Switching the Narrative: Pastors’ Beliefs and Reasonings

Although many African Americans experience mental health/addiction (MH/A), only 39% of the population seek professional treatment. Several significant barriers contribute to their ability to seek treatment, and as such, many African Americans feel more comfortable relying on the Black Church and pastors for support. However, many pastors are not prepared to support the MH/A needs of their parishioners thus leaving those who seek help without the proper MH/A care they need. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the perceptions held by African American pastors on preparedness based on experience and theological beliefs to address MH/A issues within the Black Church. This current study also sought to understand pastoral views on potential collaborations with MH/A professionals. The goal of this qualitative study was to obtain a more in-depth understanding of pastors’ perceptions of MH/A needs and to develop directions for potential collaborations between African American pastors and MH/A professionals. Using a narrative approach, interviews with three pastors, derived from secondary data from a previous study conducted in 2021, were analyzed. Results from this current study revealed that pastors’ MH/A experiences and theological beliefs did not lead to a greater perception of preparedness in addressing MH/A issues among their parishioners. Additionally, pastors’ views of potential collaboration with MH/A professionals were ambiguous or conditional. The results suggest that pastors would benefit from more training on how to address MH/A issues and greater knowledge of and accessibility to resources for their parishioners