International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers launches online courses

The International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers has launched two online courses to help the faithful recognize mental health struggles and support those who are suffering. The association presented a trailer for these resources on Oct. 10 during an international meeting in Rome and at the Vatican titled “A Healing Presence: The Church’s Call to Mental Health Ministry.”

The first resource is a one-hour course on mental health literacy designed to help people identify signs and symptoms of common mental illnesses, including depression, addiction, trauma, and bipolar disorder. The second resource, a two-hour course titled “Psychological First Aid,” provides skills and knowledge to assist individuals in distress.

According to the association, these courses do not train participants to diagnose problems or provide medical treatment. Instead, they combine faith resources with practical skills to help people recognize, discuss, and support those showing signs of mental health struggles.