We know there are many barriers to treatment. Kristen Kansiewicz wrote a great article on why Christians do not get into mental health treatment, including stigma, low-perceived need, and negative experiences which we as the Church need to continue to address. But I want to focus in this article on practical barriers to mental health treatment, where churches can help immediately to address them.
Financial Barriers
One barrier to mental health help is finances. People can be evicted when finances are tight. I think there is a line here where the Church shouldn't be paying for everything, but churches certainly can do something. I just released the Church Assistance Program for churches who want look to implement a specific way to financially assist people with mental health needs.
Child Care/Respite
Having someone to watch your kids has been less of an issue during COVID, if individuals can do tele-health appointments, but childcare has always been an issue when someone comes to appointments in person. Without proper childcare, adults have to decide whether or not to attend counseling or cancel appointments. The same applies for parents wanting to get their children into services; not having childcare for the rest of their children can mean not being able to be present for therapy sessions. Further, giving parents respite and time to rest is vital. Services like Nathaniel's Hope can help, but churches have the ability to offer programs to help to support those with mental illness.
Photo credit: Tim Collins on Unsplash.com.
Keeping Organized
Whether a person with mental health needs is trying to stop using drugs, get on the right medications, or dealing with past trauma or negative beliefs, it can impact many parts of their lives. Church hospitality groups may want to include how to help an individual keep things like bills or transportation organized, as part of checking in on your congregation members. The church where I serve has actually contracted with a counseling agency, not only to have an on-site counselor, but also a dedicated on-site case manager, who is able to bill to our local mental health board.
Practicing Coping Skills
Counselors give coping skills that can help a person de-escalate when in a crisis, manage emotional regulation, and improve interpersonal communication. But learning a skill is meaningless unless it is practiced outside of counseling. Having someone to practice new skills can absolutely incorporate some good spiritual practices, too. Some options are mindfulness within our spiritual practices, using Scripture in meditation or silencio, and using prayer as a coping skill.
Having Healthy Supports and Mentors
Community has always been important for church members. Small groups and Bible studies are the life blood of churches. Encourage those you know with mental illness to reach out and get into community. Consider a Christian mental health group for your church. Also, if you do not have a formal mentorship or discipleship program, identify key people who can directly and regularly invest into individuals’ lives.
What other practical barriers do you see and what solutions would you love to see churches implement to help individuals with mental health needs?
Jeremy Smith is a clinical mental health counselor in Ohio and founder of www.churchandmentalhealth.com.
