Clergy members are increasingly recognized as first responders in mental health crises, with experts noting that priests often serve as the first point of contact for parishioners struggling with mental illness. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults struggle with mental illness. A 2024 survey from the American Psychiatric Association found that among adults in religious communities, 57% said they would likely seek help from a faith leader if struggling with mental health. Research examining 2019-2020 data from U.S. religious leaders showed that more than 76% of clergy members were approached by congregants for mental illness assistance at least once.
Clergy Role and Limitations
While priests generally are not mental health professionals, experts emphasize they can provide crucial support through accompaniment and guidance. Bishop John P. Dolan of Phoenix, whose diocese operates an Office of Mental Health Ministry, described the role as “one more opportunity for us to meet Christ in people who are most vulnerable.” Deacon Ed Shoener, president of the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, noted that “the clergy, as in with everything, is there to accompany and support a person — let them know they’re loved by God and never abandoned by God.”
Priests should educate themselves on available mental health resources and know when to refer congregants to professionals rather than attempting to diagnose or treat conditions themselves. Experts recommend clergy work collaboratively with mental health professionals and faith-based support networks. Beth Hlabse, program director for the Fiat Program on Faith and Mental Health at the University of Notre Dame’s McGrath Institute for Church Life, emphasized that clergy need not identify specific mental illnesses but should recognize signs of mental distress indicating the need for outside support.
Available Resources and Training
Multiple organizations provide support for clergy engaged in mental health ministry. The International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers lists diocesan and parish mental health ministries online and offers free resources including a learning center. Catholic Charities USA operates 169 agencies with over 90 adult counseling programs, 80 youth counseling programs and 65 school-based counseling programs. At Divine Mercy University, a Catholic graduate school of psychology and counseling, 41 priests have graduated from all programs and are listed in an alumni directory.
Additional resources include Mental Health First Aid training, CatholicTherapists.com, and the Catholic Psychotherapy Association. Leaders recommended clergy routinely address mental health in homilies and prayers to help break stigma surrounding mental illness in their communities.
This article is an AI-assisted summary. All facts and figures are drawn from the original report: https://www.ucanews.com/news/priests-are-first-responders-in-mental-health-cases-say-experts/113203