Organizations

Material prepared and annotated by Carole J. Wills
NAMI (Indianapolis)
Faith Communties Education Project

Posted with permission of Carole Wills

American Psychological Association

The American Psychological Association (APA) “is a scientific and professional organization that represents psychology in the United States.” Its objectives include “the increase and diffusion of psychological knowledge through meetings, professional contacts, reports, papers, discussions, and publications.” Visitors to the APA Web site will find many valuable resources—including those that may be relevant to pastoral caregivers. A full-text journal database is among these resources, as is a collection of such books as Preventing Youth Substance Abuse, Listening to Battered Women, and Medical Illness and Positive Life Change. Among the films available through the APA are “Christian Counseling,” “Spiritual Awareness Psychotherapy,” and “Theistic Integrative Psychology.”

American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
(800) 374-2721
(202) 336-5500
www.apa.org/

Anabaptist Disabilities Network

The mission of Anabaptist Disabilities Network (ADNet) is to provide encouragement and resources to congregations, families, and persons with disabilities as they identify and embrace their God-given gifts and abilities in ministry to each other and to the larger church.

The Anabaptist Disabilities Network offers resources for the inclusion of persons and families with disabilities, including mental illness. Their Web site features links to mental health information and a list of online, print, and audiovisual resources. Materials appropriate for small group study include A Christian View of Mental Illness, A Gift of Hope, and Mommy Stayed in Bed This Morning.

Anabaptist Disabilities Network
P.O. Box 959
Goshen, IN 46527-0959
(574) 535-7053
(877) 214-9838 (fax)
adnet@adnetonline.org
www.adnetonline.org/

Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health

At Duke University’s Medical School, Psychiatrist Harold Koenig directs the outstanding work of this center, propelled by his own chronic health challenges. The Center focuses on (1) conducting interdisciplinary research, scholarship and education on spirituality, theology and health, (2) exploring the role of faith communities in forming the health of the broader community, and (3) integrating research and scholarship into the practical disciplines of care and service with an emphasis on older adults. To stay updated on religion, spirituality, and health, go to www.spiritualityandhealth.duke.edu.

Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health
Box 3825 Duke University Medical Center
Busse Building, Suite 0507
Durham, North Carolina 27710
(919) 660-7556
(919) 668-0453 (fax)
www.spiritualityandhealth.duke.edu

Christian Council on Persons with Disabilities (CCPD)

Advocating an evangelical perspective on people with disabilities and their part in God’s world, the CCPD “establishes standards that will advance the ministry gifts of persons with disabilities and encourages Christian leaders to take initiatives that will enable person with disabilities to actively and fully participate in the life and ministry of the church.” They also provide connections to other member organizations that provide resources and advocate for persons with disabilities.

Christian Council on Persons with Disabilities
301 E. Pine Street, Suite 150
Orlando, FL 32801
(407) 210-3917
(407) 385-3601 (fax)
ccpd@ccpd.org
www.ccpd.org/

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

“Dedicated to improving the lives of people living with mood disorders,” the DBS Alliance offers peer-run support groups all across the country. They also sponsor conferences, publish educational materials, advocate on behalf of those suffering from mood disorders, and supply vital information—particularly through their Web site, which features programs, publications, resources, and interactive screening tools.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
730 N. Franklin Street, Suite 501
Chicago, IL 60610
(800) 826-3632
(312) 642-7243
programs@dbsalliance.org
www.dbsalliance.org

The Episcopal Mental Illness Network

The mission of the Episcopal Mental Illness Network (EMIN) is threefold:

•To seek out and support, through prayer and action, consumers, families and/or service providers in the Episcopal Church whose lives are affected by major psychiatric disorders;
•To help Episcopalians, clergy and laypersons, become aware of the nature of these illnesses and the special needs and gifts of those affected:
•To reduce the stigma and misconceptions that prevail and to remove those barriers which frequently prevent persons with psychiatric illnesses and their families from participating in the full life of the Church.
The Episcopal Mental Illness Network
3604 Oakwood Road
Little Rock, AR 72202
(501) 661-0384
eminnews@msn.com
www.eminnews.com/

FaithCEP: Faith Communities Education Project of NAMI Indianapolis

The Faith Communities Education Project serves greater Indianapolis as an interfaith mental illness education and awareness center, as well as a ministry resource center. It sponsors (1) a loan library of books, videos, and curricula especially designed for faith communities; (2) a speaker/facilitator bureau for large and small groups; (3) a May mental illness ministry conference for clergy and congregational leaders; (4) an October “Mental Illness Awareness Event” and (5) free consultations to determine your congregation’s needs. FaithCep equips clergy and congregational leaders to recognize serious mental illness symptoms and offer a compassionate, informed response to parishioners challenged by severe mental illness.

FaithCEP: Faith Communities Education Project
NAMI Indianapolis
P.O. Box 40866
Indianapolis, IN 46240
(317) 767-7653
www.namiindy.org

Health Ministries Association, Inc.

The mission of HMA is to encourage, support, and develop whole-person ministries leading to the integration of faith and health. It is an interfaith membership organization that provides education and development in Faith Health Ministry through a network of information and referral resources. It advocates building understanding and support for the Faith-Health Movement.

Health Ministries Association, Inc
P.O. Box 529
Queen Creek, AZ 85242
(800) 280-9919
Contact through the Web site, Health Ministries Association, Inc.
www.hmassoc.org/

Lutheran Network on Mental Illness/Brain Disorders

This is a joint effort of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. Their “purpose is to assist Lutheran congregations toward more effective responses to individuals with mental illnesses or brain disorders and their families.

Their educational outreach includeds publishing a newsletter which informs clergy and churches of resources for mental health ministry.

Lutheran Network on Mental Illness/Brain Disorders
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
8765 West Higgins Road
Chicago, IL 60631
(800) 638-3522
(773) 380-2700
(773) 380-1465 (fax)
www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Ministry/Disability-Ministries/Mental-Illness/LNMIBD.aspx

Mennonite Media

Mennonite Media’s mission is “to provide electronic and public media, which invite individuals to faith and challenge the church to faithfulness.” They “produce videos, DVDs and Web sites, write newspaper columns, create radio PSA, record music groups, and much more.” Award winning mental health ministry resources include videos such as Shadow Voices: Finding Hope in Mental Illness and Fierce Goodbye: Living in the Shadow of Suicide.

Mennonite Media
1251 Virginia Ave.
Harrisburg, VA 22802-2434
(800) 999-3534
info@MennoMedia.org www.mennomedia.org/

Mental Health America (MHA)

Mental Health America (formerly known as National Mental Health Association (NMHA), is the country’s oldest and largest non-profit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. MHA works to improve the health of all Americans, especially the 54 million individuals with mental disorders, through advocacy, education and service. MHA provides a wide variety of resources through its local affiliates which can be found through the national office. The website offers free online fact sheets (at www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/faqs) on anxiety disorders, depression, personality disorders, schizophrenia, substance abuse and suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis now, seek help immediately. Call 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to reach a 24 hour crisis center or dial 911 for immediate assistance..

Mental Health America (MHA)
2001 N. Beauregard Street, 6th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
(703) 684-7722
(703) 684-5968 (fax)
(800) 969-6642
(800) 433-5959 (TTY)
infoctr@nmha.org
www.nmha.org/

Mental Health Ministries

The Rev. Susan Greg-Schroeder of the UMC California-Pacific Conference is a leader in mental health education and awareness, speaking out of her own life experiences in ministry and pastoral counseling. She has developed resources that educate clergy and congregations, and decrease stigma associated with serious mental illnesses in faith communities. Her Web page offers prayers, poems, meditations, and a description of ten videos, including the award winning Creating Caring Congregations, annotated in section one. Nine other videos with discussion guides are currently available.

Click on “Mental Health Mission Moments” for a description of short (2-3 minute) DVD segments that present mental health issues. These segments can be used in worship, small groups, or classes. Also included is a Resource Guide featuring relevant scriptural passages, sermon starters, and other liturgical items. Here is the list of DVD segments (listed next to each segment is its length in minutes and seconds):
• Coming Out of the Dark (0:30)
• Mental Illness and Families of Faith (2:54)
• Understanding Depression (2:25)
• Addiction and Depression (2:17)
• Teenage Depression and Suicide (3:11)
• Mental Illness and Older Adults (2:32)
• Where is God in the Darkness (2:55)
• Overcoming Stigma, Finding Hope (2:56)
• Creating Caring Congregations (2:56)

Mental Health Ministries
c/o Rev. Susan Gregg-Schroeder
6707 Monte Verde Drive
San Diego, CA 92119
(619) 255-8316 (fax)
sgschroed@cox.net
www.mentalhealthministries.net

Mental Illness Network of the United Church of Christ (UCC)

The Mental Illness Network offers resources for clergy and congregations. To receive the UC News which includes the Mental Illness Network inserts, send name and address to UC News, P.O. Box 247, Bellmawr, NJ 08099-0247, or subscribe via Web.

Mental Illness Network—A Network within the United Church of Christ in affilliation with Disabilities Ministries
Bob Dell, Chairperson
P.O. Box 395
Ashland, MO 65039
bob.dell@ecunet.org
www.min-ucc.org/

The Mental Illness Education Project, Inc. (MIEP)

The MIEP produces and distributes mental illness/health educational videos for persons and families challenged by mental illness, mental health professionals, employers, educators, legislators, and the general public. Their videos “are used extensively by hospitals, mental health centers, universities, and advocacy organizations,” but could also be used by faith communities to equip clergy and congregations in making a more informed, compassionate response to persons and families with psychiatric disorders. Their catalog includes the “Creating Wellness Series”: (author Mary Ellen Copeland): Key Concepts for Mental Health, The Wellness Toolbox, Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP); and “The Bonnie Tapes”: Mental Illness in the Family, Recovering from Mental Illness, My Sister is Mentally Ill, and Families Coping with Mental Illness. Though the cost of these videos is high ($99.95), church denominational leaders, seminaries, and other faith groups could join forces to use the tapes for continuing education purposes.

The Mental Illness Education Project, Inc. (MIEP)
P.O. Box 470813
Brookline Village, MA 02447
Arlington, VA 22201
(617) 562-1111
info@miepvideos.org
www.miepvideos.org

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation’s leading grass roots advocacy non-profit organization solely dedicated to improving the lives of persons with severe mental illness—including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder (manic depressive illness), major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and severe anxiety disorders. Its four pillars—education, advocacy, support, and research—give the National Alliance on Mental Illness a solid voice for the mentally ill and their families.

This organization has a host of channels through which one can receive educational materials and literature about symptoms, treatment, and services for specific mental illnesses. In addition, they provide the latest news about activities and events in policy, research, popular media, and education. Their Web site features information about the organization, mental illnesses, services, treatment options, and policy and programs of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Also offered are links to state and local web sites. Their 800 number provides support, information, and referral to local affiliates. Inquiries from the general public are welcome.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Colonel Place Three
2107 Wilson Blvd., Suite 300
Arlington, VA 22201-3042
(703) 524-7600
(703) 524-9094 (fax)
(703) 516-7227 (TDD)
(888) 999-NAMI (6264) (Member Services)
www.nami.org/
NAMI FaithNet

NAMI FaithNet is an interfaith resource for NAMI members, clergy and congregation of all faith traditions working together to create welcoming and supportive faith communities for individuals and families living with mental illness. FaithNet provides a wide variety of resources, including an e-newsletter, articles, referrals, handouts and other materials from their Web pages.

It is designed to (1) facilitate the development of a supportive faith community environment for those with serious mental illness and their families, (2) emphasize the value of spirituality in the recovery process from mental illness and in the lives of caregivers, (3) educate clergy and congregations concerning the biological basis and characteristics of mental illness, and (4) encourage advocacy by the faith community to bring hope and help to those affected by mental illness. FaithNet’s free e-mail network offers pertinent book reviews, regional meeting announcements, articles, letters, and other resource materials.

FaithNet NAMI
2107 Wilson Blvd., Ste. 300
Arlington, VA 22201
(800) 950-NAMI (6264)
(703) 524-9094 (fax)
faithnet@nami.org
www.nami.org/faithnet/

National Association of Catholic Chaplains

The National Association of Catholic Chaplains is “a professional association for certified chaplains and CPE (clinical pastoral educators) supervisors who participate in the healing missions of Jesus Christ. We provide standards, certification, education, advocacy, and professional development for our members.” By entering “mental health” in their Web site’s search box, users will find relevant articles and links. Catholic clergy and pastoral counselors will particularly benefit from this organization and its Web site.

National Association of Catholic Chaplains
5007 S. Howell Avenue, Suite 130
Milwaukee, WI 53207-6159
(414) 483-4898
info@nacc.org
www.nacc.org/

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

An agency of the U.S. government’s National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Institute of Mental Health offers a wide range of free brochures, fact sheets, reports, press releases, and other educational materials on mental illnesses, mental health issues, learning disabilities, eating disorders, suicide, and medications for mental disorders. Free booklets—on illnesses such as anxiety disorders, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, and schizophrenia—are available on the agency’s Web site and would be an economical way to supplement any church leader’s library. Check out especially “For the Public” sections of the site. Having quick access to information on a particular mental disorder helps to demystify the malady, so that a pastor or counselor can know the next step and more easily decide whether to refer a parishioner to a mental health professional. While pastoral counselors know that it is often unrealistic to expect persons with mental disorders to read about their illnesses, the literature may be helpful to church leaders and families of the mentally ill.

National Institute of Mental Health
Science Writing, Press, and Dessemination Branch
6001 Executive Boulevard
Rm 8184, MSC 9663
Bethesda, MD 20892-9663
(301) 443-4513
(866) 615-6464 (toll free)
(301) 443-8431 (TTY)
(866) 415-8051 (TTY toll free)
nimhinfo@nih.gov
www.nimh.nih.gov/
Pathways to Promise (Organization)

An interfaith resource center promoting a caring ministry for people with mental illness and their families, Pathways to Promise offers liturgical and educational materials, program models, and networking information. These resources are useful to clergy and lay leaders at all levels of congregational life—local, regional and national. Pathways provides an interactive Web site that helps congregational leaders understand 1) what to do when a person with mental illness or a family member comes for help or makes his or her presence known; 2) what programs supporting people with mental illness and their families can be developed in congregations; and 3) what agencies and organizations have helpful resources and referral information. Several of the worship planning materials, pamphlets, and bulletin inserts are available in Protestant, Jewish and Catholic versions. Other resources—particularly for clergy and worship committees who wish to plan a service or weekend of seminars—include Mental Illness Awareness booklets, The Bible as Resource: Materials for Sermons and Articles, and Worship Resources. Pastoral caregivers, families of persons suffering from mental illness, and concerned congregational members will discover insight and advice in this organization and its Web site.

Pathways to Promise
5400 Arsenal Street
St. Louis, MO 63139
pathways@mimh.edu
www.pathways2promise.org/
Presbyterian Serious Mental Illness NetworkRefuah

Refuah, a Hebrew word meaning “healing,” is an organization which offers support, education, and advocacy to family members, consumers, and mental health workers in their area.

Refuah
P.O. Box 1212
Randolph, MA 02368
((781) 961-2815
nblrefuah@aol.com
www.refuahboston.org

SAVE: Suicide Awareness Voices of Education

SAVE provides educational resources, awareness campaigns and public service announcements to prevent suicide and give voice to suicide survivors. In an emergency, call: National Hopeline Network 1 800-SUICIDE (784-2433). See address below for other information.

SAVE: Suicide Awareness Voices of Education
9001 E. Bloomington Fwy.
Suite #150
Bloomington, MN 55420
(800) 273-TALK (8225)
www.save.org

Suicide Prevention Resource Center

The Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) is a project within the Education Development Center’s Health and Human Development Programs (HHD). The SPRC provides support services designed to help states and communities increase their capacity to prevent suicide. It also informs the work of researchers and suicide prevention professionals with evidence-based practices.

Prevention Specialists (PSs) help advance suicide prevention efforts through telephone consultations and the Internet, as well as through meetings and conferences. PSs are assigned both geographically and by priority populations. Communities of practice are also eligible for consultations.

Based on the best available evidence, SPRC encourages a public health model of prevention and a coalition approach to planning. Coalitions at the state, territory, local, or interest-group level, or “prevention networks,” are the primary recipients of SPRC prevention support services.

Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Education Development Center, Inc.
55 Chapel Street
Newton, MA 02458-1060
(877) GET-SPRC (438-7772)
(617) 969-9186 (fax)
info@sprc.org
www.sprc.org

Union for Reform Judaism
Department of Jewish Family Concerns

The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) Department of Jewish Family Concerns “seeks to transform every Reform synagogue from a place of casual association into an inclusive and caring community to which all can come to worship, mourn, rejoice, and connect.” UAHC representatives help Reform congregations on an individual or group basis to establish Caring Community/Family Concerns committees and programs. As an educational resource and referral service, the Department of Jewish Family Concerns addresses mental health topics, in addition to teen suicide, eating disorders, disabilities, developmental needs, bioethics, and the special concerns of older adults. Offerings include workshops, networking, consultations, referrals, program initiatives, and a wide variety of published materials in each of these areas. One of the UAHC’s newest publications is the Mental Health Awareness: Congregational Resource and Program Guide. Synagogues seeking to learn more about becoming a Caring Congregation will find this program and its Web site invaluable.

The Department of Jewish Family Concerns
Union for Reform Judaism
633 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10017
(212) 650-4294
(212) 650-4239 (fax)
jfc@urj.org
urj.org/jfc/

United Methodist Church Mental Illness Network

This mental health resources page of the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society describes their legislative advocacy, the work of the UM Mental Illness Network, and information and links to their “Caring Community Program” and “Awareness” resources. To access the mental health pages from the home page, choose “Health and Wholeness” from the right column menu, then at the bottom of that page, click on “mental health”. Find resources by clicking on the top menu button.

United Methodist Church Mental Illness Network
General Board of Church and Society
Cynthia Abrams
100 Maryland Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
(202) 488-5629
cabrams@umc.gbcs.org
www.umc-gbcs.org/site/

Virginia Interfaith Committee on Mental Illness Ministries (VICOMIM)

VICOMIM is a significant resource for clergy and congregations desiring to help ease and carry the burden of mental illness on persons and families of faith. Though founded by the Virginia Annual Conference United Methodist Church, VICOMIM educates clergy and laity of all faiths to develop awareness and sensitivity within faith communities about mental illness. Its members include representatives from many faiths, as well as mental health care providers and associations. Programs, assistance, and resources are offered to faith communities developing their own ministries for persons with mental illness and their families. VICOMIM’s Web site presents lists of books, booklets, brochures, classes, music, publications and newsletters, messages and sermons, video tapes, and links to other Web sites. This is an excellent resource for clergy, lay leaders, and health ministry workers.

Virginia Interfaith Committee on Mental Illness Ministries (VICOMIM)
(800) 768-6040
vicomim@yahoo.com
www.vaumc.org/index.cfm/fa/content.view/menuID/888.htm