SAMHSA: Creating Healing Communities; Strengthening Bonds Among Peers, Providers, and Faith Leaders

When:

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

3 p.m.– 4:30 p.m. ET

(2 p.m. CT; 12 p.m. PT)

Presenters:

Minister Monique Tarver, author and lead facilitator of Mental Health 101 training for faith/spiritual leaders and a Spirituality Consultant for various State and local county agencies to support the role of spirituality/faith in mental wellness and recovery, including the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA) Each Mind Matters campaign

Rev. Douglas Ronsheim, D.Min., Executive Director of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC); a Presbyterian minister; a licensed marriage and family therapist; AAPC Fellow; and Clinical Member and Approved Supervisor, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

Teleconference Overview:

A sense of belonging, of being part of the fabric of life in a community, is something many of us value and need. And for many people, including those in recovery from mental health and/or addictions, and those who have experienced trauma, being accepted as part of a faith community and nurturing one’s spirituality are important sources of meaning and purpose. Faith-based communities can contribute to individuals’ recovery by promoting hope, offering solace and comfort during difficult times, and allowing opportunities to celebrate recovery milestones and community connections.

People experiencing a mental health challenge or a substance use disorder, however, can face unique challenges in finding acceptance within their faith community, which leads us to ask the following important questions: 

How do we enhance the capacity of faith leaders to welcome people with mental health and addiction issues? How do we facilitate mutually respectful communication between faith leaders and behavioral health providers, in which each understands and respects the valued role of the other in supporting individuals facing emotional challenges, including mental health and substance use issues, and their families? How do we create congregations where everyone feels welcome and where mental health, addiction issues, and trauma can be openly discussed?

Join us as we explore spirituality as a tool for promoting wellness and recovery, as well as the important roles that faith leaders, behavioral health providers, peers, and congregation and community members can play, individually and in collaboration, to support individuals in healing and recovering. We will also look at the capacity of each of us, including family members, to overcome difficult circumstances, when we have the understanding and support of others.

Today’s teleconference is an opportunity to hear two speakers discuss the work they have been doing to help faith-based communities—both clergy and congregants—increase their awareness of mental health issues, substance use disorders, and trauma, and find ways to welcome and support people who are experiencing these challenges, thus reducing isolation and discrimination and increasing social inclusion. You will learn about various models of clergy training, provider training on the role of spirituality in recovery and supporting individuals in embracing their spirituality, the importance of engaging the entire community in the learning process, and positive outcomes in communities where these practices have been implemented.

We invite you to join us in learning about innovative programs that are building bridges between faith leaders and behavioral health providers, and educating and engaging faith leaders and their congregations; how these efforts are making a difference; and how you can bring programs like these to your community. 

Learning Objectives: 

• To provide participants with information about trainings designed to enhance the capacity of faith leaders to respond to people with mental health and addiction issues and to educate congregation members 
• To learn about the important role of faith leaders in increasing positive messaging around recovery and the importance of collaboration among the faith, mental health and substance use treatment provider, and peer communities to support people in recovery and their families
• To hear about one woman’s journey and the key role spirituality played in it, creating a deeper sense of community, meaning, purpose, and belonging
• To learn about innovative initiatives that integrate spirituality, healing, wellness, and inclusive community-building

Target Audiences:

• Spiritual and faith community leaders 
• Other Religious leaders 
• Congregation members of all denominations and faiths
• Leaders of community- and faith-based organizations
• Community members 
• Individuals in recovery, their family members, and their friends
• People experiencing mental health, substance use, and trauma-related challenges 
• Mental health and substance use treatment service providers
• Healthcare providers
• Federal, State, and local staff, policymakers, and community leaders

Questions:

If you have any questions, please contact the SAMHSA ADS Center at 1-800-540-0320 or by e-mail at promoteacceptance@esi-dc.com.