Chaplain • Therapist • Psychiatrist A short guide to help you know where to turn.There is no wrong door; every one of these paths can lead to healing, and they often work together.This guide is simply meant to help you take the first step with confidence.
Chaplain Spiritual care & pastoral support Reach out when: • You want prayer, spiritual guidance, or to process something through your faith • You're facing a crisis, loss, illness, or hospital stay and want someone present with you • You need a listening ear and don't require formal diagnosis or treatment • You want help connecting to other resources (a therapist, support group, or care team) | Therapist / Counselor Licensed mental health treatment Reach out when: • You're struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, or relationship patterns • You want structured, ongoing support using evidence-based approaches • Difficult emotions are affecting your daily life, work, sleep, or relationships • You want a confidential, clinical space to work through longer-term issues | Psychiatrist Medical evaluation & medication Reach out when: • Symptoms feel severe, persistent, or are affecting your ability to function • You or your therapist think medication might help • You have (or suspect) a condition like major depression, bipolar disorder, or an anxiety disorder needing medical management • You need a formal diagnosis or are already on medication and need it managed |
Not sure where to start?
You don't have to figure this out alone.
• Reach out to the chaplain's office first — we're glad to listen and help point you toward the right next step, including a referral to a trusted local therapist or psychiatrist.
• Many people benefit from more than one of these at the same time — for example, a therapist for ongoing counseling and a chaplain for spiritual support alongside it.
• If you're ever in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, please don't wait: call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) any time, day or night.
