Policy and Advocacy initiatives

Social Problem of Interest to FSI
Widespread mental health crises in the U.S. and globally, especially in underserved and marginalized communities, where stigma, lack of access, and limited culturally competent services exacerbate the problem.

Policy Change: We are advocating for federal, state, and local governments to develop formal partnerships with faith-based organizations to train and mobilize clergy and faith leaders as frontline responders in addressing mental health issues.

Why This Matters: Faith communities are often the first point of contact for individuals experiencing emotional or psychological distress, particularly in Black, Brown, and immigrant communities. However, most faith leaders are not trained in mental health support. Partnering with them through funding, training, and certification programs can improve outreach, reduce stigma, and connect individuals to appropriate care.

Policy Goals:

• Government agencies will fund and implement faith-based mental health training programs nationwide.
• Mental health certifications will be offered to faith leaders in partnership with behavioral health departments.
• Faith-based organizations will be recognized as eligible community mental health providers under certain federal grants.

Desired Outcome:

• Increased access to culturally relevant mental health support.
• Reduction in stigma associated with mental illness.
• Improved early intervention in underserved communities.

Relevant Decision-Makers:

• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
• State and local departments of behavioral health
• Members of Congress, especially those on mental health and faith-based policy committees
• Faith-based initiatives offices in the White House or Governor’s offices

Opportunities:

• Federal grant program cycles (e.g., SAMHSA funding opportunities)
• Policy review sessions and community mental health roundtables
• Mental Health Awareness Month (May) for policy pushes
• Executive Orders or Public Health Initiatives

Interested Stakeholders:

• National and local faith-based coalitions (e.g., National Association of Evangelicals, Black Church PAC)
• Mental health advocacy groups (e.g., NAMI, Mental Health America)
• Churches, mosques, synagogues, and other faith institutions
• Local community organizers and public health coalitions

Potential Allies:

• Public health departments
• Faith and community liaisons at HHS
• Chaplaincy and seminary training programs
• Christian Counseling associations

Core Message:
Faith leaders are trusted community figures. With the right training and support, they can be powerful allies in solving the mental health crisis. It’s time to equip them as part of the national strategy for behavioral health equity.”

Faith leaders are often the first line of response when individuals and families face mental health crises, especially in communities where access to professional mental health care is limited or stigmatized. These leaders are trusted, visible, and spiritually grounded figures who walk with people through trauma, grief, addiction, and despair. Yet, despite their crucial role, most faith leaders receive little to no formal training in mental health.

The government must recognize and resource the potential of faith communities as strategic partners in addressing the national mental health crisis. By training, certifying, and funding faith leaders as community mental health allies, we can expand the reach of mental health services, reduce the stigma that prevents so many from seeking help, and build a more culturally responsive and spiritually attuned system of care.

This is not about replacing professional providers; it's about strengthening the safety net by building bridges between clinical systems and trusted community institutions. When faith leaders are equipped with trauma-informed training and referral pathways, they become powerful connectors who can identify early signs of distress, intervene appropriately, and refer individuals to care before a crisis escalates.

The time is now for a collaborative approach that integrates faith and mental health. We are calling on local, state, and federal governments to implement programs that train and mobilize clergy and faith leaders as vital mental health advocates in their communities. Together, we can close the gap in care and create a more compassionate, comprehensive response to mental illness in America.

Key Call to Action:
“Fund, train, and certify faith leaders as part of the mental health response system.”

Key Points:

1. Over 60% of individuals with mental health challenges seek help first from clergy, not clinicians.
2. Faith-based mental health programs increase access and trust, especially in marginalized communities.
3. Public-private partnerships between governments and churches are cost-effective and scalable.
4. Training clergy in trauma-informed care and referral systems leads to better outcomes.
5. Recognizing faith leaders as community mental health partners creates sustainable change.

First 3 People/Organizations to Contact:

1. Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships (U.S. HHS)
2. National Faith-Based Advisory Councils on Mental Health
3. Congressmember who serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce (which oversees mental health funding)

Post-Meeting Follow-Up Plan:

• Send a thank-you email with a summary of the meeting and digital copies of advocacy materials.
• Request a second meeting to discuss next steps and possible pilot programs.
• Invite them to a community event, virtual roundtable, or faith-leader summit related to the issue.
• Track outcomes and maintain communication every 4–6 weeks for updates or new engagement opportunities.

Mental health is not just a clinical issue—it is a spiritual and social justice issue. If you believe that faith leaders have a powerful role to play in addressing the mental health crisis, we invite you to take action with us.

Are you a pastor, minister, imam, rabbi, or chaplain? 

We want to partner with you. Faith Solutions International offers training and resources to help you respond to the mental health needs in your congregation and community with confidence and compassion.

Are you a mental health professional or educator? 

Your expertise is needed. Help us design and deliver trauma-informed, faith-sensitive training programs that equip clergy and communities to provide care and support.

Are you a policymaker or public servant? 

Join us in advocating for policy changes that integrate faith-based organizations into the mental health system. We are looking for leaders who understand the need for culturally grounded, community-based approaches.

Are you a donor, sponsor or foundation representative?

Your support makes this work possible. By investing in faith-based mental health initiatives, you are helping build a more compassionate and accessible system of care.

Ready to take the next step?
Fill out the contact form to tell us how you’d like to be involved. A member of our team will follow up with opportunities, resources, and ways to collaborate.

Together, we can bridge the gap between spiritual care and mental health support—and transform communities from the inside out.