Our Mission
We support Catholic parishes and dioceses in establishing mental health ministries. Mental health ministries provide vital spiritual accompaniment for people experiencing mental illness, as well as those who care for them.
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Be the first to hear about events, resources, and more!
Mental Health Ministry Grant Funding Now Open
We are now accepting applications for the 2022 round of seed grants to create or expand mental health ministries within parishes, deaneries, or diocese. Over the past three years the ACMHM provided over $500,000 in funding for ministries across the country.
During this time of COVID-19 the need for mental health ministries in the Church is becoming acutely apparent.
Auxiliary Bishop John Dolan of the Diocese of San Diego and Chaplain for ACMHM, said, “This is a wonderful opportunity to build up this important ministry in the Church. Pope Francis’s call to accompaniment can never be more on point than when dealing with the reality of mental illness and mental health challenges.”
Learn about the grant application guidelines and submit a preliminary application.
Video
The Sanctuary Course for Catholics
Compelling films that that feature the stories of Catholics living with mental health challenges, along with the insights of archbishops, theologians, and psychologists.
Mental Health Ministry and the Diaconate: Christ Heals Our Wounds
The Role of the Church for the Mental Health Community, Bishop Kevin W. Vann, JCD, DD
What a Mental Health Ministry Team Can Do in a Parish, Father Anthony Saroki, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Diocese of San Diego
Upcoming Events
Save the Date: Mental Health Ministry Conference
Add Fri, Feb 25 - Sat, Feb 26
in San Francisco, CA
Building a Culture of Community - Equipping Leaders for Mental Health Ministry
Latest News
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Message from Card. P. Turkson for World Mental Health Day, Prefect of the Dicastery for Integral Human Development
World Mental Health Day is celebrated on 10 October. This year's theme is Mental Health in an Unequal World, and aims to draw attention to the inequalities that exist in the treatment and care of…
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Stress and suicide high among those in the farming industry
Called “ag stress,” it refers to pressures felt by farmers or those within the agricultural industry. It can lead to depression, despair and even suicide.
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Grants Available to Support Catholic Mental Health Ministries
The Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers (ACMHM) announces the availability of their next round of seed grants to start or grow mental health ministries in Catholic parishes, dioceses, and…
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World Mental Health Day
Prayer of Pope Francis on World Mental Health Day: I would like, to remember our brothers and sisters affected by mental disorders and also the victims, often young, of suicide. Let us pray for them…
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Responding to Suicide Named ACP 2021 Resource of the Year
Responding to Suicide: A Pastoral Handbook for Catholic Leaders authored by Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers and edited by Deacon Ed Shoener and Most Rev. John P. Dolan from Ave Maria…
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Houses of worship offering mental health support
Faith communities are connecting with families dealing with mental health issues on multiple fronts.
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The Religious Leaders on the Front Lines of Mental Health
by Clare Ansberry, Wall Street Journal, July 22, 2021
Priests, pastors, rabbis, imams and deacons have witnessed waves of anxiety, depression, fear and grief. People who never… -
Destigmatize mental illness says pope
Pope Francis has said that it is necessary to destigmatize mental illness. In a message to participants at a conference on mental health organized by the Italian health ministry, Francis said it was…
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Survey: Religiosity seems to be 'buffer' against some pandemic stresses
The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on participation in religious services just as it did on workplaces, but a new survey indicates strong emotional resilience from those who consider their faith vital…
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A Catholic Response to the Mental Health Crisis
Behind the statistics, facts, and figures on our nation’s mental health crisis are human beings—all children of God. How the Church and we, as people of faith, respond can save lives and…
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Clergy education focuses on mental health, suicide prevention
Priests and deacons of the diocese were invited April 23 to participate in a continuing education course on mental health and suicide awareness.
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How churches can respond to the COVID-19 mental health crisis
With concerns that suicide rates are rising in communities of color during the pandemic, Catholic mental health workers say the Church can play a key role in response.
Order Free Prayer Cards
We provide free prayer cards in both English and Spanish for use in your ministry!
Books
Recognized for excellence in publishing by the Catholic Publishers Association as finalists
in the 'General Interest' and 'Resources for Ministry' categories.
