Needs Assessment in the Development of a Clergy Consultation Service: A Key Informant Approach

Abstract

A needs assessment was conducted with clergy to assist a counseling center in the development of a clergy consultation service. A total of 66 clergy were surveyed using a questionnaire designed to determine the following: clergy and church demographic characteristics, clergy involvement in counseling activity, referral practices and value placed on collaboration with mental health resources, and receptivity towards consultation with mental health professionals. Clergy revealed they saw the following problems on a frequent basis in their counseling work: marital problems, issues regarding guilt and forgiveness, anger, depression, anxiety, family problems, premarital issues, job related concerns, and parent-teen conflicts. Differences were noted in the counseling technique employed by clergy who had higher education, formal coursework in counseling methods, and had undergone a personal therapy experience. Pastoral counselors and mental health professionals had significantly more value as mental health resources than physicians and other clergy. Clergy also revealed a strong interest in attending seminars relating to stress, marital communication, psychological testing, divorce, depression, working with mental health professionals, anger, delinquency, and sexual problems, with the stipulation that these programs be of minimal cost and time. Suggestions are offered regarding the development and implementation of clergy consultation programs.