Training and Education of North American Master's of Divinity Students in Relation to Serious Mental Illness

Individuals in psychological distress often seek out assistance and support from pastors. To determine the extent of mental health training students preparing for the pastorate receive, Master's of Divinity (MDiv) programs at accredited seminaries in the North America were surveyed after contact by telephone. Of the 70 seminaries assessed, 88% offered courses in which the topic of mental illness was addressed in some form (although this point may not have been in a counseling course). Of those seminaries, 43% offered a counseling course or courses specifically dedicated to mental illness. All church traditions reported a minority of seminaries that provided courses dealing with mental illness. These findings emphasize the need for increased mental health awareness and education in seminaries.