peer support as a Clinician. In April 2024 I will complete equivalent training with the fire service (SC FAST, SC Firefighters state association). I ride-a-long on the fire trucks with North Charleston Fire Department and engage in the scenes within the scope of my role. I work with special teams at Charleston Police Department and the Charleston Animal Society in the context of front-line trauma agencies serving the greater Lowcountry.

Why was I chosen to be here? 
It is difficult to find Responders that are also licensed Therapists/Counselors. The Responder should not have to take care of the Therapist. Mental health tools can be used by Responders “in the moment” as well as by company employees and people of all background to improve the moment of stressful life challenges. Therapists teach these skills.

I was raised in Virginia Beach. My Father and Grandfather were both U.S. Naval Officers. One of my best friends growing up became a Command Master Chief. I was a Tricare kid and spent a lot of time on military bases before moving to South Carolina in 2002. Military culture and Responder culture have similarities with giving and taking orders. I am at home in this culture. 

I am a Mom, a wife, a dog lover, a reader and a lifelong learner. Thank you for your interest.

Also presented by: 

Diana Mullis, MD, Department of Psychiatry, MUSC

Dr. Diana Mullis earned her M.D. at the Medical University of South Carolina. Prior to entering the practice of Psychiatry, her specialty was Emergency Medicine and she also served as a Medical Examiner in the state of North Carolina.  She completed her residency training in Psychiatry and a Forensic Psychiatry fellowship at MUSC.  She is Board-certified in Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.  

Dr. Diana Mullis holds a faculty position as Clinical Associate Professor with the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).  She has many years of leadership experience and holds the positions of Medical Director Adult Services, Mental Health ICCE; Associate Director, Psychiatry Hospitalist Division; and Director of the Community and Public Safety Psychiatry Division (CPSPD), which includes the Forensic Psychiatry section.  She serves on several committees in the Department of Psychiatry, Medical University, and served on national organization committees, including past Chair of the Law Enforcement Liaison Committee of American Academy of Psychiatry and Law.

Dr. Mullis maintains a clinical and forensic psychiatric practice and actively participates as a faculty member to train and supervise medical students, residents, and fellows.  She is experienced in providing treatment in the corrections settings, including previously at Al Cannon Detention Center during forensic fellowship training and in South Carolina Department of Corrections (SCDC). She is experienced in conducting several types of forensic evaluations and has been qualified as an expert witness to offer testimony in Probate Court, Court of General Sessions, Court of Common Pleas, and Federal Court.

Dr. Mullis is the Director of the Forensic Psychiatry section that includes six forensic psychiatrists, Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN’s) with specialty in mental health to provide treatment in the corrections setting, forensic psychologists, and social workers. All of the forensic physicians and APRN’s are experienced in providing evidence-based treatment in a correctional setting and understand the special legal considerations for this population of patients. We have periodic review of all our practices to uphold current practice standards.

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