A Conversation for Those Standing at the
Intersection of Faith and Mental Health |
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In 2007, a study published by the American Psychiatric Association looked at The Relationship Between Psychiatry and Religion Among U.S. Physicians. The conclusion of the study was that psychiatrists are less religious than other physicians, and religious physicians are less willing than nonreligious physicians to refer patients to psychiatrists. While this study specifically addressed psychiatrists and physicians, its findings ring true for what many of us in the mental health system have witnessed at various levels of care. I have personally had many conversations with mental health practitioners who admit that they are less likely to pay attention to the spiritual needs of people because they aren’t themselves religious. Similarly, when providing the workshop, Spiritual Tools and Resources for Practitioners, participants consistently remark to me that a reason they don’t address people’s spiritual needs is due to a personal sense of inadequacy around the religious domain. To be clear, the APA study acknowledged that a practitioner could do integrative work without being religious themselves. It is vital, however, for non-religious practitioners to be particularly intentional about the spiritual domain of care when its importance isn’t evident in their own lives.
A second finding of this study also rang true for those of us in the mental health field who identify as people of faith. Namely, that religious physicians are less willing to refer patients to psychiatrists. Such a sentiment goes well beyond religious physicians, extending to faith leaders and those attending faith communities. I have consistently been told by clergy that they are slow to make referrals to mental health services in general because they “aren’t sure who they can trust.”
Whether highlighting the challenges facing practitioners or the obstacles facing pastors, in either situation, it’s those with a lived experience of mental illness who pay the price. When care is not collaborative, it often fails to be holistically integrated. A lack of integration then leads to an important resource for wellness being missed. While much hasn’t changed since that 2007 study, several glimmers of hope are emerging. Among them has been an increasing openness to recognize the dilemma highlighted by this research and review potential solutions. Intersect seeks to be one of those solutions as we equip mental health professionals to assess spiritual needs and support clergy to develop trusting relationships with mental health providers. Other resources like the Spiritual and Religious Competencies Project further provide professionals with robust training to grow in this area. No matter where you are at the intersection of faith and mental health, I encourage you to recognize where collaboration has been weak and review how you can strengthen service providers and faith communities in your midst.
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David Eckert, Senior Director of Intersect |
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Recommended Resources
Below are resources for the purpose of wellness, education, and service. |
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| Blueprint 1543 Psychology for Ministry Series Dave Eckert: Where the Church Intersects with Social Work
Intersect's Dave Eckert joins Blueprint 1543 to share his thoughts between the intersection of religion and social work and how Intersect brings both concepts together across the community. |
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Spiritual and Religious Competencies Project
The Spiritual and Religious Competencies Project has a long-term goal that every mental health professional will possess basic competencies to address spiritual and religious dimensions of their clients’ lives. Their strategic and multi-pronged approach facilitates research on R/S competency training, establishes consensus about the relevance and composition of R/S competencies, and disseminates resources for assessment and training across the four professions providing most of the mental health services in the U.S. (counseling, marriage and family therapy, psychology, and social work).
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Looking for a way to help those in your community? |
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| To Raise a Child
According to the National Institute of Health, “The phrase 'it takes a village to raise a child' originates from an African proverb and conveys the message that it takes many people ('the village') to provide a safe, healthy environment for children.” This may be especially true when the child has a mental health challenge.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness reinforces this idea by stating the importance of parents and caregivers taking care of themselves in order to be a better caregiver for their child: “Caring for your own mental well-being will serve as a role model for your child to follow, and ensure that you are healthy and able to care for your child.” It is also important to pay attention to other children in the home as “Keeping a happy and balanced family can be very helpful in reducing stress levels for everyone, which can help alleviate symptoms of mental illness.”
Some families are fortunate to live near and have the support of extended family or friends in order to accomplish this mountainous feat for parents of caring for themselves and everyone in the family. For those who don’t have these natural resources available, Access Services offers a respite program to families with a child who has a mental health diagnosis. For overnight respite, the child stays with a caring individual or family for approximately one weekend per month for six months while the parents and other family members get a chance to recharge. In this way, respite providers become part of the village that enhances the healthy environment for the child to grow up in!
If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Children’s Mental Health Provider, offering planned or emergency respite in your home to a child with mental health challenges, please contact Juli Apple at provide@accessservices.org or visit our webpage https://www.accessservices.org/providers/ . Training is provided and 24-hour support is available while providing respite.
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| Intersect Donation Page
Intersect now has their own donation page on the Access Services website. Any donations can be designated to specific aspects of Intersect. Funds will be used to: - Offer consultation to ministry leaders and mental health professionals
- Empower faith communities and mental health providers with trainings on faith and mental health
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Provide spiritual support and collaboration between faith communities and human service providers
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1. As a mental health professional, what could you do to empower peers to address the spiritual needs of people you serve?
2. As a faith leader, what advice would you give a mental health provider looking to build trust with you and your congregation? |
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Do you have something to contribute or a question to ask? |
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