Mental Illness Recognition and Referral Practices of Catholic Priests in North Carolina
Thomas Pillion, MD, Institute for the Psychological Sciences,
private practice
Brian Sheitman, MD, University of North Carolina
Robin Reed, MD, University of North Carolina
Objective: This survey seeks to understand the perspective of Catholic priests in North Carolina with respect to recognizing and responding to mental illness in their communities. Methods: A brief online survey that included both questionnaire and vignettes was distributed to all the Catholic priests in North Carolina. Results: Out of 48 priests who took the survey, most (87%) priests felt comfortable recognizing mental illness, and most (87% - 92%) priests sent vignette patients for additional services when severe circumstances were present (e.g. mania, domestic abuse, suicide risk). Also, most (85%) priests felt it was either ‘critical’ or ‘important’ that providers share a similar religious or philosophical worldview as the referring priest. Conclusions: Catholic priests can be seen as able and willing partners in the efforts of community mental health providers to identify and treat those suffering from mental illness, domestic abuse, or substance abuse problems.
Brian Sheitman, MD, University of North Carolina
Robin Reed, MD, University of North Carolina
Objective: This survey seeks to understand the perspective of Catholic priests in North Carolina with respect to recognizing and responding to mental illness in their communities. Methods: A brief online survey that included both questionnaire and vignettes was distributed to all the Catholic priests in North Carolina. Results: Out of 48 priests who took the survey, most (87%) priests felt comfortable recognizing mental illness, and most (87% - 92%) priests sent vignette patients for additional services when severe circumstances were present (e.g. mania, domestic abuse, suicide risk). Also, most (85%) priests felt it was either ‘critical’ or ‘important’ that providers share a similar religious or philosophical worldview as the referring priest. Conclusions: Catholic priests can be seen as able and willing partners in the efforts of community mental health providers to identify and treat those suffering from mental illness, domestic abuse, or substance abuse problems.