Based on a groundbreaking national research study of over 2,000 clergy, this session designed for licensed mental health professionals and ministry leaders, provides valuable perspectives on mental health within the church today. Participants will apply research findings to various contexts, exploring the perceived obstacles and opportunities for mental health support in faith communities, including the stigma surrounding seeking care. Participants will evaluate the needs of clergy to foster mental health collaboration and support with professional mental health providers, addressing how church leaders refer to mental health professionals, the views on lay coaching or counseling, and the role of churches in covering the cost of care. Participants will recognize the concerns related to risks of harm, liability, and loss of control in lay-led care. Additionally, participants will identify mental health ministry’s currently offered by churches and provide principles for mental health ministry that align with empirical support. Actionable strategies will be shared to help mental health coaches and licensed mental health professionals support churches in addressing today’s mental health challenges.
213 | Mental Health in the Church: New and Ground-breaking Research
PRESENTERS
Shaunti Feldhahn, MPH., Jennifer Ripley, Ph.D.
CE CREDITS
1.25
Approved For CE
ASWB, NBCC, IBCC,Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling
Approved For CME/CEU
LEVEL
Intermediate
Summary
Learning Objectives
1 Apply insights from a national research study on mental health in faith communities to enhance counseling and consulting practices within church settings
2 Assess the mental health collaboration needs of clergy, including strategies for fostering partnerships between church leaders and professional mental health providers to better support congregational mental health.
3 Identify principles for mental health ministry that align with empirical findings and will gain actionable strategies to support the development and implementation of mental health initiatives within faith communities.