Oregon First Responder Evaluations
Mary Hoisington, LMFT
About Mary
With over 15 years of specialized experience in the mental health field, Mary Hoisington possesses a comprehensive understanding and firsthand experience of the challenges faced by police officers and first responders. Originally born and raised in the Seattle area, she honed her expertise during more than a decade in Los Angeles County, where she gained diverse experience, including serving as a mental health co-responder with the Los Angeles Police Department. In this role, she collaborated closely with officers to respond to 9-1-1 calls involving individuals experiencing mental illness, violent behavior, or high-risk situations.
Mary was instrumental in developing mental health co-responder programs for the Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Manhattan Beach Police Departments. These programs focused on integrating mental health expertise into law enforcement responses. Her work involved responding to radio calls and critical incidents involving mentally ill, violent, or high risk individuals. This included SWAT call-outs, barricades, and suicide crises, collaborating as part of a team to address the needs of individuals in distress and promote the best possible outcomes.
In addition to her co-responder work, Mary’s experience extends to corrections, where she provided crisis intervention, assessment, and mental health support within the Deschutes County Adult Jail. Her commitment to professional development is reflected in certifications as a Law Enforcement Academy Instructor through the LAPD, completion of the FBI’s Level 1 Crisis Negotiation Training, Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM 1 & II), and evidenced-based practices including EMDR, CPT, and CBT.
Our Services
Oregon First Responder Evaluations (OFRE) specializes in conducting pre-employment evaluations for over 50 first responder agencies across Oregon. Our assessments provide an objective, evidence-based evaluation of behavioral suitability, personality traits, and occupational readiness, helping agencies determine whether candidates are prepared for the mental, emotional, and professional demands of public safety roles. OFRE delivers comprehensive and timely reports that align with industry standards, offering agencies the critical insights needed for informed hiring decisions. Through a structured evaluation process, we identify potential risk factors, highlight candidate strengths, and provide a well-rounded assessment of overall suitability. By fostering strong, collaborative partnerships, OFRE supports agencies in selecting the most capable and reliable individuals to serve their communities.
Why Choose OFRE?
Personalized Approach
We are available by phone or email to answer questions or discuss report findings, highlighting a commitment to clarity and responsive communication. We also offer flexibility in report content and are happy to tailor our reports to align with agency preferences.
Streamlined, Secure, & Hassle-Free Referral Process
Our secure, confidential online referral system simplifies the entire process for your agency. Once a referral is submitted, we handle the rest—ensuring a smooth, efficient experience from start to finish. After all, the pre-employment assessment should put candidates to the test... Not the agency’s patience.
Flexible Assessment Options:
Remote or In-Person
We offer both remote and in-person clinical interviews to accommodate agency and candidate preferences. Remote testing and interviews are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant Zoom platform, ensuring convenience without compromising confidentiality. For those who prefer an in-person interview, we provide evaluations at our office in Sisters, Oregon.
Timely & Comprehensive Reports
We typically schedule candidates within one to two weeks of receiving the online referral. Following the candidate's clinical interview, we deliver a comprehensive, agency-specific report within three business days—ensuring a timely and thorough evaluation process that meets the unique needs of each agency.
Evaluators with Experience Working Alongside First Responders
Our firsthand experience in public safety gives us a clear understanding of the demands, expectations, and culture of public safety professions. This real-world insight allows us to deliver evaluations that are practical, relevant, and aligned with the realities of the job—ensuring our assessments support the unique needs of first responder agencies.