Mental health disparities in the African-American community demand innovative solutions, and the Bridges to Care and Recovery (BCR) program in St. Louis is answering that call with faith at its core. By partnering with African-American churches, BCR transforms how behavioral health support is delivered, breaking down stigma, enhancing access, and fostering hope. This vibrant initiative trains church members as mental health advocates, connects individuals to professional care, and builds a community where faith and healing go hand in hand.
Faith as a Foundation for Change
African-Americans face a disproportionate mental health burden, with over 16% experiencing psychiatric disorders compared to 13% of the U.S. population. Stigma, distrust of providers, and barriers like poverty often prevent access to care. BCR leverages the deep-rooted trust in African-American faith communities—valued by nearly 90% of the community—as a platform for change. Through the Behavioral Health Friendly Congregations model, churches become hubs for mental health education, with trained “Wellness Champions” guiding congregants toward support and professional services.
Faith-Fueled Training for Wellness Champions
The BCR program empowers churches through 19 hours of training over eight months, covering Mental Health First Aid, trauma-informed care, and crisis intervention. To date, 65 churches and 221 Wellness Champions have completed this training, impacting over 600 community members. Pre- and post-training assessments show knowledge and engagement rising from 2.2 to 3.2 on a five-point scale, with significant stigma reduction. Advanced workshops on opioids and grief counseling further equip these faith-driven advocates to serve their communities effectively.
Connecting to Care with Compassion
Access to mental health services remains a challenge, especially for the uninsured. BCR’s Community Connector bridges this gap, coordinating referrals and building trust through home visits and phone check-ins. With a 95% engagement rate, BCR ensures nearly all referred individuals—90% African-American—utilize services. Since 2015, 400 individuals have been referred, with 200 receiving over 650 free counseling sessions. Telehealth options enhance accessibility, while EMDR therapy offers targeted trauma treatment through select providers.
A Ripple Effect of Faith and Healing
BCR’s impact transcends individual care, reshaping community attitudes. Clients report feeling validated, with one noting, “It’s okay to talk about what you’re feeling.” Another credited counseling with overcoming breast cancer and returning to school. Pastors highlight reduced stigma, integrating mental health into health discussions. The program’s success stems from faith community leadership, flexible training, and partnerships with hospitals and advocacy groups, enabling BCR to address broader issues like infant mortality and opioid overdoses.
A Blueprint for the Future
The BCR model offers a scalable solution for mental health disparities, blending faith-based advocacy with professional care. Trained Wellness Champions and established behavioral health ministries ensure sustainability, even as funding challenges persist. Telehealth services provide convenient access, and EMDR therapy supports trauma recovery. By rooting mental health support in faith, BCR paves the way for transformative, community-driven care in urban and rural settings.
Dr. Sara C is a renowned therapist specializing in EMDR, CBT, and DBT therapies, providing top-rated telehealth services to Newport Beach, CA; Beverly Hills, CA; San Diego, CA; Portland, OR; Jacksonville, OR; Dallas, TX; and Houston, TX. Choose her for the best therapy in California, Texas, and Oregon.
In case of a mental health emergency, please call 911 or seek immediate professional help.
Source:
Scribner, S. S., Poirier, R. F., Orson, W., Jackson-Beavers, R., Rice, B. T., Wilson, K., & Hong, B. A. (2020). Bridges to Care and Recovery: Addressing behavioral health and mental health needs through the faith community. Journal of Religion and Health, 59(4), 1946–1957. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-020-00992-y