As your congregation discerns new and vibrant ways to live out your mission, we are here to partner with you in this Spirit-filled work.
-Galatians 6:2
The Wellness and Wholeness
The Wellness and Wholeness team of the Metro D.C. Synod offers guidance, resources and support for church leadership to stay healthy in ministry.
If you are interested in joining or leading this team, please reach out to mentalhealth@metrodcelca.org.
Recent Wellness & Wholeness Events
Rev. Dr. Karis Graham and Rev. Dr. Erin Swenson-Reinhold explored burn-out signals while offering resources and support for staying healthy in ministry.
Session was Originally Presented on May 21, 2020
Wellness Resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Veterans Crisis Line – Connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (National Capital Area) – AFSP has a lot of free trainings available, they range in topics and age ranges.
National Alliance on Mental Illness – NAMI has a ton of resources and trainings available on all aspect of mental illnesses. They also have local chapters and offer group support meetings.
Maryland Coalition of Families – a public-private partnership that supports families of people struggling either with addiction issues or mental health issues.
Live Another Day- VA: This site has culturally competent resources for people of color and an editorially curated list of the top-rated rehab centers in Northern Virginia.
Live Another Day- MD: This site has culturally competent resources for people of color and an editorially curated list of the top-rated rehab centers in Maryland.
Live Another Day- Resources for BIPOC: While this guide isn't geographically specific, it has an abundance of resources for People of Colo
Domestic Violence Hotline – If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-7233. If you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 22522.
Psychology Today – If you are interested in finding a mental health counselor for you or a loved one check out the sites listed below. Also, keep in mind, as of 2014 most individual and small group health insurance plans, including plans sold on the market place, are required to cover mental health and substance use disorder services.
Portico Benefits – Those with Portico Benefits can call Portico and ask for the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for therapy. Typically 3-8 sessions are fully covered per issue.
Spiritual Directors – The Synod office has a list of spiritual directors to which you can be referred. Please send an email to synodadmin@metrodcelca.org to receive a referral list.