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01-08-2014 | Original Paper

The Pew Versus the Couch: Relationship Between Mental Health and Faith Communities and Lessons Learned from a VA/Clergy Partnership Project

Authors: Steve Sullivan, Jeffrey M. Pyne, Ann M. Cheney, Justin Hunt, Tiffany F. Haynes, Greer Sullivan

Published in: Journal of Religion and Health | Issue 4/2014

Abstract

The history of the relationship between religion and mental health is one of commonality, conflict, controversy, and distrust. An awareness of this complex relationship is essential to clinicians and clergy seeking to holistically meet the needs of people in our clinics, our churches, and our communities. Understanding this relationship may be particularly important in rural communities. This paper briefly discusses the history of this relationship and important areas of disagreement and contention. The paper moves beyond theory to present some current practical tensions identified in a brief case study of VA/Clergy partnerships in rural Arkansas. The paper concludes with a framework of three models for understanding how most faith communities perceive mental health and suggests opportunities to overcome the tensions between “the pew” and “the couch.”

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Title: The Pew Versus the Couch: Relationship Between Mental Health and Faith Communities and Lessons Learned from a VA/Clergy Partnership Project
Authors: Steve Sullivan
Jeffrey M. Pyne
Ann M. Cheney
Justin Hunt
Tiffany F. Haynes
Greer Sullivan
Publication date: 01-08-2014
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Religion and Health / Issue 4/2014
Print ISSN: 0022-4197
Electronic ISSN: 1573-6571
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-013-9731-0

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

The Pew Versus the Couch: Relationship Between Mental Health and Faith Communities and Lessons Learned from a VA/Clergy Partnership Project

Abstract

At a glance: The ONWARDS insulin icodec trials

Springer Medicine

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