Date

8-9-2024

Department

School of Behavioral Sciences

Degree

Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling (EdD)

Chair

Krystal Clemons

Keywords

Black Church, Professional Mental Health Counseling, Mental Health Training, Mental Health, Pastoral Experiences

Disciplines

Counseling | Religion

Abstract

This purpose of this phenomenological study is to broadly explore the role of the Black Church in providing mental health support by facilitating linkages to professional mental health services by exploring pastoral perceptions of mental health through examination of their experiences with church members. Ten African American pastors of Black Churches in North and South Carolina completed semi-structured, qualitative interviews describing their backgrounds, attitudes, and their mental health experiences within the church. Many of the respondents reported having members of their congregation disclose challenges or difficulties with their mental health. Most of the pastors reported that they understood the need for a combination approach of pastoral and professional mental health counseling. Most of the respondents also expressed that they understood the impact that being trained by professionals to respond to mental health crises could have on their company. The findings from this study showed that the leadership in the Black Church could potentially be ready for collaborations. Data shows us that Black Americans are not less likely to seek professional mental health services. The Black Church is often described as “the pulse” of the Black Community, and Senior Pastors have a unique opportunity to facilitate collaboration with traditional, professional mental health services.

Download

Share

COinS