Clergy and other faith leaders are a primary source of mental health information and intervention for their congregations. Youth and families frequently identify faith communities as part of their natural support systems and approach their leaders for mental health consultation. These congregations are an important partner in systems of care work. To be effective, however, faith leaders need to be trained on how to deliver culturally responsive, youth-driven, and family-driven care. Many social services relevant for mental health and wellness are housed within faith-based organizations, and congregations can facilitate, implement, and sustain community change efforts. This webinar examined the types of initiatives that faith communities have developed and supported in systems of care across the country, and describes how these initiatives have helped to support the mental health and well-being of youth and families. … [Read more...] about Mental Health and Faith Webinar Series Session 5 of 6
Community Wellness & Peer Supports
Mental Health and Faith Webinar Series Session 4 of 6
Across systems of care, youth and families frequently consult clergy for mental health support. Despite evidence that clergy may themselves experience higher rates of depression and anxiety than individuals in other professions, along with high levels of burnout and secondary trauma, faith communities frequently lack resources and policies to support clergy self-care and protection of boundaries. In addition, clergy may experience high demands for mental health support and have limited capacity to meet these needs. This may leave clergy at risk of being unable to adequately support families and limit the number of referrals to mental health professionals. In turn, youth and families may experience higher rates of negative interactions when consulting clergy for mental health support, and there may be delays in receiving mental health services and supports. This webinar examines how a system of care approach can support clergy mental health and prevent burnout and compassion … [Read more...] about Mental Health and Faith Webinar Series Session 4 of 6
Mental Health and Faith Webinar Series Session 3 of 6
Children, youth, and families may sometimes find faith communities to be a source of support within systems of care. Although institutions of faith and spirituality may provide powerful opportunities for finding connection and sense of purpose, participants in religious communities may also experience religious trauma. Youth and families may experience adverse religious experiences that result in poor mental health outcomes, loss of social support, and isolation. In addition, mental health professionals and other supports within the system of care may not always be familiar with the concept of religious trauma or how to identify religious trauma and adverse religious experiences. This webinar promoted discussion on the relevance of religious trauma within the system of care framework, described how to identify religious trauma and adverse religious experiences, and provided information on practices for supporting youth and families who have experienced religious trauma. … [Read more...] about Mental Health and Faith Webinar Series Session 3 of 6
Mental Health and Faith Webinar Series Session 2 of 6
Faith and spirituality may serve as a pathway for finding meaning, purpose, and social support. Although faith communities have historically played a critical role in community wellness, congregations have often been less involved in conversations regarding mental health and emotional wellness. Research indicates that clergy are consulted for mental health support at a higher rate than psychiatrists and primary care physicians, but may lack education about mental health and have a limited understanding of how and when to make referrals to mental health professionals. This webinar examined some of the roles that faith and spirituality may play in the lives of youth and families. Participants heard the lived experience of both a young person and a family partner, and learned about what current research says about the integration of faith, spirituality, and mental health. … [Read more...] about Mental Health and Faith Webinar Series Session 2 of 6
Mental Health and Faith Webinar Series Session 1 of 6
Research suggests that congregations and faith communities desire to have additional information about mental health available to their clergy and congregation members. This webinar explored some ways that communities and organizations are working to promote mental health literacy within congregations and faith communities. … [Read more...] about Mental Health and Faith Webinar Series Session 1 of 6