Stuart Palmer, LCSW
Veteran | Retired Law Enforcement Officer | Trauma-Focused Therapist

With a strong foundation in service to both my country and community, I began my career in the Army Reserves in 1990 and later transitioned to law enforcement in 1997. Over two decades of service, I worked with the Utah State Prison and the West Valley Police Department, where I had the privilege of serving as a Field Training Officer and working alongside my K9 partner, Sam. I retired in 2017 with a commitment to continue serving those who serve others.

My passion for mental health began during my time as a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer, where I witnessed firsthand the profound impact that mental health challenges have on both the community and law enforcement personnel. Throughout my law enforcement career, I saw an overwhelming need for support, particularly for officers who often face trauma, stress, and emotional strain without adequate resources. This experience led me to focus on helping those who have dedicated their lives to protecting others.

In 2017, after 20 years in law enforcement, I pivoted to mental health work, specializing in trauma therapy for first responders and the broader community. I’ve worked extensively with children and families facing significant challenges, including abuse, neglect, and trauma. Additionally, I collaborate closely with law enforcement agencies throughout the state, providing group training and individual therapy focused on mental health and trauma recovery.

I take a holistic, client-centered approach to therapy, utilizing evidence-based modalities such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). My primary focus is on helping individuals heal from trauma and navigate the complexities of mental health, particularly within high-stress professions.

I am also deeply involved in equine-assisted psychotherapy (EAP) with Unbridled Hope and Healing, a nonprofit organization dedicated to using horses to facilitate emotional and psychological growth. Horses offer a unique therapeutic experience, encouraging clients to be present in the moment while building valuable skills that can positively impact their daily lives.

As a retired law enforcement officer, I am honored to continue serving those who dedicate their lives to protecting and supporting our communities. I look forward to working alongside you as we navigate your journey toward healing and growth. Together, we can write the next chapter of your life.

Kevin Salmon, ACMHCi

Marine Combat Veteran /Retired Law Enforcement Officer / Trauma Therapist

Front Line Healing is a mental health wellness practice dedicated to serving veterans, first responders, their families, and the general public. My journey into mental health counseling is deeply personal—shaped by my experiences in both military service and law enforcement.

I served as an active-duty United States Marine, completing three combat tours in Iraq as an infantryman. I was involved in some of the fiercest fighting of the Iraq War, including the initial invasion and the Battle for Fallujah. During my service, I was wounded in an IED attack, and upon returning home, I struggled to process my experiences in combat. Seeking purpose, I transitioned into law enforcement, where I dedicated 20 years to serving my community.

As a police officer, I experienced both the highs and lows of the profession. I have been there to help reunite a lost child with their family, and I have performed lifesaving resuscitation on a dying person. At the same time, I have witnessed the tragedy of the job, notifying families of the loss of a loved one, seeing the victimization of the innocent, and enduring violence and scrutiny. The weight of these experiences did not stay at work. I brought them home—through injuries that left lasting physical and mental scars, through self-isolation, through the irritability that strained relationships, and through the quiet moments where the memories of the job refused to fade. Over time, this led me on a path of personal healing and ultimately guided me to becoming a mental health clinician.

I earned my undergraduate degree in Behavioral Sciences from Weber State University, graduating Cum Laude with departmental honors. I am currently completing my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University, where I am a proud member of the Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society. I am licensed in Utah as a Behavioral Health Coach and am completing my clinical internship as a mental health counselor.

My experience extends beyond working with veterans and first responders—I have also worked extensively with adolescents and families, helping them navigate life’s challenges and improve their relationships. I utilize a variety of empirically supported therapeutic modalities, tailoring treatment to each client’s unique needs. My approach adheres to the ethical standards set by the American Counseling Association (ACA), ensuring professional, compassionate, and effective care.

A strong passion for helping those who have served—whether in combat or on the front lines of our communities—drives my work. I understand the unique culture of veterans and first responders because I have lived it. At Front Line Healing, the mission is to provide a space where individuals and families can find healing, support, and understanding.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your journey toward mental wellness, I am here to walk that path with you.