meaning friend or loved one may steer the
individual away from seeking mental health
or counseling support. How can the Chris-
tian community help to change negative
perceptions about seeking mental health
services or support?
Dr. Ridley: The Christian community
is on a slippery slope when it attributes all
emotional problems directly to sin or lack
of faith. Job’s three friends attributed the
calamity that came into his life as evidence
of personal sin. In the book of John, Jesus’
disciples attributed the blind man’s infirmity
to personal sin. The Hebrews believed in
prenatal sin, implicating either the man or
his parents. In both the Old Testament and
New Testament, these perceptions are actu-
ally misperceptions. Mental health problems
have a number of causes, just as a stalled
automobile requires the mechanic to look
under the hood to determine the source of
the problem. Similarly, leadership in the
Christian community has a responsibility
to teach the scripture with fidelity—there
were other explanations for Job’s and the
blind man’s condition that had nothing to
do with their spirituality. When it comes to
mental health, this means that (a) we must
allow for multiple causes of our problems,
such as biochemical imbalances or too many
stressors and (b) therefore, use multiple
treatments. Spiritual guidance should be
among the treatments.
Question: Are there other mental health
professionals that can support individuals,
family, and communities with emotional
or psychological support? If so, can you
26 HimPower July 2018
comment on how and where they are
accessed?
Dr. Ridley: In addition to psychologists
and psychiatrists, there are licensed profes-
sional counselors (LPCs), marriage and
family therapists, and clinical social workers
(LMSWs). All of these professionals provide
mental health services. State licensing
boards regulate these professions. Every
state board has a public listing of their
licensed professionals. In fact, in my field,
professionals who have the terminal degree
in psychology but do not have a license
cannot represent themselves as psycholo-
gists. If you need mental health care and/
or support for yourself, family member, or
friend, I recommend the following steps:
1. Do not ignore the need or respond pas-
sively
2. Try to convince the person of the need
for help
3. Inquire in your social network (friends,
family, acquaintances) about profes-
sional resources
4. Seek support from your faith commu-
nity
5. Contact your primary care physician for
guidance or a referral.
Question: A September 2017 Special
Issue of the American Psychologist focused
on the subject “Close Family Relationships
and Health.” Could you give the Christian
community your thoughts on the subject as
it relates to emotional, psychological, and
mental health?
Dr. Ridley: The family was the first
institution ordained by God. This is clear