The term “faith-based” gets thrown around a lot in the mental health space these days, but what does it mean? In the context of faith based mental health residential treatment, it means centering care on biblical truth and recognizing that lasting healing comes not only from therapeutic support but also from trusting in God’s power to restore the mind and spirit. When faith-based treatment is grounded in the Bible, we can examine whether a treatment is faith-based by determining whether it aligns with the Scriptures. Does this treatment place all its focus inward, on what we as humans can do for ourselves? Or does it redirect our focus to Jesus Christ? Proverbs 3:5 tells us to trust in the LORD with all of our hearts; it follows that with this warning: “and do not lean on your own understanding.” In Colossians 3:2, we’re commanded to set our minds “on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth.” And later, in verse 16 of that same chapter, we’re commanded to “let the word of Christ” dwell in us richly.
Here are a few additional verses that illustrate how the Bible can guide us in choosing faith based mental health treatment:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” – 2 Timothy 3:16
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12
“The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.” – Psalm 19:7-8
In the passage from Psalm 19, it might be helpful if we point out to the reader that “law,” “testimony,” “precepts,” commandment,” and “rules” are all synonyms for God’s Word, the Bible.
Understanding Faith-Based Mental Health Treatment
Faith-based mental health residential treatment seeks to provide an environment where someone with a mental health struggle is guided through the Scriptures and how they apply to their struggles. There are various options for faith-based mental health treatment. Perhaps the simplest approach is to meet regularly with your pastor or a church leader for biblical counseling. Many, if not most, churches today provide counseling; all you have to do is ask.
Another option is to meet with a trusted Christian friend and work through a Christian book on the applicable subject. Another option is to find a counselor accredited by an organization such as the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors. Ultimately, you may opt for a treatment center that provides spiritual counseling and guidance. This option is often referred to as a Christian integrated residential program and will likely incorporate secular modalities alongside Bible-based coursework.
Research on the Effectiveness of Faith Integrated Treatment
As early as 1936, some psychologists argued that faith-based mental health treatment was more effective than treatment without a spiritual element. A psychologist named Henry C. Link published a book in that year titled “The Return to Religion.” His premise, based on his own experiences and the experiences of his patients, was that society’s withdrawal from faith was the source of many of the issues that troubled his patients.
Modern studies examining mental health and spirituality indicate faith based mental health residential treatment can result in positive outcomes for individuals whose religious beliefs are important to their identity:
- Increased treatment engagement and completion rates
- Enhanced sense of hope and meaning during difficult recovery periods
- Stronger support networks through faith community connections
- Improved coping strategies that align with personal value systems
- Reduced feelings of shame and guilt through spiritual healing approaches
- Greater long-term recovery maintenance through ongoing church involvement
Research indicates these benefits are most pronounced for individuals who actively practice their faith before entering treatment.
Who Benefits Most from Faith-Based Approaches?
As mentioned earlier, faith based mental health residential treatment tends to be most effective for individuals who have strong Christian beliefs and want their treatment to align with their spiritual values. What are these Christian beliefs? Perhaps the easiest way to describe them is to use a brief selection of verses, primarily from the book of Romans, that demonstrate both the bad news and the good news. The general outline is as follows:
Hebrews 9:27: “… it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.”
Romans 3:23: “… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
Romans 6:23: ”For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 5:8: “…but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 10:9-10: “… if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.”
If you are not a Christian or are wrestling with faith and recovery, but are interested in more information, it is recommended to read the gospel according to John (the fourth book in the New Testament of the Bible). The gospel of John was written, according to the apostle John, “so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”
One of the most poignant descriptions of the gospel message can be seen in John 5:24. In that verse, Jesus says, “… whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed away from death to life.”
Choosing Quality Faith-Based Mental Health Treatment
When selecting faith based mental health residential treatment, research program accreditation, staff licensing, and treatment outcomes are considered. Quality programs employ licensed mental health professionals alongside spiritual care providers, maintaining clear boundaries between therapeutic and spiritual interventions while integrating both approaches thoughtfully.
How Neurish Wellness Can Help
Neurish Wellness respects the important role that the Bible plays in many people’s lives and recovery journeys. While we provide secular treatment, we understand the value of faith based mental health residential treatment for individuals whose spiritual beliefs are central to their healing process, and can help you evaluate whether such programs align with your needs.
Next Steps
If you’re considering faith based mental health residential treatment, our program maintains high clinical standards while respecting your spiritual beliefs. Quality integrated treatment should enhance rather than conflict with both your psychological and spiritual wellness goals.
FAQs About Faith Based Mental Health Residential Treatment
What is the Biblical definition of faith?
Biblical faith, according to Strong’s, is “a strong and welcome conviction… that Jesus is the Messiah, through whom we obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom of God.” One of the most famous passages in the Bible about faith says this: “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen… By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” (Hebrews 11:1, 3) Why does our faith need to be in Jesus Christ? Why can’t it be in something more abstract? Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:7) He also said that whoever does not believe “is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”
What is the difference between meditating on the Bible and mindfulness?
You might say that Biblical meditation is filling the mind, while “mindfulness” practices empty the mind. The Biblical term for meditation is often compared to the phrase “chewing the cud.” Cows eat grass, and then they lie down in the shade and regurgitate the grass and chew it some more. While it’s not the most appetizing description, it’s a great example of what it means to meditate on God’s Word. We don’t just read it, but we ponder it, we dwell on it, we think about what it means–and we continue to do so day and night. Psalm 1 says that we are blessed (happy) when we meditate on God’s Word day and night. Psalm 119 says, “I will meditate on your precepts and fix my eyes on your ways… Your testimonials are my delight; they are my counselors… I will meditate on your wondrous works… The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver pieces…” (v 15, 24, 27, 72)
What does it mean in Philippians 4:6 to pray “with thanksgiving?”
We are commanded over and over again to pray with thanksgiving. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” When we’re being thankful, our minds are now focused on everything that God has done on our behalf. A mind that thinks about and meditates on all the blessings of God will have a hard time being anxious.
Will insurance cover faith based residential treatment?
Insurance coverage varies depending on the specific program’s licensing, accreditation, and your insurance plan. Many faith based residential facilities accept insurance, but coverage may differ from secular programs. Contact both your insurance provider and potential treatment facilities to understand coverage options.
All Bible verses quoted from English Standard Version, Copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2016.
Cole Dyar is the Executive Director & co-founder of Neurish Wellness. He has been working in the behavioral health field in operational, clinical, organizational, and managerial capacities for thirteen years. He holds a degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz in sociology and is a Licensed Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LAADC) as recognized by CCAPP. Cole holds a Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology including: Organizational Leadership and Design, a Post-Masters in General Marriage and Family Therapy, and is currently a doctoral candidate in MFT with an emphasis in Systemic Administration & Entrepreneurship.