Mental health issues require biblical solutions

America’s mental health is in alarming condition, and only biblical solutions can change it, a leading Christian counselor says.

“We don’t have a mental health crisis; we have a mental health disaster going on,” Tim Clinton, president of the American Association of Christian Counselors states.

“If you look at all the mental health strategies for kids, the very first step is for mom and dad to get connected with their kids. The next step is to get mentors, Sunday school teachers and youth pastors connected with these kids. Being present and being connected, that relationship piece is at the heart of every strategy to help our kids have success in life.”

Despite popular Pastor John MacArthur of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, Calif., saying there is no such thing as mental illness, Clinton noted that society increasingly is becoming aware of the many ways in which mental health can be affected and various solutions to those problems.

“I think people are becoming more aware of mental health-related issues,” he said. “Some people really do have biology-related issues that are fueling their depression. There may be multiple reasons why they can’t pull themselves up.”

According to its website, the association helps Christian counselors and the entire “community of care” — licensed professionals, pastors and lay church members with little or no formal training — effectively minister to and counsel individuals with mental health challenges. The group’s School of Mental Health Coaching, Light University, offers educational programs ranging from certification courses to continuing education for counselors and those wanting to become Christian counselors and coaches.

“It is our intention to equip clinical, pastoral and lay caregivers with biblical truth and psychosocial insights that minister to hurting persons and help them move to personal wholeness, interpersonal competence, mental stability and spiritual maturity,” the website said.

Although counseling, psychology and evidence-based practices can be helpful and can lead to change in a person’s life, Clinton said, “the real hope comes from Christ. AACC provides mental health training for Christians so that those seeking help should not have trouble finding that help. Asking for help is hard. Finding help shouldn’t be.”

For more information, visit www.aacc.net.

–Dwight Widaman | Metro Voice