Organization of Mental Health Ministries

Mental Health Ministries was founded in 2001.  Rev. Susan Gregg-Schroeder is appointed by her bishop as the Coordinator of Mental Health Ministries.  She primarily works out of her home.  There is a nine member Advisory Committee.

Mental Health Ministries has been designated as an “Advance Special” of the California-Pacific Conference of the United Methodist Church.  This ministry has also been designated as a permanent mission outreach of the San Carlos United Methodist Church and they act as the fiscal agent.

There is no financial support from the United Methodist Church.  Tax deductable donations are gratefully accepted and will allow this ministry to continue to provide resources to help erase the stigma in our faith communities.

Mental Health Ministries has evolved into an ecumenical and interfaith outreach. It works with faith communities, advocacy groups, community organizations and mental health professionals.  The focus is on using one’s faith and spirituality as an important part of the recovery and treatment process and as a way for family members to find strength and hope in caring for a loved one with a mental illness.

The focus is on spirituality and mental illness rather than a particular faith tradition.  A distinction is made between spirituality and religion. Spirituality springs from a belief system that gives meaning to our lives.  It grows out of our experience rather than doctrine. Religion, on the other hand, refers to a faith community grounded in a set of beliefs, practices and a shared history such as churches, mosques, temples, etc.

Mental Health Ministries provides resources for faith communities that can be adapted to each congregation based on the needs and makeup of the worshipping community.