Patterns and Correlates of Contacting Clergy for Mental Disorders in the United States

Abstract

Objective. To present nationally representative data on the part played by clergy in providing treatment to people with mental disorders in the United States. Data Sources. The National Comorbidity Survey (NCS), a nationally representative general population survey of 8,098 respondents ages 15–54. Study Design. Cross‐sectional survey Data Collection. A modified version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to assess DSM‐III‐R mental disorders. Reports were obtained on age of onset of disorders, age of first seeking treatment, and treatment in the 12 months before interview with each of six types of professionals (clergy, general medical physicians, psychiatrists, other mental health specialists, human services providers, and alternative treatment providers). Principal Findings. One‐quarter of those who ever sought treatment for mental disorders did so from a clergy member. Although there has been a decline in this proportion between the 1950s (31.3 percent) and the early 1990s (23.5 percent), the clergy continue to be contacted by higher proportions than psychiatrists (16.7 percent) or general medical doctors (16.7 percent). Nearly one‐quarter of those seeking help from clergy in a given year have the most seriously impairing mental disorders. The majority of these people are seen exclusively by the clergy, and not by a physician or mental health professional. Conclusions. The clergy continue to play a crucial role in the U.S. mental health care delivery system. However, interventions appear to be needed to ensure that clergy members recognize the presence and severity of disorders, deliver therapies of sufficient intensity and quality, and collaborate appropriately with health care professionals.

Changing Profiles of Service Sectors Used for Mental Health Care in the United States

“…Our observation that females receive less psychiatric services but more general medical services than males is consistent with earlier findings that primary care physicians are more willing to treat women but tend to refer men to specialists (39). Racial and ethnic minorities' greater reliance on exclusively human services may reflect their lower barriers to accessing religious leaders or social services agencies as well as prior experiences of prejudice and mistreatment within health care sectors (16,17,40).…”

“…On the other hand, some (10,11) but not all (12,13) trials of pharmacotherapies and psychotherapies have shown increased efficacy with joint vs. isolated use of these modalities. Data on the questionable safety and effectiveness of non-health care have also raised concerns over isolated use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) or HS (14)(15)(16)(17).…”

Perfil sociodemográfico e de experiências anômalas em indivíduos com vivências psicóticas e dissociativas em grupos religiosos

“…A deeper understanding of this population can shed further light on AEs and advance the search for criteria to differentiate between the two groups. In addition, given that individuals with mental disorders seek assistance at religious groups, these may serve as an important tool for screening and supporting individuals with mental disorders 14,15,26 . Several areas in this field which warrant further research include: 1) profile of AEs in the general population; 2) characteristics of AE among different religious, non-religious and clinical groups ; 3) test criteria for assessing the pathological nature or otherwise of AEs ; and 4) the role which religious groups can play in the screening or treatment of AEs.…”

Ministers’ Perceptions of Church-Based Programs to Provide Depression Care for African Americans

“…33 Clergy provide an invaluable role in the US mental health care delivery system. 34 Findings from the National Comorbidity Survey, a nationally representative general population survey of 8,098 adults in the USA, show that a higher percentage of people sought help for mental disorders from clergy (25 %) compared with psychiatrists (16.7 %) or general medical doctors (16.7 %). 34 African American ministers, in particular, are considered trusted "gatekeepers" for referring community members to mental health professionals.…”

“…34 Findings from the National Comorbidity Survey, a nationally representative general population survey of 8,098 adults in the USA, show that a higher percentage of people sought help for mental disorders from clergy (25 %) compared with psychiatrists (16.7 %) or general medical doctors (16.7 %). 34 African American ministers, in particular, are considered trusted "gatekeepers" for referring community members to mental health professionals. 35,36 Neighbors et al found that 50 % of African Americans utilizing only one source of mental health care sought help from clergy providers.…”