How can the local church best position itself to support the mental health needs of its community? Last month, we introduced our layered model for mental health support within the local church. This model describes the key structures that a church must have in place in order to minister to the full spectrum of mental health as it presents itself in a community context, from the commonplace needs to the crisis-level needs. This month, we are excited to share the remaining layers of the model with you.

In case you missed it… check out Part 1 here.

As a reminder, the layers, as detailed below, move from wide to narrow in regard to the number of individuals that each layer is likely to support, but each layer is equally essential. Overlooked and underdeveloped layers tend to be the places where mental health issues produce the most pain and hardship within the church context. Below the graphic is a description of what each layer will look like when effectively realized.

Pastoral/Lay Counseling

Counseling support is available for those within the church who might seek more focused short-term care. Ministry staff and/or volunteers are designated, trained, and equipped to provide such care within their areas of competency. Confidentiality policies, including the limits of confidentiality when safety concerns arise, are clearly understood as firm boundaries around the pastoral counseling relationship. The focus of caregiving in this context is attuned to spiritual, emotional, and relational concerns and is not seeking to provide a diagnosis or assessment of clinical issues. Therefore pastoral and lay counselors are also skilled at discerning levels of clinical complexity and acuity and are ready to refer out when clinical intervention is appropriate.

Professional Counseling Support

For those who require or prefer clinical intervention and for counseling needs that exceed the capacity of short-term pastoral care, the church is able to provide a vetted and up-to-date referral list for professional counseling providers in the local area. Ideally the referral list includes basic details for each provider such as contact information and any relevant specializations. Church leaders may also have a direct connection with certain providers from this referral list so that there is familiarity and trust with the quality of care that will be received. In serving as a bridge to professional counseling, the church can provide verbal or written guidance that normalizes therapy and shares basic points around what to expect in therapy. In some cases, the church may offer to subsidize counseling fees for a period of time through the use of benevolence funds in order to help with accessibility. The church also has broad knowledge of other community resources (such as support groups, recovery programs, emergency services, transitional assistance, etc.) in order to point those in need toward the help outlet that is best suited to their needs.

Crisis Readiness & Response

The church has instituted clear protocols for responding to high risk incidents such as suicidality, domestic violence, and sexual assault. Protocols include a basic framework for assessing risk/safety, an emphasis on involving public safety and clinical/professional supports for intervention, and an understanding of the limits of confidentiality in such circumstances. All church staff members and key leaders are regularly trained in these protocols. There may be a point person for the church as a whole or for specific ministry teams that is responsible for leading the proper implementation of these protocols when necessary. Additional consideration is given to how the church community can provide appropriate ongoing support to those affected by such crises and how the community as a whole may be impacted by such crises.

……

Consider your own church context - which layers are strongest and which are most needing to grow? HCC can partner with you in this process through consultation and collaboration, so reach out and let us know how we can help.

~ Matt Warren (Executive Director) for the Harbor team ~

Harbor Christian Counseling provides clinically skilled, biblically informed, gospel driven counseling services for individuals, couples, and families in the Greater Boston area. Our team also seeks to partner with local churches to provide training and resources that promote a more effective and compassionate ministry to mental health issues within the church. We rely on financial support from partners like YOU to keep this mission going.  Thank you for your ongoing support!