Mental Health Advocates in Places of Worship

Date: August 25, 2025
Format: Webinar
Moderator: Dr. Stephanie Okolo, President of ICTMH
Panelists: Mr. Samtanye Yerima Balla, Dr. Maureen Salami, and Mallam Saidu Mohammed.

The Initiative for Cognitive Therapies and Mental Health (ICTMH) hosted its August 2025 webinar, focusing on Mental Health Advocates in Places of Worship. The webinar explored the important role religious institutions and faith leaders can play in promoting mental health awareness, providing emotional support, and encouraging individuals experiencing psychological distress to seek appropriate help.

The panelists discussed how places of worship can serve as safe and supportive environments for individuals facing emotional, psychological, and social challenges. The conversation highlighted the influence of faith leaders in addressing mental health stigma, correcting misconceptions about mental illness, and encouraging compassionate responses to people experiencing mental health difficulties. It also explored the importance of recognizing when individuals require professional mental health services and how religious leaders can work collaboratively with mental health practitioners to provide holistic support.

Participants gained insights into the need to bridge the gap between faith-based support and professional mental health care. The webinar emphasized that spiritual guidance and psychological interventions can complement each other when appropriately applied, while reinforcing the importance of referring individuals to qualified professionals when necessary.

Ultimately, the session called for stronger collaboration between mental health advocates, religious leaders, and healthcare professionals to create more inclusive, informed, and compassionate communities where individuals can seek help without fear of judgment or discrimination.