Faith + Mental Health

10/22/2025

📢👏We are now accepting speaker, poster, and paper submissions for the upcoming Faith + Mental Health Summit.
This call is open to practitioners, researchers, clinicians, educators, advocates, and leaders who bring practical solutions, informed perspectives, program models, or emerging approaches at the intersection of faith and mental wellness.
If you have work, insight, research, or professional expertise that advances this conversation in a meaningful and responsible way, we invite you to apply.

10/18/2025

The Call for Speakers, Papers, and Posters for the 2026 Faith + Mental Health Summit is now open. All submission details can be found on our website.

09/22/2025

📢👏Now Accepting Submissions: Share Your Expertise at the 2026 Faith + Mental Health Summit

09/04/2025

𝐀𝐈 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐲: 𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐦⁣
There is an increasing wave of frustration among some therapists about the growing use of AI tools in mental health spaces. Many express concern that people are replacing therapy with technology. But here is the truth AI is not going anywhere. Instead of fighting its existence we must have honest conversations about how it can be integrated wisely and ethically into the world of mental health.⁣
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𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐬: At the same time we must understand why clinicians are concerned. HIPAA compliance privacy and ethical boundaries are real and important. Protecting client information and maintaining trust is non-negotiable. AI is not a licensed therapist. It does not have the training, judgment, or ethical responsibility that a human professional brings. Recently, there have been reports of AI giving harmful or unsafe advice to people struggling with mental health issues. While AI can be useful for many things, it should never replace proper care, evaluation, or treatment from a qualified professional. Any use of AI must be responsible, transparent and safe for clients. The concerns about AI and mental health care are valid and should guide thoughtful integration of technology rather than completely block its potential.⁣
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𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬: The reality is that countless people cannot afford traditional therapy. Others simply do not have the time. Many are working two or three jobs to survive in this economy. Some are caring for children or loved ones with little room left in their schedules. For them AI tools such as chat-based support, mindfulness apps, or journaling prompts become a lifeline in moments of stress and loneliness. They are not looking for a replacement for human connection but they are reaching for something when traditional therapy feels out of reach⁣
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𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐋𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐈: It is also important to acknowledge the drawbacks of relying solely on AI. AI cannot replace professional care when someone is experiencing a mental health crisis. It cannot ensure proper treatment adherence including compliance with medication or other therapeutic plans. Using technology instead of the proper professional services can put people at risk and delay recovery. AI is a support tool, not a substitute for professional intervention when it is needed most⁣
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𝐀𝐈 𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐚 𝐓𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭: AI is not a threat to therapists it is an invitation. Therapists can explore how AI can work for them instead of against them. AI can automate administrative tasks help with scheduling provide clients with between-session exercises or even serve as a bridge until someone is able to access in-person care. Instead of fighting against AI, therapists can leverage it to expand their impact and make their services more accessible⁣
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𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐥𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐀𝐟𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬: Another opportunity lies in reimagining service delivery. More therapists could consider offering virtual services online support groups (x>4) as low-cost sessions specifically geared toward common struggles like grief and anxiety. Not everyone is looking for long term one-on-one therapy. Sometimes people just need a safe place to talk share and receive guidance. Offering flexible affordable options not only meets people where they are but also helps close the gap between those who can access traditional therapy and those who cannot⁣
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𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: Access and Equity: We cannot ignore the larger issue of access. The mental health crisis is real and it does not discriminate. If someone chooses AI because that is all they can afford or manage within the reality of their life we should not shame them. We should be asking how can we build a mental health ecosystem that honors both professional care and accessible alternatives.⁣
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𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐈𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐇𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Therapists bring something that AI can never replace the power of human empathy lived experience and professional discernment. But AI is here to stay and dismissing it will not erase it or the needs of the people who rely on it. We must be realistic compassionate and innovative in how we address these shifts. Because at the end of the day the goal is not competition it is healing.

Image AI generated on Canva AI

07/24/2025

The church has long been a place of refuge, guidance, and healing, but how can it actively support those struggling with mental health challenges? This discussion explores the vital role of faith communities in fostering mental wellness, reducing stigma, and providing spiritual and practical support. We'll examine how churches can create safe spaces for open conversations, integrate faith with professional mental health care, and equip leaders to recognize and respond to mental health needs. Join us as we bridge the gap between faith and mental health, empowering the church to be a source of true healing and hope.

Faith + Mental Health: The Supportive Role of the ChurchD'Andrea Bolden, MA - Faith + Mental Health About This Talk The church has long been a place of refug...

07/11/2025

Survivor guilt or survivor's guilt happens when individuals feel guilty after they survive a tragic, near death, or traumatic event when others perished. It can cause similar depressive symptoms associated with PTSD.

07/11/2025

Introducing: Grief Coaching with Tiffany Jones
�As a Licensed Therapist • Certified Life Coach & Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, for years, I’ve supported individuals through the storms of life — especially the pain of grief and loss. Now, I’m expanding how I walk beside you.

As a Certified Master Grief Coach, I’ll serve as a companion helping you move forward after loss— not by forgetting, but by making space for remembering who you are beneath the pain.

✨ You don’t have to grieve alone.�✨ Learning how to carry loss is possible.� ✨ I’m here to hold space, offer tools, and help you gently explore your grief and nurture emotional breakthroughs.

Stay tuned for resources, coaching opportunities, and community support — created with you in mind.

06/20/2025

Ministry Leaders/Christian Entrepreneurs/Executive Directors, can you recognize a mental health crisis within your team or congregation? Many believers are silently battling emotional and psychological distress. It's time for believers to become more equipped, informed, and compassionate.⁣
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Join us for a powerful 90-minute webinar designed to help faith leaders respond wisely to mental health challenges using insights from the DSM-5 the standard diagnostic tool used in clinical settings.⁣
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𝐈𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠, 𝐲𝐨𝐮’𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧:⁣
1. How to recognize key signs and symptoms of mental health disorders⁣
2. Who can diagnose, and how diagnoses are made using the DSM-5⁣
3. When and how to refer individuals for professional help⁣
4. How churches can offer spiritual support without overstepping clinical boundaries⁣
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𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐒𝐌-𝐕 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐄-𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤⁣
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Whether you're clergy, lead a team, care team member, or church counselor this session is for you. Let’s bridge the gap between faith and mental health. Equip yourself and your team to serve with wisdom, compassion, and clarity.

06/18/2025

Mental health exists on a range from mentally healthy (wellness) to diagnosable mental healthconditions. 🧠 This post breaks down this range and helps us better understand how mental health can vary from one person to the next.

06/17/2025

Registration is still open!!

06/10/2025

Another year in the books 👏🏾