And There Was No One There to Comfort Me: A National Survey of Catholic VS. Protestant Perceptions of the Adequacy of Community and Church- Based Mental Health Services.

by Gregory K. Popcak

What is the experience of Catholics seeking mental health treatment? Are Catholics well-served by the Christian and secular counseling options offered by their Church or local community? What competencies do Catholics look for when seeking professional counseling? And finally, how does the experience of Catholics seeking mental health counseling compare to that of Protestants. This provocative study suggests that religiously committed Catholics (over 20 million potential consumers of mental health services in the US) feel that they have no place to turn for help in their time of need. As compared to Protestants, who are generally satisfied with the options provided by their Churches and community, Catholics are not happy with generic Christian counseling services, and often experience hostile reactions from secular counselors. Further, Catholics desire a host of counselor competencies that are distinct from their Protestant counterparts. These differences are explored and recommendations are offered for addressing the needs of this underserved population.

108 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 2009

About the author

Dr. Gregory Popcak is the Executive Director of the Pastoral Solutions Institute, an organization dedicated to helping Catholics find faith-filled solutions to tough marriage, family, and personal problems. The author of over a dozen popular books integrating solid Catholic theology and counseling psychology (including; For Better…FOREVER!, Holy Sex!, Parenting with Grace, Beyond the Birds and the Bees), Dr. Popcak is an expert on the practical applications of the Theology of the Body. Through the Pastoral Solutions Institute, he directs a group pastoral tele-counseling practice that provides ongoing pastoral psychotherapy services to Catholic couples, individuals and families around the world. Since 2001, he and his wife and co-author, Lisa Popcak, have hosted several nationally-syndicated, call-in radio advice programs including Heart, Mind and Strength (Ave Maria Radio 2001-2010), Fully Alive! (Sirius/XM-The Catholic Channel 2007-2010), and most recently, More2Life (Ave Maria Radio–Airing M-F, Noon-1pm Eastern– 2010-Present). They have also hosted two for EWTN (For Better…FOREVER! & God Help Me!). Dr. Popcak’s articles appear regularly in Catholic periodicals such as Catholic Digest, Family Foundations, and others. Dr. Greg Popcak and Lisa Popcak are sought after public speakers and trainers and have been honored to address audiences across North America, Australia, and Hong Kong.

In addition to his ministry work, Dr. Popcak serves as adjunct faculty for the Franciscan University of Steubenville in both the sociology and graduate theology departments where he teaches Christianity & Society and Pastoral & Spiritual Direction respectively. He also serves on the faculty of the doctor of social work program for the Harold Abel School of Behavioral Health at Capella University.