A gentle note: Still Here Faith offers Christian encouragement and resource navigation, not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, pastoral counseling, crisis care, or emergency care.
If you are in immediate danger or thinking about harming yourself, call emergency services, call or text 988 in the U.S., or text HOME to 741741. Therapy, medication, pastoral care, and medical support can all be part of faithful care.
For Pastors and Churches
When Pastors Should Refer for Mental Health Support
Quick Answer
Pastors should refer when someone may be unsafe, symptoms are severe or persistent, trauma is involved, medication questions arise, daily functioning is impaired, or the care needed is outside pastoral training. Referral is not abandonment. It is often faithful care.
Refer immediately when safety is at risk
If someone may hurt themselves, cannot stay safe, has a plan, is in immediate danger, or seems unable to be alone safely, involve emergency support, crisis services, or a trusted nearby person. Pastoral care should not be the only response.
Refer when symptoms are severe or persistent
Ongoing depression, panic, trauma symptoms, self-harm, disordered eating, substance misuse, psychosis, mania, or major functioning decline require more than encouragement and prayer alone.
Keep pastoral care connected
Referral does not mean the church disappears. The church can continue prayer, meals, check-ins, practical help, and belonging while licensed or medical care addresses clinical needs.
📖 Free Guide
Build a safer care pathway
A church does not have to become a clinic to become safer. It can listen, refer, follow up, and reduce shame.
Still Here Faith offers Christian encouragement and resource navigation, not medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, pastoral counseling, crisis care, or emergency care. If you are in immediate danger, call emergency services, call or text 988 in the U.S., or text HOME to 741741.