“Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14

Over the years, the ACCFS Clinical Staff has provided support, guidance, and mentoring to members and friends of the church in order to help them stay spiritually grounded while studying and/or working in the mental health field. Over time an increasing number of people have expressed interest in and/or have received training in mental health-related fields. In an effort to assist the brethren and to promote spiritual safety, ACCFS has developed an online resource for members and friends of the Apostolic Christian Church of America who are involved in mental health-related fields. This resource, called the Mental Health Forum, has been developed specifically for those working in (or considering entering) the fields of counseling, social work, school/guidance counseling, psychiatric nursing, and psychology. The Forum will provide the following:

Fellowship and networking for members and friends from the Apostolic Christian Church of America who are students and/or professionals in mental health-related fields. For example, the Forum will allow brethren from across the country who are involved in mental health-related fields to become acquainted, share ideas and experiences, and encourage each other. Spiritual support and accountability to maintain a Biblical foundation while in school and/or working in the mental health field. For example, students can ask questions about how to understand the information s/he has heard in class from within the Christian worldview. Guidance on schooling and career decisions. For example, questions about choosing a major, developing a good support network, and determining whether or not one should go into a mental health field will be discussed. Mentoring, guidance, and monitoring of the forum will be provided by the professional counselors at Apostolic Christian Counseling and Family Services and our Counseling Elders.

To participate in the Mental Health Forum you must be a member or friend of the Apostolic Christian Church of America and be in at least one of the following categories:

Students currently pursuing an education in the mental health field Individuals who are seriously considering getting training in the mental health field Individuals who are currently working (or have previously worked) in a mental health-related field

The Forum can be accessed by going to the ACCFS website at http://www.accounseling.org. Click on the “Special Services” link on the navigation bar and then click on “Mental Health Forum.” Once on this page, those interested in joining the Forum can click on the “Register” link and follow the instructions given.

We hope and pray that this Forum can be used to the honor and glory of God. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact ACCFS.

This Forum IS NOT intended for individuals seeking help for mental health issues and relationship problems. Individuals looking for help and support for these issues should contact ACCFS or see the Helpful Information section of the website.

Updated 5-30-06; Reviewed 3-07