Faith, Hope, and Therapy: A Qualitative Study to Explore Faith-Based Leaders’ Perceptions of Mental Illness in the Rural South

Introduction: Faith-based leaders are often the first people contacted by people in rural areas who are experiencing mental health crises, yet some may delay referrals. Public health professionals and mental health providers should therefore understand the perspectives of faith-based leaders on mental health. In this qualitative study, we explored the perceptions of faith-based leaders regarding mental illness and the role of the church in addressing stigma associated with mental illness in the rural South. Methods: Using purposeful sampling, pastors and ministers (N = 10) were recruited from 3 rural Southern counties. Participants viewed a minidocumentary featuring faith-based leaders discussing their role in addressing mental health issues in the church. After viewing, participants shared their thoughts in focus groups. Results: Thematic qualitative analysis identified 3 themes: 1) mental health is a broad topic involving various aspects connected to a person's overall well-being; 2) church and faith-based leaders are unprepared to address mental health stigma among church congregants; and 3) faith-based leaders expressed that they could address mental health needs by building relationships with congregants through listening and having a spirit of discernment. Conclusion: Future studies with larger samples of faith-based leaders from different religious backgrounds are needed. Integrated spiritual-based and mental health prevention approaches may be beneficial to support faith-based leaders in their role in referring people to treatment.