New Mental Health Resources Available for Faith Leaders
American Psychiatric Foundation
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is now offering a 20-page booklet, "Mental Health: a Guide for Faith Leaders," and a companion two-page “Quick Reference on Mental Health for Faith Leaders.”
"These documents are important and helpful," says Rev. Mark Stephenson, director of the CRC’s Office of Disability Concerns.
The resources were produced by the American Psychiatric Foundation (APF) in cooperation with such groups as the Interfaith Disability Advocacy Committee, an organization of which the Christian Reformed Church and the Reformed Church in America Disability Concerns are a part, says Stephenson.
The aim of the resources is to help faith leaders better understand mental illness and treatment, and better help individuals and families in their congregations facing mental health challenges.
Many people facing a mental health challenge, personally or on behalf of a family member, turn first to a faith leader. And for many receiving psychiatric care, religion and spirituality are an important part of healing, according to a press release from the APA.
In their role as "first responders," faith leaders can help dispel misunderstandings, reduce stigma associated with mental illness and treatment, and facilitate access to treatment for those in need. This guide is intended to provide faith leaders with the knowledge, tools and resources to support that role.
According to the press release, the Guide and Quick Reference is the culmination of months of work the Mental Health and Faith Partnership, made up of psychiatrists and faith leaders representing diverse faith traditions.
"We are pleased to participate in this important collaboration and to be able to share these resources aimed at furthering the common interests of faith leaders and mental health professionals in promoting health, healing and wholeness," said APF Executive Director Paul Burke.
The Guide includes a general overview of mental health and mental illness, as well as information on how faith leaders can support people with mental health challenges. For example, it discusses how to create a more inclusive and welcoming community, when and how to make a referral to professional mental health services, and ways to deal with resistance to accepting mental health treatment.
Both resources are available for download from the APA at www.psychiatry.org/faith:
- Mental Health: A Guide for Faith Leaders
- Quick Reference on Mental Health for Faith Leaders
