Benefits of Dedicated Outpatient Mental Health Chaplaincy

Abstract

Abstract – Everhart – Dedicated Outpatient Mental Health Chaplaincy

The project seeks to determine the benefit and/or efficacy of having a dedicated outpatient mental health chaplain as a primary area of responsibility, particularly within the context of a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) facility. At this time, the available information indicates that a chaplain with this primary focus appears rare, as many chaplains may see outpatients as part of mental health care but also have responsibilities in other areas of the medical center. Spiritual/pastoral care for outpatients receiving other mental health services may benefit and enhance a patient’s treatment, including benefits such as frontline care and long-term relationship-building. Other providers of mental health services often face more limited timeframes, and integrating a chaplain into the care team adds another layer of continuity and care to the whole-health concept of integrated care.