Perceptions of Depression, Counseling and Referral Practices, and Self-Efficacy Reported by Minnesota Clergy

Abstract

This study’s purpose was to measure clergy’s counseling, referral, and supportive activities for those with depression. Among a Minnesota sample (n = 367), nearly 80 % (n = 284) reported counseling their members (mean of 10.25 h/month), with 25 % providing mental health counseling (mean of 2.76 h/month). Ninety-one percent (n = 336) reported ability to recognize depression, and 64 % (n = 236) reported moderate to high ability in effectively counseling those with depression. Age, past academic counseling coursework/certification, hours of counseling, and number of individuals counseled were significant predictors of clergy’s self-efficacy in counseling for depression. A mean of 6.14 individuals approached clergy for depression-related help; clergy reported a mean of 3.86 referrals for mental health care. Nearly 90 % stated that one of the roles of the clergy is to provide mental health education.