SLBMI Psychology and Religion Program>> Psychology and Religion Intensive Outpatient Program

Traditionally, our intensive program has admitted Roman Catholic priests, deacons, male religious (Friars/Brothers), and women religious (Nuns/Sisters) who are struggling in some way We have also had the honor of helping clergy from Lutheran, Methodist, Christian (United Church of Christ) and other Protestant denominations.   

The Program for Psychology and Religion’s Intensive Outpatient Services are available to ministers of any denomination.

Comprehensive Assessment:
All potential clients participate in a comprehensive assessment. The results of the assessment inform treatment recommendations, which are individualized to suit both the needs of the client, and the needs of their religious community, diocese, and/or denomination. 

Brief and Extended Programs:
Paths for symptom resolution or growth are considered according to the needs of each
client’s unique situation without sacrificing quality or comprehensiveness. Each path generally includes:

• Individual psychotherapy
• Psychiatric care
• Group therapy
• Spiritual direction
• Medical care

The Program has never taken a “one size fits all” approach to treatment, and we have remained responsive not only to the individual client but to the dynamics of ministry in our day and time.  As a result, we offer different paths for healing and restoration, as well as personal and spiritual growth. Each path can be personalized, tailored, and even combined with other treatment offerings of the Behavioral Medicine Institute, to best fit the needs identified through the Comprehensive Assessment.

Our Intensive Treatment Options:

• A Path for Healing & Restoration: Treating Anxiety & Depression

Our Brief Intensive Program

In recent years, we have heard from religious leaders the need for briefer and less expensive courses of treatment. In response, we have designed a brief out-patient treatment option that does not sacrifice the quality of treatment for which our Program is known.

This path toward healing and restoration offers brief treatment with the goal of returning ministers to psychological and spiritual health. Treatment plans are personalized, intensive and closely supervised with the goal of resolving acute or chronic forms of anxiety or depression. The goal is the elimination of painful or disabling symptoms and the length of treatment is therefore quite brief, usually no more than 4 to 10 weeks.

The sharp, clinical focus makes it more likely that insurance coverage will apply, resulting in lower costs without sacrificing sensitivity to the unique concerns of clergy and religious.

After completing the Healing and Restoration portion of treatment, individuals may “graduate” into the Growth & Transformation Program, or begin an individualized aftercare program Various forms of aftercare are available to assist clients in maintaining and building on the gains achieved, including the option to continue their personal growth through an abbreviated Path for Growth program.

• Paths for Growth: Transforming Persons

Our 3 to 6 Month Intensive Program

Our traditional intensive program is a unique opportunity for ministers to grow in wholeness of mind, body, and spirit. Collaborating with ministers and their leadership, we develop  individually tailored treatment plans that go beyond resolving symptoms; they address obstacles to growth, allowing the Spirit to work more freely to cultivate the minister’s gifts in the interest of personal well-being and effective ministry.

Cultivating and nourishing growth that is deep rooted and that will continue to flourish
takes time. This path is best considered a “Wellness Sabbatical.”

Our Weight Management Specialty

An important factor in long-lasting health is appropriate body weight and optimal nutritional status. For this reason, we offer an integrated approach to assisting clergy and religious who suffer the debilitating complications of obesity. Click here for more information on our Weight Management Specialty

Feedback Sessions:
We provide clear reviews of progress and needs at four critical junctures: After the initial assessment, at the mid-point of treatment, at the end of intensive treatment, and at the end of aftercare.  Feedback sessions include the clinical director, key staff members involved in treatment, the client, and a support person or leader from the client’s community, diocese, or denomination.

Aftercare:
Aftercare is provided to assist in the process of a health and successful post-treatment adjustment. Aftercare may be provided at our facility, or a facility close to the client’s residence. Aftercare may include phone and/or in person sessions with a psychiatrist, psychologist, and/or spiritual director, and renewal visits tailored to the needs of post-intensive clients.  Click here for more information on our aftercare services 

Accommodations:
We have provided help to clients from all over the United States and even to international clients. Individuals attending our program from outside the St. Louis metro region typically reside locally while in the program. We are happy to assist clients and their religious community, diocese, or denomination to find appropriate and comfortable accommodations.  

Who Benefits From Our Services?
(Common Examples)

• A pastor who has had a few anger outbursts and struggles to maintain healthy, intimate relationships in his life.
• A Sister (nun) who is suffering from depression and anxiety which is creating difficulties in her ministry functioning and relationships.
• A Brother (friar) who is overweight, diabetic, and chronically overeating
• A Sister (nun) who is having interpersonal difficulties in her religious community
• A pastor who is engaging in frequent internet pornography.
• A Brother (friar) who has been abusing alcohol and is withdrawn from community.
• A pastor that suffers from depression and chronic pain which interferes with his ability to minister effectively in his parish.

*See Our Other Areas of Special Focus on this site