ABSTRACT

In its third edition, The Minister’s Guide to Psychological Disorders and Treatments is the definitive guide to everything a minister might need to know about the most common psychological disorders and current evidence-based mental health treatments.

Written in straightforward and accessible language, this is the minister’s one-stop guide to understanding common mental health problems, helping parishioners who struggle with them, and thinking strategically about whether to refer —and if so, to whom. This updated edition is fully aligned with the latest edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) and the most current evidence-based psychological treatments. This third edition infuses significant attention to culture and diversity, with diverse case examples and fresh content on cultural humility, diagnostic interviewing, assessment, sociocultural contributors to mental health disorders, such as religious community, race, and gender. The third edition also includes coverage of more treatment strategies such as mindfulness, medical cannabis, and light therapy for seasonal depression, as well as revised sections and updated references on major psychological disorders and childhood and relationship problems, including gender dysphoria, binge eating disorder, and intellectual disabilities.

Written with deep empathy for the demands of contemporary pastoring, this guide is destined to become an indispensable reference work for busy clergy in all ministry roles and settings.

chapter 1|7 pages

Why a Minister's Guide?

chapter 2|13 pages

Ministerial Triage

Empathy, Assessment, and Cultural Humility

chapter 3|47 pages

Types of Mental Health Treatment

chapter 4|43 pages

The Parishioner in Distress

Major Psychological Disorders, Part I

chapter 5|36 pages

The Parishioner in Distress

Major Psychological Disorders, Part II

chapter 6|32 pages

Causing Distress in Others

Maladaptive Personalities

chapter 7|33 pages

Children and the Family in Distress

Childhood and Relationship Problems

chapter 8|8 pages

Referring to Mental Health Professionals

chapter 9|17 pages

Ethical Guidelines

What to Expect from Mental Health Professionals