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christian counseling today
Vol. 21 no. 2
23
The statistics are truly overwhelming.
The World Health Organization
(WHO) estimates that worldwide,
450 million individuals are struggling
with a mental health problem. In the
United States, nearly one out of every
five adults (18.6%) struggles with a
mental disorder in a given year.
1
The
annual prevalence of mental illness
in adolescents 13-18 years old is even
greater, at 21.4%.
2
More disturbing is
the fact that 60% of adults and 50%
of children/adolescents diagnosed with
a mental disorder receive no treatment
at all.
3
This last statistic is perhaps the
most significant evidence of our broken
mental healthcare system.
For those wrestling with a mental
health disorder, even in one of the
world’s richest and most developed
countries, obtaining proper care can be
hindered by a wide range of barriers that
are difficult and, oftentimes, impossible
to overcome. Too few mental healthcare
professionals, a shortage of psychiatric
facilities, no transportation, limited
financial resources, a lack of knowledge
and education, stigma and shame, and
misguided cultural beliefs all serve as
significant barriers to individuals trying
to access critical services. This inability
to obtain proper care frequently leaves
the afflicted and their families confused,
frustrated, and hopeless.
The problems associated with
accessing mental healthcare is one of
the reasons individuals in psychological
distress are more likely to seek out a
member of the clergy
before any other
professional group
. Clergy members are
more readily available and do not charge
for their services. Psychologists have
long viewed clergy as “mental health
gatekeepers,” meaning… pastors serve as
our first responders and the front door
to the mental healthcare system.
Viewed through the eyes of faith,
it is obvious that this is not an acci-
dent, but a heavenly orchestrated,
divine opportunity for the Church.
Unfortunately, few pastors have the
necessary training and expertise to
The World Health Organization (WHO)
estimates that worldwide, 450 million
individuals are struggling with a mental
health problem.