Collaboration Between Psychiatrists and Clergy in Recognizing and Treating Serious Mental Illness

OBJECTIVE: A surprisingly high number of Americans seek clergy support for treatment of mental illness. However, little is known about how the clergy prepare for fulfilling this need or their beliefs regarding mental illness. This study examined the ability to recognize and treat mental illness among Hawaii's Protestant clergy. METHODS: Ninety-eight clergy members responded to the survey. RESULTS: Most (71%) reported feeling inadequately trained to recognize mental illness. The most common cause of mental illness that clergy members cited was medical (37%), yet when asked to comment on two case vignettes, many reported that they would provide counseling instead of referral. When referrals were made, 41% considered shared religious beliefs between parishioner and provider important, and 15% considered shared beliefs essential. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the need for collaboration between mental health professionals and the clergy. Knowledge of a patient's belief system may help improve crisis interventions and treatment planning for religious patients.