Christian Mental Health Books

By Lucien R. J. Pilon / Word Alive Press

By Kristen Kansiewicz / CreateSpace Publishing

There has been a shifting conversation on the topic of mental health within the American church in the past decade, and Christian counselor Kristen Kansiewicz adds greater insight to that conversation as she responds to tough questions and shares real-life case examples. Christians who have suffered and even questioned their faith because of their struggles with mental illness will find comfort and compassion within these pages. Others in the church will learn how to respond with scientific and biblical understanding to those who are hurting.

By Judyth Thomas / WestBow Press

By David Finnegan-Hosey / Church Publishing Inc.

Christ on the Psych Ward is a series of reflections on the intersections among mental health, faith, and ministry. Beginning with his own experience, Finnegan- Hosey shares ways communities of faith can be present with those suffering from mental illness and crises. Weaving together personal testimony, theological reflection, and practical ministry experience, he offers a message of hope for those suffering and for friends and faith communities struggling to care for them. Ultimately, his journey of recovery and healing reveals the need for a theological understanding of a vulnerable God, important not solely for ministry with those with mental health struggles, but offering a hopeful vision forward for the church.

By Stephen Grcevich, M.D. / Zondervan

A practical, must-have resource for leaders who are clueless about structuring ministry for those diagnosed with ADHD, anxiety, attachment issues, mood disorders, post-traumatic stress syndrome, and other difficulties. Grcevich is a past recipient of the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award from the National Alliance on Mental Illness. 208 pages, softcover. Zondervan.

By Wayne Welch / Redemption Press

By Rosemary Ruether & David Ruether / Fortress Press

By SCM Press

By John Toews / Herald Press

In a simple yet careful way the author with Eleanor Loewen draw on their expertise in mental health to address such topics as the interrelatedness of social, emotional, physical, and spiritual selves; emotions that hurt or heal; depression; addictions; schizophrenia; grief; and suicide.

By TMW Media Group

Millions of Americans struggle with mental illness and against the stigma brought upon them. For the great majority of families watching their loved ones suffer and often suffering themselves, the struggle can be endless. Mental illness can take many forms and is often difficult for family and friends to understand. Faith has become an integral part of treatment for those who are struggling with overwhelming emotional and spiritual burdens. It is through their Christian faith that many have learned that they can still live happy and fulfilling lives.

By WestBow Press

By Rabbi Stephen Roberts / Skylight Paths

This is the first comprehensive resource for spiritual and pastoral care–a vital resource for clergy, seminarians, chaplains, pastoral counselors and caregivers of all faith traditions. It integrates the classic foundations of pastoral care with the latest approaches on spiritual care. It is specifically intended for professionals who work or spend time with congregants in acute care hospitals, behavioral health facilities, rehabilitation centers and long-term care facilities.

Offering the latest theological perspectives and tools, along with basic theory and skills from the best pastoral and spiritual care texts, research and concepts, the contributors to this resource are experts in their fields, and include eight current or past presidents of the major chaplaincy organizations. Topics include:

• The Theology of Spiritual and Pastoral Care– How do you create a theology to do spiritual/pastoral care?
• The Process of Spiritual and Pastoral Care–The general theory behind spiritual/pastoral care; caring reflective listening; aiding life review; chaplaining around end of life; conducting spiritual assessments; creating and implementing a pastoral plan; ethics.
• Spiritual/Pastoral Care with Special Populations and Their Needs–International cultures and immigrants, pediatrics, mental health, LGBT, disabled, palliative care with chronic illness, arrested and complicated grief.
• The Infrastructure of Spiritual and Pastoral Care–How to begin strategic planning, standards of care for all professional chaplains, quality assurance, quality improvement designing sacred spaces, cultural competencies.

By Brant Hansen / Thomas Nelson

Are you an introvert who feels like you don’t fit into the church? Many congregations seem designed for the outgoing—but what about those who aren’t? Hansen offers observations on emotionally biased assumptions about worship and spiritual life, witnessing, analytical minds, mental health, and more. Hansen shares a unique and valuable perspective from someone living with Asperger’s syndrome. Paperback.

By Joseph Ciarrocchi / Paulist Press

A practical guide that helps pastoral ministers to recognize and deal with the array of common mental health problems in their ministry, including depression, anxiety, addictions and personality disorders.

By Adam W. Lambdin / WestBow Press