Organizing A Mental Health Team

Pathways To PromiseA National Mental Health Ministry Resource

Developing the capacity of congregations to support recovery and wellness

Five Areas of Concern

• Children’s mental health• Trauma• Serious mental illness• Substance use• Issues of aging

HEALING

RECOVERY

Signs of Suffering

A LOCAL CONGREGATION MENTAL HEALTH TEAM

Five Guides Make a Team

• A children’s mental health guide• A guide experienced with trauma, PTSD• A guide knowledgeable about mental illness• A guide familiar with drug and alcohol

recovery• A guide who understands the mental health

issues of seniors

Mental Health Guide Description• John Daley is one of our

mental health guides at McKenzie River Community Church. John is familiar with issues faced by children and families. He can listen and suggest possible resources. John is helping educate us about children’s mental health concerns.

Introducing our Mental Health Ministry Team

John Daly – childrenSgt. Ellie Wilson – traumaBetty Lee – mental illnessAl Dent – alcohol & drugs Jo and Ed Meyer - seniors

The Role of a Guide

One Person Can Begin

• Offer to be a guide in your area of experience• Talk with your pastoral staff or congregational

leadership about where a mental health team fits in your faith community; be accountable

• Connect with local community resources• Provide information, encourage conversation• Do education• Offer companionship

Invite Others to Join You

Meeting Suggestions

• Prayer• Scripture• Reflection• Action

Mental Health Team Responsibilities

• Team members serve as contact people for individuals and families seeking help

• The team provides leadership for creating a caring congregation

• The mental health team helps train, organize and support companionship ministry

Mental Health Ministry Toolkit

pathways2promise.org

Pathways is a national organization which offers resource materials, program models, networking information and links to promote mental health ministry.

Creating Caring Congregations

• Do Education• Make a Commitment to recovery and wellness• Welcome individuals and families• Provide Spiritual Support and Practical Service• Advocate

www.MentalHealthMinistries.net

September: Recovery Month

October: Mental Illness Awareness Week

May is Mental Health Month

Local Mental Health Providers

• Pastoral Counselors• Children, Youth and Family Services• School Based Services• Community Mental Health Centers • Drug and Alcohol Assessment and Treatment• Private Therapists, Psychologists, Psychiatrists• Hospitals• Crisis and Emergency Services

Limits and Boundaries

1. Mental Health Teams share educational material and information about resources.

2. Mental Health Team members do not diagnose, treat, counsel or advise.

3. Mental Health Team members share the journey as companions.

Companionship

• Companionship is a response to suffering• Companionship is a relationship supportive of

recovery and wellness• Companionship is a public relationship

Practices of Companionship

• Hospitality• Neighboring• Side by Side• Listening• Accompaniment

Companionship Care Teams

• A group of several companions• Companioning one or more individuals• Accountable to the Congregational Mental

Health Team or other leadership• Meeting regularly for prayer, study, sharing

and spiritual discernment• Providing each other mutual support

A Companioning Congregation

Neighborhood Clusters

• Mental Health Teams from neighboring congregations are encouraged to learn and serve together

• Congregations in a neighborhood or community are encouraged to share in supporting a local mental health ministry coordinator

• Congregations are invited to celebrate their mental ministry together with the community each year.

A Mental Health Training Cooperative

Members: individuals; local congregations and other faith community organizations; representatives from community mental health providers; representatives from peer, family, education and advocacy groups; community allies

Purpose: plan and offer a calendar of mental health education and resources for the faith community in a given region

Next Steps

Spirit of healingMove in us and among usBring us to wholenessJoin us in care