Matt Short

Background

About Matt Short

Improving individual and community well-being through appropriate care, education, and research. A Licensed Professional Counselor Associate under clinical supervision, paramedic, and educator focused on improving first responder well-being through training, education, and trauma-informed care. With nearly 30 years of experience in EMS, mental health, and public health preparedness, I bring a unique blend of clinical and operational insights to the table, helping bridge the gap between crisis response and behavioral health. At Texas A&M’s TEEX, I deliver peer support training to emergency services professionals across the country. Through Tactical Counseling, I offer individual therapy and resilience-based education to first responders and high-stress professionals. I have also co-developed mental health crisis content for EMS education programs and contributed to research on mental health interventions in paramedic training. Past work includes: Leading regional preparedness efforts at Texas DSHS Co-authoring research on mental health training in EMS education Developing and delivering national training sessions on psychological trauma, suicide prevention, and human trafficking awareness Specialties: First Responder Behavioral Health, Trauma-Informed Care, EMS Education, Peer Support, Mental Health Crisis Response, Suicide Prevention, Curriculum Development, Public Speaking