African American Clergy and Depression: What they know; What they want to know

Nearly 40% of African Americans use clergy as their primary source of help with depression. However, less than half of African American clergy are trained in counseling.

1) to examine how African American cler recognize depression and 2) identify what they need to more effectively identify and address depression in their congregants.

This was a descriptive, quantitative study using a Personal Profile Questionnaire and a Mental Health Counseling Survey.

Sixty-five clergy completed the data collection tools; approximately 50% had some training in counseling. The majority could identify signs of depression. Eighty-one percent stated they needed additional education about depression and access to referral resources.

If clergy take an active role in addressing the issue of depression and establishing liaisons with mental health professionals the stigma associated with depression could be greatly reduced, and individuals might enter into treatment earlier thus improving their quality of life.