Clay County deputies, firefighters and veterans have a new local option for brain-health treatment after the Clay County Sheriff's Office and partners launched the eTMS Lab on Friday, Sept. 25.

The facility uses EEG brain mapping to guide personalized, noninvasive care for stress, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, News4Jax first reported. Treatment involves a series of sessions using a device placed on a participant's head. Each session lasts about 15 minutes.

Sheriff Michelle Cook said she has completed six of a planned 20 sessions.

"I saw results after the third session. I started sleeping better and feeling better," Cook said.

Cook said the program aims to show first responders that asking for help is a strength and that resources are available to them.

The lab is open to members of the Clay County Sheriff's Office, Clay County Fire Rescue, Orange Park Fire Department, Orange Park Police Department and Green Cove Springs Police Department. Veterans can be referred through Operation Barnabas, a Clay County veterans organization.

The program is funded through a state appropriation supported by the Florida Legislature. State officials said the funding totals multiple millions of dollars.

Florida House Speaker Sam Garrison, who represents Fleming Island's House District 11, said officials plan to use data from the Clay County program as they consider expanding it across the First Coast and statewide.

JLC Services CEO Joseph Charles, whose company operates the program, said the facility means Clay County first responders no longer have to travel to Jacksonville for treatment. More than 12 law enforcement officers, first responders and veterans across Florida have used the program so far, Charles said.

Clay County Fire Rescue Chief Lorin Mock said a family member participated in a similar program at a facility in the Tampa area, giving him firsthand knowledge of the treatment's potential.

Operation Barnabas CEO John Green said the lab will serve as an additional resource for veterans dealing with the effects of their service.

Residents can contact the Clay County Sheriff's Office or Operation Barnabas for referral information.