Date

8-29-2025

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Chair

Kenneth W. Bush

Keywords

chaplains, mental health, collaboration, pastoral care, evidence-based

Disciplines

Psychiatry and Psychology | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

In 2010, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) launched a study to investigate the integration of chaplains in mental health care. This research expands on that study by focusing on the critical need for enhanced collaboration between chaplaincy and mental health services at local VA facilities. While existing literature affirms the integral role of chaplains in addressing the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals, significant gaps in awareness and effective collaboration practices were identified at the Marion, IL VA Health Care System (VHCS). This study aimed to assess and address the specific training needs of chaplains and develop a training guide to improve their collaborative capabilities. Employing a questionnaire-based approach, data were gathered from six full-time clinical chaplains through Pre-Intervention, End-of-Lesson, and Post-Intervention Surveys, focusing on six collaboration themes. Findings reveal that while the intervention successfully enhanced collaboration knowledge, there are persistent opportunities for improvement. Recommendations include more clarification on role definitions, expanding evidence-based practices, strengthening practical application in mental health contexts, refining interdisciplinary training methods, and incorporating interactive strategies to build trust and foster sustainable collaboration. These insights underscore the ongoing need for targeted training initiatives to optimize the supportive role of chaplains in mental health care settings.

Download

Share

COinS