In response to “the crisis that confronts us as individuals and as a society,” Bishop Michael F. Burbidge launched the diocesan Mental Health Resource Initiative Feb. 10.
As he shared in his recent pastoral letter, “The Divine Physician and a Christian Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing,” Bishop Burbidge acknowledged “our profound need for God’s divine intervention to make us whole.”
The initiative is an online portal designed to help those in need to access mental health services rooted in church teaching. Available to anyone in the diocese, it offers personalized assistance and information. After completing a brief questionnaire, respondents will receive clinical recommendations from the diocese.
“I urge all people of faith and goodwill in our diocese who earnestly desire assistance, including the young facing isolation, spouses navigating breakdowns of marriage or other challenges, caregivers bearing heavy burdens and others experiencing ongoing mental health challenges, to consider the assistance available through the diocesan Mental Health Resource Initiative,” wrote Bishop Burbidge.
The initiative progressed from the diocesan Strategic Plan. “It was clear that supporting the mental health of the laity is a key priority,” said Dr. Michael Horne, director of clinical services for diocesan Catholic Charities, noting that a survey of priests indicated two things. “One is a clear need for mental health support among parishioners and two is that priests want to be able to refer parishioners to trusted mental health professionals,” he said.
Horne is hopeful that the initiative will make it easier for those who are struggling to pursue the path to healing. “For many people, the gap between recognizing that they struggle with a mental health issue and taking steps to get help is insurmountable,” he said. “This may be because they don’t know where to go to receive appropriate help. Whatever the reason, this initiative can help connect people in need with trusted resources that can help them heal and flourish.”
Importantly, Horne emphasized that all the mental health providers listed in the initiative are faithful Catholics and licensed professionals in Virginia. “They are committed to providing counseling services grounded in a Catholic understanding of the dignity of the human person, the sanctity of marriage and the importance of family,” he said.
“May Our Lady of Good Counsel intercede for us, and may we always place our trust in Christ, who heals our wounds and shows us the way to everlasting peace,” wrote Bishop Burbidge.
Find out more
For more on the diocesan Mental Health Resource Initiative, go to arlingtondiocese.org/mental-health-resources.