Fuller Theological Seminary Marks Milestones in Mental Health and Spirituality

As Fuller Theological Seminary marks the 60th anniversary of Fuller Psychological and Family Services Clinic and the upcoming 60th anniversary of the Fuller School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy, it reaffirms its commitment to bridging mental health and spiritual leadership. These longstanding institutions at Fuller have been integral in fostering collaboration between mental health professionals and religious leaders.

The School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy holds the first doctoral psychology program accredited by the American Psychological Association to incorporate issues of spirituality, religion, and theology explicitly into psychology training. This training provides students a wider lens to engage any client’s areas of pain. Graduates enter their clinical work with a deeper understanding of the questions of meaning and purpose embedded in spirituality and religion.

Embedded in the context of a theological seminary, the School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy also has the opportunity to influence future community religious leaders. Mental health is a critical community need, and religious communities have the opportunity to provide frontline resources. Religious leaders are better equipped to support others when they understand the scientific and spiritual nature of emotional distress. Leaders can help destigmatize the need to seek mental health services and model attention to personal emotional well-being.

Dr. Ted Cosse, Executive Director of Fuller Psychological and Family Services emphasized the unique role Fuller plays: “We are proud to provide psychological services to the Pasadena community and beyond on a sliding scale making it affordable to all.”

Dr. Cynthia Eriksson, Dean of the School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy added, “We are uniquely positioned to empower spiritual and mental health leaders to work together effectively and to dismantle the stigma sometimes associated with mental health within spiritual communities.”

This commitment is underscored during Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting Fuller’s initiative against the stigmatization of mental health issues within church spaces and promoting these spaces as community resources.

Additionally, the seminary will host the inaugural Communities of Hope Conference on May 16. This event, organized by Fuller’s Asian American Well-being Collaboratory, will focus on well-being within Asian American church contexts, featuring a range of speakers from the Southern California community. This pivotal event will gather Asian American pastors, ministry leaders, and mental health practitioners from Southern California to promote well-being within their communities. The conference will feature panels and discussions emphasizing collaborative approaches to bringing hope, healing, and wholeness.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, May 16
Location: Payton 101, Fuller Theological Seminary
Time: 9:15 AM – 3:00 PM

To learn more and to register, visit Communities of Hope Conference.

ABOUT FULLER SEMINARY

Fuller Seminary is one of the largest nondenominational seminaries in the world with a global enrollment of more than 3,000 students. Courses are offered at Fuller’s campuses in Pasadena, Houston, and Phoenix, as well as online. Fuller offers master’s and doctoral degrees through its two schools: the School of Mission and Theology, and the School of Psychology & Marriage and Family Therapy. On-demand non-degree courses and professional training are available through the digital learning platform FULLER Equip. Fuller is a global ecclesial, evangelical, ecumenical, and egalitarian Christian institution. Apply today: https://www.fuller.edu/online-application-for-admission/