Michael Branch is Director of the First Responder Clinic at Institutes of Health, as well as a senior Clinician in the Institutes Advanced PTSD Clinic. Michael has had a multifaceted career that spans over three decades, starting in law enforcement in the Bay Area in 1989. He began his career with the California Highway Patrol working on patrol as a motorcycle officer. In 1994, Michael lateraled to the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety where he worked as both a Police Officer and Firefighter. In 1996, Michael enlisted in the Navy, graduated BUD/S Class 215, and became a US Navy SEAL. He then attended the Special Operations Combat Medic Course (SOCM) at Fort Bragg North Carolina. After completing the course and becoming a SOCM Medic, Michael was assigned to SEAL TEAM FIVE in Coronado California. Michael conducted numerous deployments and is an Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) combat veteran. During his time in Iraq, Michael conducted over 100 raids to capture Baath party leaders, former Iraqi regime leaders, known terrorists, and other high value targets throughout Baghdad, Ramadi, and Fallujah. Many of these operations required Michael to lead small groups of SEALs on reconnaissance missions to operate surreptitiously in dense urban environments, in only thin skinned (un-armored) vehicles and with no immediate support. These operations gave Michael first-hand experience in dealing with the psychological and physical stresses of combat. These experiences give him the ability to empathize and relate to those struggling with physical and mental trauma. His personal experiences are some of his most powerful tools in leading and building rapport with teams focused on the mental and physical care of those struggling with PTSD. Michael holds an administration of justice degree and a master’s degree in social work. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with professional training and certifications in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Prior to joining the team at IOH, Michael worked at the Veterans Administration (VA) on an in-patient unit, treating PTSD and Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Michael was also the Director of the San Diego VA Vet Center where they focus on treating combat trauma and military sexual trauma. Michael’s unique background as a police officer, firefighter, special operations combat medic, and combat veteran, along with his extensive clinical experience, has equipped him with a wide range of skills and expertise to help those who have experienced trauma and other challenges associated with serving in law enforcement and first responder roles. Michael is dedicated to helping first responders overcome their challenges and become stronger, more resilient individuals who are better equipped to perform their vital roles in their communities.