The Four Keys to Mental Health: How to Feel Better, Think Clearly, and Enjoy Life Again

by Steve Larson

Offering a refreshing vision and approach to mental health and wellbeing, pastor Steve Larson mines the Bible to give us the biblical picture of health as Jesus lived it mentally, physically, spiritually, and relationally--and how these four key areas rise and fall in health together.

Sharing Scripture, current psychological tools, recovery principles, and his own story of managing mental illness, Larson lays out a simple, comprehensive guide to self-care. These short, powerful chapters are full of wisdom and practical help on 30 key topics, such as the cost of control, antidote to anxiety, function of feelings, myths and role of medication, spirituality of sleep, call of connection, blessing of boundaries, and more. Each chapter ends with user-friendly exercises to help you deeply internalize what you've learned.

With the Bible as our model, we can leave behind the stigma of shame and instead embrace the freedom to flourish.

240 pages, Paperback

Published January 6, 2026

Reviews

[Ashley McNeese]

I am always nervous when I start a Christian book on mental health. I was pleasantly surprised by the author’s acknowledgement of the physical/biological aspects of mental illness and the way these issues are so often viewed as if they are exclusively spiritual and not also clinical. I wish the “physical” section came first in the book, because I think people truly struggling need to hear up front that medication and other treatments are perfectly acceptable forms of “healing.” The book is geared toward pastors/leaders, I would say, and also more toward men—not explicitly, but the author’s experience (as a man, obviously) is just vastly different from the average Christian woman, especially mothers.

Overall this was well-researched, compassionate, and kind. I wouldn’t necessarily hand it to someone in the midst of a mental health crisis, but it’s good preventative advice.

Thanks to the BPG Nonfiction Reviewer Program for the free copy in exchange for this review!

[Nan Babcock · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book touches on the many aspects of our lives that can be out of balance and cause us problems with mental health. Pastor Steve shares his personal experienses along with encouraging Bible verses to give useful recommendations for ways we can improve our mental health.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes you read a book that you aren't expecting to be a gut punch and that is this. I've not had mental health laid out quite so succinctly before, in a way that I both understood and resonated with, without it feeling condesending of simplified. I'm not a christian, but I am a spiritual person and I did really enjoy the faith that is included through out, it makes it easier to understand things when the bible does actually say eat a snack and take a nap! However, I don't wish to diminish it as just that because I think even non Christians seeking to understand more about their mental health would really benefit from this book. Especially as this sets it out into four areas, or Keys as they are referred to, and then steps within each that are easily accessible. It also made me feel less alone, as the author describes his own feelings and experiences. If you're like me and try to intelleculaise your feelings, this book is a great option as it gives you tips that don't feel too simple, but are easy to put into practice

[Priscilla · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say about The Four Keys to Mental Health by Steve Larson? There are four standout elements of this mental health resource that make me highly recommend it.

Number one, reading a book by a pastor who is transparent and forthcoming about his own mental illness management is such a gift. Steve Larson’s willingness to share his personal story encouraged me deeply from a faith perspective.

Number two, as a Christian mental health advocate, I appreciated the wealth of Scripture references used throughout the book. It truly helps this resource stand out from other mental health books.

Number three, the “Beyond the Book” sections at the end of each chapter not only make this an excellent read but also provide practical implementation tools.

Number four, Steve Larson’s inclusion of research strengthens the book and sets it apart in the realm of Christian living resources on mental health.

If you’re seeking faith-centered support for your mental health journey or want to better understand and challenge stigma through a biblical lens, this book is worth adding to your library.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a helpful book for someone acknowledging he or she has depression, perhaps for the first time. It will be especially helpful for pastors who have a hard time admitting they are depressed.
The author lays out four dimensions of mental health based on Scripture, and offers practical help for each one.
It's a good introductory book to the topics of depression and anxiety, and it could serve as a lifeline for someone needing practical help on a daily basis.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, though initially I felt like I wasn't the target audience, being neither a pastor nor someone who struggles with depression. However, once I got into it, the author broadened the scope and it did have several good tips for ways to repair and enhance mental health. My favorite part is the Checklist of Care. It's a great, quick reference guide to help in implementing Larson's suggestions made throughout the book. This would be a great reference to keep on hand or to give to someone who is struggling with finding their way to solid mental health.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this audio galley from NetGalley I did enjoy the narrator.
I loved this organization with bible verses, questions to ask yourself and bible verses to support each topic. I decided to purchase the paperback so I could journal in it. Previously I was making notes in my phone which was becoming cumbersome
Excellent biblical self help book.