Catholic Association Launches Online Courses for Mental Health Support

The courses include a one-hour video focused on mental health literacy, which covers common mental illnesses such as depression, bipolar disorder, addiction, and trauma. A two-hour course on psychological first aid teaches participants how to provide initial support to individuals in distress and guide them toward professional help. Deacon Ed Shoener, founder and president of the association, emphasized that the courses are meant to foster awareness rather than train participants to diagnose or treat mental health issues.

The courses combine faith resources with practical skills to help Catholics contribute to mental health ministry within their parishes. The video segments feature actors portraying real-life scenarios to illustrate effective support techniques.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, over 20% of adults in the U.S. experienced mental illness in 2022. In a typical parish of 500 members, more than 100 individuals may be struggling. The courses encourage participants to engage with those who may need help and connect them with suitable resources.

Andrea Sarubbi, the association’s director of outreach, urged parishes and dioceses to reach out for more information on building mental health ministry teams within their communities. She highlighted the importance of integrating mental health support into every Catholic parish worldwide.

Pope Leo XIV’s October 2026 prayer intention focuses on mental health ministries, calling for the Church to be a welcoming community that listens without judgment and supports individuals facing mental health challenges. He expressed the need for forgiveness for any past discrimination or stigma against those with mental illness, noting that roughly 1 billion people globally live with a mental disorder—yet less than 2% of national health budgets are allocated for mental health.

Carol Glatz is the editor in chief of the Rome bureau of Catholic News Service.