Innovative Mental Health Training for Faith Leaders Launches in San Antonio

Innovative Mental Health Training for Faith Leaders Launches in San Antonio

San Antonio is buzzing with excitement over a groundbreaking program designed to empower faith leaders to be the first line of support for those facing mental health crises. As our understanding of mental health evolves, this initiative, led by the Congregational Collective—a nonprofit offshoot of the H.E. Butt Foundation—is set to change lives in our community.

Bridging the Gap in Mental Health Support

Picture this: Someone collapses on a busy downtown street. Chances are, someone nearby knows how to perform CPR, ensuring that person doesn’t have to wait long for an ambulance. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for a mental health crisis. Many people may find themselves in distress but lack immediate support from those around them. That’s where this new initiative steps in.

The program aims to train faith leaders about common mental health challenges and equip them with the tools to effectively assist individuals in need. After all, faith can inspire people to reach out and lend a helping hand, making a real difference in someone’s life.

The Statistics Speak Volumes

Research indicates that a significant percentage of the populace—about 65%—would turn to their pastor or clergy during a mental health emergency. However, a mere 5% of pastors feel equipped to handle such situations. As David Rogers, president and CEO of the H.E. Butt Foundation, notes, “That’s not much.” This gap between need and capability highlights why this program is so crucial. Addressing mental health issues early can prevent larger crises and keep our community members supported.

Overcoming Barriers and Stigma

The conversation surrounding mental wellness is more open than ever. Public campaigns have played a role in raising awareness, yet the stigma remains a barrier for many seeking help. Individuals may feel ashamed or unsure of where to turn. And even when they do look for help, they may face obstacles such as a lack of mental health professionals or transportation. The collaborative effort between the University of Texas-San Antonio and the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute aims to eliminate these barriers by exploring how faith communities can enhance mental health outcomes.

Learning Through the Pilot Program

In late 2023, the Congregational Collective kicked off an 18-month pilot program involving eight congregations in San Antonio. Four of these churches are adopting the “clubhouse model” for mental health support, which embraces peer-to-peer assistance from individuals who have experienced mental health challenges themselves. Rebecca “Becca” Brune, executive director of the collective, emphasizes the importance of this approach: “It’s really walking alongside and journeying with somebody.”

The remaining four congregations have chosen to follow a program named EMPOWER, developed by Harvard Medical School. This program introduces practical counseling skills into faith settings. The fantastic aspect of both models is that they offer unique yet effective pathways to address mental health needs.

Immediate Triage and Referral

As these faith leaders undergo training, they learn how to triage mental health issues effectively. They are equipped to identify when a situation requires professional intervention while also being able to support individuals in the moment. As Veron Blue, pastor at Family Life International Ministries, states, “As a church, we can do more than pray for you, we can help you.”

A Bright Future on the Horizon

This innovative training is not only for Christian congregations; the hope is to expand this program to include all faiths and philosophies. Just imagine the positive impact if occupational settings adopted similar mental health training for employees, much like the CPR training so many receive.

Conclusion: A Community Effort

One congregation at a time, and one individual at a time, San Antonio is working towards becoming more informed and prepared for mental health challenges. With this new initiative, we’re taking a critical step towards ensuring that those who seek help won’t have to face stigma or barriers to care. Finally, individuals in crisis will have support not just from their faith leaders, but from a community that truly cares.