Mental Health Ministry Toolkits, Handbooks & Guidebooks
compiled by the Lutheran Foundation of Fort Wayne, Indiana
​(each title is also a direct link to the file or PDF)

Church Leaders Mental Health 101
This handbook for faith leaders from Grace Alliance provides mental health insights and tools for every church, including a stress evaluation tool and support models.
2021 Congregational Mental Wellness Survey: Suggested Resource Guide
Created by The Lutheran Foundation in 2021 to help connect congregations in northeast Indiana with mental health resources based on the expressed needs of their congregation members on a recent mental health survey. The resources are arranged topically, with many listings from national mental health organizations which can be used by congregations anywhere.
Indiana Suicide Prevention Resources Toolkit: Faith-Based Resources
Released in January 2021, the Indiana Suicide Prevention Resources Toolkit contains a section of faith-based resources for church workers, beginning on page 104
Compassion in Action: A Guide for Faith Communities Serving People Experiencing Mental Illness and their Caregivers
The HHS Center for Faith and Opportunity Initiatives (also known as "The Partnership Center") is the national U.S. Health and Human Services Department’s liaison to the faith community and to grassroots organizations. The Partnership Center is committed to helping grassroots organizations access the necessary tools to reach those in need. It exists to supply information, resources and encouragement to faith-based organizations in their service to their communities.
“Help! My Teen is Self-Injuring: A Crisis Manual for Parents” by Focus on the Family
Focus on the Family is a global Christian ministry dedicated to helping families thrive by providing Biblical guidance and support.
“Mental Health Ministry: A Toolkit for Faith Communities” by Pathways to Promise 
Pathways to Promise is an interfaith cooperative committed to creating an atmosphere in the faith and mental health communities which promotes recovery from mental illness and invites people with mental illnesses to enrich the community through actively sharing their gifts and interests.
“Mental Health Toolkit for Congregations” by The Lutheran Foundation
The Lutheran Foundation invests in Lutheran and community organizations in northeast Indiana to advance Gospel sharing and promote mental wellness that silences the stigma of mental illness.
Quick Reference on Mental Health for Faith Leaders by the American Psychiatric Association Foundation
The American Psychiatric Association Foundation is the non-profit programming arm of the American Psychiatric Association, which complements the professional work of the APA by administering public outreach programs and support—all aimed at eliminating stigma, overcoming mental illness and advancing mental health.
COVID Mental Health Handbook, from The Humanitarian Disaster Institute at Wheaton College
The new Mental Health Handbook covers a range of topics that live at the intersection of COVID-19 and mental health. This resource brings to attention the myriad mental health needs COVID-19 has brought to the surface while also suggesting ways to cope, move forward, and become more resilient. Explore some of the most important and recent research and insights from great researchers around the world.
“Mental Health: A Guide for Faith Leaders” by the American Psychiatric Association Foundation
The American Psychiatric Association Foundation is the non-profit programming arm of the American Psychiatric Association, which complements the professional work of the APA by administering public outreach programs and support—all aimed at eliminating stigma, overcoming mental illness and advancing mental health.
“Preventing and Addressing Alcohol and Drug Problems: A Handbook for Clergy” by SAMHSA
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.
“The Opioid Crisis Practical Toolkit: Helping Faith-Based and Community Leaders Bring Hope and Healing” by SAMHSA
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation. SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.
Congregational Resource Guide: “Mental Illness and Families of Faith: How Congregations Can Respond” by Mental Health Ministries
Mental Health Ministries is an interfaith web-based ministry which provides educational resources to help erase the stigma of mental illness in faith communities.
Guidebook for Families “Guided into Family Grace: Practical, Christ-Centered Guidance for Your Family’s Mental Health Journey” by Mental Health Grace Alliance
Mental Health Grace Alliance is a Christian mental health recovery and support organization that provides resources, support groups, and training to pastors and community leaders so they can help those affected by mental illness. They develop Christ-centered, curriculum-based models for family and peer support groups, trauma and PTSD groups, and young adult groups.
Guidebook for Individuals “Guided into Living Grace: Practical, Christ-Centered Guidance for Your Personal Mental Health Journey" by Mental Health Grace Alliance
Mental Health Grace Alliance is a Christian mental health recovery and support organization that provides resources, support groups, and training to pastors and community leaders so they can help those affected by mental illness. They develop Christ-centered, curriculum-based models for family and peer support groups, trauma and PTSD groups, and young adult groups.
Suicide Prevention Competencies for Faith Leaders: Supporting Life Before, During, and After a Suicidal Crisis
This new resource, informed by faith community leaders and suicide prevention experts, aims to help equip faith leaders with the capabilities needed to prevent suicide and provide care and comfort for those affected by suicide.