Desert Hope Treatment Center Names Blaise Schafer Lead Clinician for First Responders Program
News related to:Desert Hope Treatment Center · 1 min read
LAS VEGAS, Sept. 16, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- Desert Hope Treatment Center has appointed Blaise Schafer as the lead clinician for its new First Responders Program. The specialized program is designed to address the unique behavioral health needs of public safety professionals, including firefighters, law enforcement officers, and emergency medical personnel.
Repeated exposure to traumatic events and high-stress work environments can increase the risk of anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), burnout, and substance use among first responders. The program aims to provide a supportive environment where these professionals can address these challenges alongside peers who understand the demands of their work.
Schafer, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor with over a decade of experience, will guide the treatment approach and work closely with the clinical team to ensure participants receive care that reflects their experiences and needs. He currently serves patients at Desert Hope Treatment Center’s outpatient location and will expand his role to lead the specialized treatment program for first responders.
Schafer's experience includes assessments, individual and group counseling, treatment planning, and relapse prevention. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Social Work degree and is a member of the National Association for Addiction Professionals.
Ari Chelli, LCSW, LCADC-S, MBA, the interim executive director of Desert Hope Treatment Center, emphasized Schafer's suitability for the role. "He understands the importance of building trust and meeting people where they are. We believe he is the right person to help us provide first responders with the specialized care and support they deserve."
Desert Hope Treatment Center, located in Las Vegas, Nevada, serves the greater Las Vegas area and individuals nationwide with evidence-based addiction and mental health treatment. The center provides a full continuum of inpatient and outpatient services, as well as sober living, for individuals facing substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. Their specialized programs, including tailored support for veterans, offer a strong foundation for lasting recovery that transforms lives.