About Our Team
Welcome to Code-4 Counseling

Get to know the heart of our practice:
Owner, Dr. Sara Metz
For the past twelve years, Dr. Sara Metz has developed a deep passion for working with emergency responders and their families. A licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. Metz specializes in crisis intervention, wellness program development, and peer support supervision.
Dr. Metz’s dedication for helping clients and agencies find healthy ways to manage mental health comes from her direct experience as a responder at many critical incidents. Embedded in the emergency responder culture, she understands the intricacies of work/life balance and the unique sense of humor that accompanies the work. She’ll “call it as she sees it” without judgment, in a laid-back, low stakes environment.
Dr. Metz recently created a Masters in Emergency Responder & Military Psychology at CSU Global. This is the first and only program of its kind that trains future culturally competent counselors to assist responder / military personnel, and their families. For more information in how you can become a counselor, click on the CSU Global link below.
Memberships, Certifications, & Awards
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology
Peer Support Consultant
Multiple peer support teams along the Front Range
Repeat presenter
International Association of Chiefs of Police
Recipient of the Eileen Gupton Award
Early Career Contributions in Police and Public Safety Psychology in 2016
CSU Global Program Manager
Master of Science degree in Military and Emergency Responder Psychology
2014 Recipient of the Antarctica Service Medal
National Science Foundation for cumulative service to the United States Antarctic Program
Contributor
Police Chief Magazine
Media Expert
9News
FOX31 Denver-KDVR

Get to know the heart of our practice:
Chief Operating Officer, Nick Metz
Nick is a 36 year law enforcement veteran who has served two major city police agencies. Most recently, Nick was Chief of Police for the Aurora (CO) Police Department from which he retired January 1, 2020, after five years of service. It was in Aurora that he oversaw over 1000 law enforcement personnel in an incredibly diverse population of almost 400,000.
Prior to becoming Chief in Aurora, Nick spent 31 years with the Seattle Police Department where he worked Patrol and many different specialty assignments and rose to the rank of Deputy Chief (number 2 to the Chief of Police). As an Assistant Chief, he earned a medal of valor for his role in assisting in the apprehension of an armed suspect who shot a bus driver and attempted to drive off with a bus full of passengers.
Nick has had a long passion in caring for First Responders where he created full time wellness units in both Seattle and Aurora. He has assisted in countless programs and training centered around promoting mental health wellness for First Responders and their families.
Contact info: 206-499-7077 (c) or nick.metz@code4counseling.com
Memberships, Certifications, & Awards
Assessment Center Coach
Over the past ten years, Nick has trained 300+ public safety professionals on how to navigate the promotional process for all ranks to include Chief Executive positions.
B.S. General Studies, Public Administration
Peer Support Trained
Completed 40-hrs of Peer Support Training in 2018
Repeat presenter
International Association of Chiefs of Police
Graduate
FBI National Academy & the FBI National Executive Institute
Graduate
Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP)
Graduate
ADL Counter Terrorism Training in Israel
Member
IACP, PERF, NOBLE
Major City Chiefs
Wellness Subcommittee
Founding Board Member
Colorado Fallen Hero Foundation
Founding Board Member
Washington State Behind the Badge Line of Duty Death Response Team
Our Amazing Clinicians


Kala Bettis, MA, Western Slope Services


Stephanie Pinch, MA, M.Ed


Dana Rae Vessio, MA, MFA


Mel Kraker, MA, LPC


Lindsey Torres, MA, EMDR

C Cari Cornish, PsyD

Cari Cornish, PsyD


Melissa Branchaud, Psy.D.

W Whit Ryan, MA
MA, Sport and Performance Psychology

Whit Ryan, MA
MA, Sport and Performance Psychology
Why Our Clients Choose Code-4
Code-4 Counseling offers specialized support for the people who keep our communities safe. We love working with emergency first responders and their families, and they love working with us.
“We see things we can’t unsee. Every single day we go in and absorb the emotions of strangers. We go home and are sometimes troubled for days about a call we had. So who helps us? We’d like to introduce you to Sara Metz of Code-4 Counseling, LLC. We are lucky to have such a supportive resource in Colorado that specialize in helping public safety professionals to handle cumulative stress, PTSD, and all the other hurdles thrown on our plate.”
- Brotherhood for the Fallen, Aurora
“I found Dr. Metz to be kind, compassionate and highly qualified not only in her education and technical skills but also in her understanding of public safety professionals. Sara is very easy to converse with and has the ability to make one instantly at ease and not afraid to share their feelings. It is with full confidence that I can say that using Code-4 Counseling will have an extremely positive impact upon your organization.“
- Duane McDonald, Fire Chief, Retired
It is an extraordinary moment in someone's life when they get the chance to meet Dr. Sara Metz. No matter what issues we bring her, she has taken in and dealt with it like the warrior that she is. I cannot explain how grateful I am to have had the chance to meet Sara and to work with her. Sara inspires me each and every day to get out there and learn more. She is an amazing person and such a great role model for our agency. Thank you, Sara, for allowing us into your life, and for giving us your time so selflessly.
- Adam Ford, Peer Support Coordinator, Garfield County Sheriff's Office
“As a founding board member of the Colorado Fallen Heroes Foundation, Dr. Metz has provided guidance from a unique perspective and assisted the team greatly since its inception. Sara’s calm demeanor, professionalism, wit, and tact made her a natural choice to be a part of the foundation and the board is grateful to her commitment to assisting fallen officer families in Colorado.”
- Stephen Redfearn, President of the Colorado Fallen Heroes Foundation
“Dr. Sara’s presentation on Managing Post-Traumatic Stress was very well received and judging by the questions and comments I heard, extraordinarily valuable to those in attendance. Her concern for those she serves is obvious and deeply appreciated. She is clearly an incredible asset to those she helps. APROA is already in discussions to have other follow up seminars later this year.”
- Bruce G. Smith, President, Aurora Police Retired Officers Association
“Sara has some enormously valuable experience working with responders under the most extreme circumstances and brings a lot of wisdom to her work. She is always cheerful, professional, and engaged. She cares about the people and agencies she serves. I believe that psychological services are mission critical activities for all emergency response organizations and Sara is highly qualified and perfectly suited to provide leadership in these vital undertakings.”
- John Marx, CPP, Executive Director-The Law Enforcement Survival Institute & Author-Armor Your Self: How to Survive a Career in Law Enforcement
“Dr. Metz understands law enforcement professionals and law enforcement organizations. Her ability to connect and reach this audience sets her apart and provides us with an invaluable resource.”
- John Rosencrans, Police Chief
The Code-4 Counseling Peer Support class was awesome! I really enjoyed the size of the class and how engaged everyone was. Everyone's openness and energy made it easy to talk about tough topics. The "emotional intelligence" portion was intense but truly beneficial and needed. Sara, you have a true passion for what you do. Thank you. We are blessed to have you. Keep up the great work!
- Police Sergeant, Brighton Police Department