Research & Development

BlueSun, Inc. is a privately held research-based company that develops behavioral health products and services designed to empower individuals to improve their wellbeing. Using the tenets of social cognitive theory to guide its work, the multi-disciplinary team of researchers at BlueSun, Inc. and at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs has been developing web-based trauma recovery programs using scientifically driven principles to develop and enhance the technology.

Two versions of the website are now in use. In both versions of the Journey to Recovery™ websites, trauma survivors and first responders are given a restored sense of control and mastery as they are given knowledge to assist in understanding the recovery process, skill training to manage trauma related distress, and assistance in determining the need for and access to professional assistance.

The web-based trauma recovery program Journey to Disaster Recovery™ is a prototype website in use in communities around the country that have experienced a large-scale disaster. The website is undergoing rigorous scientific testing under BlueSun’s Small Business Technology Transfer and Research grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (R41MH082498-01).

The Journey to Trauma Recovery™ program is a site designed to support first responders and disaster responders, or to support those who experience regular exposure to traumatic events. This website is in use today at the Colorado Springs Fire Department, where it provides anonymous, 24-hour support for personnel participating in the Fire Department’s peer support program. A select group of firefighters also is participating in research to improve the use and functionality of this site.