By Catholic Philly Staff • Posted November 8, 2023

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia recently launched a new resource to support individuals across the five-county region who struggle with mental health issues.

“Be Encouraged: Catholic Support for Mental Health” offers links to essential support services in English and Spanish including Catholic clinicians, contacts for local crisis response programs, and ministries equipped to assist with mental health needs from a pastoral perspective.

This initiative is the latest effort by the archdiocesan Office for the New Evangelization along with the Office for Persons with Disabilities.

“The need for mental health support is growing increasingly urgent as the numbers of those experiencing mental health struggles are dramatically on the rise, including among teens and children. At the same time, there are many Catholics who are working to respond to this need through ministries of healing, mental health apostolates, and service as clinicians. Our hope is that Be Encouraged will serve as a place of intersection where local Catholics can find these resources to assist them on the path to recovery and healing,” Meghan Cokeley, Director of the Office for the New Evangelization, said.

“We also hope the website can be of service to our parishes and schools, providing them with a solid place to refer families and individuals who are struggling with these issues,” she added. “On the website, we have listed Catholic resources that support the whole person, body, mind and spirit. And everything on the website has been vetted for soundness as far as Catholic teaching is concerned, so Catholics can be confident that the resources they find there will complement rather than contradict their faith.”

The Office for the New Evangelization and the Office for Persons with Disabilities will host its first workshop on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 9:15 a.m.–2:30 p.m. at St. Cecilia Parish in Philadelphia.

“Supporting Those with Mental Health Struggles” will provide parish leaders, as well as family members and friends, practical tools to help support others with mental health. Topics will explore the meaning of mental health and how to walk alongside someone in a way that is sustainable and resourceful. The cost is $25 per person and those interested in attending can register here.

For more information, visit the Be Encouraged website at archphila.org/support.