Dr. Heather Williams, PsyD, Psychologist
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Dr. Heather Williams, PsyD

Psychologist | Clinical

xxxxxxx Yorba Linda CA, 92886
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About

Heather Williams spent the last 25 years working in and around law enforcement. She worked in Probation, Victim Services and started a Crisis Response Team after recognizing that critical incidents create a ripple effect of impact. In 2014, after developing the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Peer Support Program, Heather was hired as their first Regional Peer Support Coordinator. Heather coordinated a team of almost 100 OCSD personnel, responded to critical incidents, provided training, and coordinated an emotional wellness campaign. Heather also co-founded the Orange County Association of Peer Supporters (OCAPS).

After spending 5 years with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department as the Regional Peer Support Coordinator, Heather elected to take her passion to another level and in 2019, established Premier First Responder Psychological Services. In 2023, she acquired Coherence Associates located in Carlsbad, CA. As a licensed psychologist, Heather is providing culturally competent services to individuals and couples working in public safety. Additionally, Heather assists departments develop and sustain peer support programs, provides 24/7 critical incident response, facilitates a 2-step model of critical incident debriefing, provides training on several topics and active shooter response and recovery response services.

Heather provides statewide training on several topics including, but not limited to: Wellness & Resiliency in Public Safety, POST Certified Peer Support Training, Advanced Peer Support, Peer Support Reboot and Critical Incident Response for Peer Support Course. Heather speaks at conferences and to academies about the stressors and traumas of public safety with the goal of increasing awareness, creating a culture of wellness and improving quality of life.

In 2022, Heather was published in Body, Mind & Badge, a book written by Kathryn Hamel, PhD. Heather was asked to write a chapter on cultivating resiliency in law enforcement.

In 2023, Premier and Coherence Associates in Carlsbad, CA joined forces to enhance services to public safety in North San Diego area.

Heather is a Peace Officer Standards & Training (POST) certified instructor, a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Psychological Services Section (IACP), and is the Vice President/Director of Peer Support & Mental Health for the National Law Enforcement Cancer Support Foundation.

Education and Training

Cal State Long Beach BA Psychology 1995

Chapman University MA Criminal Justice 1998

California Southern University PsyD-Psychology 2017

Provider Details

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Dr. Heather Williams, PsyD
Dr. Heather Williams, PsyD's Expert Contributions
  • What drug is commonly used to treat alcohol addiction?

    Someone with an alcohol addiction needs medically guided treatment first through detox (to safely come off the alcohol-this is where they will prescribe a medication to help with the withdrawal symptoms.) and then psychological treatment (either inpatient or intensive outpatient). Additionally, they will need a support group after treatment like AA or celebrate recovery many churches have to hold them accountable with a sponsor, etc. READ MORE

  • Do I have social anxiety disorder?

    Sounds like it, Yes. You can be treated with EMDR therapy for the best outcome. READ MORE

  • Does cognitive-behavioral therapy work for phobias?

    Yes it does, but I have utilized EMDR therapy for phobias with better outcomes. That would be my recommendation along with exposure therapy (EMDR has a component of that as well.) READ MORE

  • Can you treat panic attacks?

    Yes. Panic attacks are a subconscious manifestation of what we don't deal with. At some point the body says, "Nope! We are doing this (avoiding) anymore and the body and mind react. READ MORE

  • is anxiety causing me to become nauseous and throw up

    Yes, what doesn't get resolved psychologically can show up physically as you described. Talking is healing. I recommend talking to a therapist about what is bothering you. READ MORE

  • Are panic attacks serious?

    Panic attacks require therapy to deal with what you haven't. After you have READ MORE

  • Do you go to a psychiatrist for anxiety?

    Hi, Yes, but only for medication not therapy/treatment. With Respect, Heather Williams, PsyD Psy License #31232 Premier First Responder Psychological Service CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: The contents of this email message and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee(s) and may contain confidential and/or privileged information and may be legally protected from disclosure. If you are not the intended recipient of this message or their agent, or if this message has been addressed to you in error, please immediately alert the sender by reply email and then delete this message and any attachments. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, copying, or storage of this message or its attachments is strictly prohibited. READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

First Responders and their familyCritical incident response

Awards

  • Partnership and Dedication 2007 Irvine Police Department 
  • Betty Delany Victim Service Award 2011 CSP Board of Directors-Victim Services 
  • Above and Beyond Award 2012 Annual Crime Survivors Award 
  • Community Hero Award 2013 Joyful Child Foundation 
  • Difference Award 2017 California Southern University 
  • Citizens Achievement Award 2019 Laguna Beach Police Department 

Professional Memberships

  • International Association of Chiefs' of Police (IACP)  

Treatments

  • EMDR, CBT

Articles and Publications

  • Body, Mind & Badge Section 2 on Cultivating Resiliency in Law Enforcement

What do you attribute your success to?

  • The trust of first responders in giving me the honor of allowing me to help them heal. The unconditional support of my husband, Shane Millhollon.My resilient mom who raised a strong resilient daughter who can work in this field.

Areas of research

  • Critical incident debriefing and building resilience in law enforcement.

Teaching and speaking

  • Conferences, academies, POST certified courses for law enforcement including peer support, advanced peer support, critical incident response, trauma, developing peer support/wellness programs....

Favorite Place to Vacation

  • Bahamas

Dr. Heather Williams, PsyD's Practice location

Premier 1st Responder Psychological Services

xxxxxxx -
Yorba Linda, CA 92886
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New patients: 714-485-3236
premier1stresponder.com

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