The church across North America has struggled to minister effectively with children, teens, and adults with common mental health conditions and their families. One reason for the lack of ministry is the absence of a widely accepted model for mental health outreach and inclusion. In Mental Health and the Church: A Ministry Handbook for Including Children and Adults with ADHD, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, and Other Common Mental Health Conditions, Dr. Stephen Grcevich presents a simple and flexible model for mental health inclusion ministry for implementation by churches of all sizes, denominations, and organizational styles. The model is based upon recognition of seven barriers to church attendance and assimilation resulting from mental illness: stigma, anxiety, self-control, differences in social communication and sensory processing, social isolation and past experiences of church. Seven broad inclusion strategies are presented for helping persons of all ages with common mental health conditions and their families to fully participate in all of the ministries offered by the local church. The book is also designed to be a useful resource for parents, grandparents and spouses interested in promoting the spiritual growth of loved ones with mental illness.

Chapter titles include: The mental health mission of the local church; The Christian message and mental health; The worship service and mental health; Preaching and mental health; The prophetic ministry and mental health; The church school's contribution to mental health; Mental health and the group life of the church; Creative church administration and mental health; Fostering mental health by strengthening family life; Pastoral counseling and mental health; Helping the mentally ill and their families; Minister and laymen work together for mental health. --provided by publisher.

The American Psychiatric Association Foundation has produced two new resources to help faith leaders better understand mental illness and treatment, and better help individuals and families in their congregations facing mental health challenges, Mental Health: A Guide for Faith Leaders and a companion two-page Quick Reference on Mental Health for Faith Leaders. These resources are the culmination of work from the Mental Health and Faith Community Partnership, a collaboration of psychiatrists and faith leaders representing diverse faith traditions. Many people facing a mental health challenge, personally or with a family member, turn first to a faith leader. And for many receiving psychiatric care, religion and spirituality are an important part of healing. In their role as "first responders," faith leaders can help dispel misunderstandings, reduce stigma associated with mental illness and treatment, and help access to treatment for those in need. The Guide and Quick Reference provide faith leaders with the knowledge, tools and resources to support that role. The Guide includes a general overview of mental health and mental illness and 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. The one page Quick Reference Guide is included.

The book presents Christian psychology approaches and international mental health care projects from around the world. It focuses on the resources of the church, mostly in local settings, to address challenges of psychosocial care. Good relationships, positive self-esteem and mental health are basic to improvements of the entire situation in poor and wealthy regions alike. The compendium includes contributions from China, Kenya, Mexico, Switzerland, USA and Germany. It is based on a symposium in June 2015 in Bad Liebenzell, Germany. (Series: Intercultural & Religious Studies / Interkulturalitaet & Religion. Liebenzeller Impulse zu Mission, Kultur und Religion, Vol. 4) [Subject: Religious Studies, Mental Health Studies, Counseling]

Featuring chapters written by mental health professionals who are also experienced Christian practitioners, Counseling and Mental Health in the Church: The Role of Pastors and the Ministry provides ministry leaders with a foundational understanding of common mental health issues, typical approaches to treatment, and sage advice for supporting those experiencing mental health concerns. Recognizing that parishioners may seek guidance from pastors or others within the church before seeking help from mental health specialists, this text equips ministry leaders with the critical knowledge and helpful resources they need to successfully support and advise members of their congregation, or to direct them to additional useful resources. Individual chapters address specific concerns, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief, addiction, spectrum disorders, and more. Each chapter explores how a particular condition may manifest, how best to respond to it, potential treatment options, and resources to provide to affected individuals. Additional chapters distill the complex world of psychopharmacology as well as a focus on pastoral health in the face of responding to the demands of ministry. Containing real world examples and case studies to bridge the gap between knowledge and application, Counseling and Mental Health in the Church is an ideal resource for pre-service and seasoned ministry leaders alike. As a result, readers will find that they are better informed and better equipped to face day-to-day challenges. Kevin Van Lant received his Ph.D. from Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University. He is director of the Pastoral Care and Counseling program and an associate professor of Christian ministry and leadership at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. Dr. Van Lant is a licensed clinical psychologist and maintains a private practice at the Center for Individual and Family Therapy. Robyn Bettenhausen received her Psy.D. from Rosemead School of Psychology, Biola University. She is a licensed psychologist and practices at the Center for Individual and Family Therapy. Dr. Bettenhausen has over 30 years of experience in the profession with expertise in severe relational issues, trauma and attachment problems, and internal disintegration. She is the author of The Relational Brain.