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Developing partnerships between clergy members and mental health practitioners can be an effective way to promote the well-being of parishioners. This study explored (a) the demands on clergy in Southern California to provide mental health services to their parishioners, (b) the level of stress created by specific needs, (c) congregational resources available to meet these needs, and (d) referral preferences in clergy collaboration with mental health professionals. A survey was distributed to a sample of clergy members in which participants were asked to rate the level of sufficiency of services provided; their current referral practices; and general attitudes toward collaborating with outside mental health practitioners. Findings suggest that clergy often provide services in difficult situations, e.g., crisis intervention and abuse, which can lead to high levels of clergy stress; and size of church and level of education may be factors that contribute to such stress. Furthermore, pastors hold positive attitudes about referring to mental health professionals, and largely endorse referring to counseling centers over other community resources. Clinical implications include the need for increased clergy education and training on pastoral care, counseling, and mental health. Opportunities to implement clergy care interventions are also noted.
Key Words: mental health, counseling, congregants, parishioners, collaboration, clergy, faith leaders, pastors, clergy stressors
CLERGY ARE OFTEN CALLED ON TO ASSIST PARISHIONERS WHO MAY BE experiencing emotional or relational distress. Though many faith leaders are not properly trained to treat these issues, parishioners are more likely to seek help from their pastors than consult mental health professionals (Weaver, 1995; Clemens, Corradi, & Wasman, 1978; Chalfant, Heller, Roberts, Briones, Aguirre-Hochbaum & Fair, 1990; Poison & Rogers, 2007). Because congregants look for emotional healing within the church, it is important that clergy become educated about mental health problems and also become competent facilitators at connecting parishioners to the professionals who can best meet their needs. The study explored (a) the demands on clergy in Southern California to provide mental health services to their parishioners, (b) the level of stress created by specific needs, (c) congregational resources available to meet these needs, and (d) referral preferences in clergy collaboration with mental health and social work professionals.
Literature Review: Mental Health, Clergy Resources, and Collaboration with Professional Resources
Parishioners and Mental Health
Studies...