The Services for the Faith Community division of the Center for the Integration of Spirituality and Mental Health, Inc. represents the expansion of activities formerly associated with the PRAISE Project. The PRAISE Project was founded by the Mental Health Association of Maryland in 1999. Under the direction of Ms. Diane Cabot and Ms. Balinda Hairston, PRAISE had far reaching impact and established a consortium of several churches committed to the mental health of their communities.

In order to expand its reach and scope of services the PRAISE Project was transferred to the Institute for Mental Health Ministry, Inc. in March of 2004. The future direction of the program was entrusted to the capable hands of Dr. Rosemary Cook-Johnson.

Philosophy

The tremendous burden of untreated mental illness on communities across the country is well documented.  Factors contributing to this problem include stigma, lack of awareness of symptoms and treatment resources, economic and cultural barriers to receiving care.

We believe the faith community has an important role to play in addressing this problem.  It has unique assets including historical significance, cultural relevance, access to thousands of individuals on a weekly basis and a longstanding commitment to individuals in greatest need. These assets, combined with the resources of the mental health system, will prove useful in raising awareness about mental illness, counteracting stigma, identifying individuals in need and connecting them to appropriate services. 

“Comfort, comfort  my people, says your God.”

Isaiah 40:1 (NIV)

About the Director

Dr. Rosemary Cook-Johnson holds a B.S. degree in Psychology from Towson University, a Master’s degree in Clinical /Administrative Social Work from the University of Maryland, and a Ph.D. in Pastoral Counseling from Loyola College in Maryland.  She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Pastoral Counselor, Ordained African Methodist Episcopal Minister and she serves as an affiliate faculty member at Loyola College of Maryland in the Pastoral Counseling Department.

Dr. Cook-Johnson brings a wealth of clinical and administrative experience to her current role. She has provided services in private and public sectors for organizations including Total Health Care, Urban Behavioral Associates, the Woodbourne Center, the Devereaux Foundation, Urban Medical Institute (formerly Liberty Medical Center), and Catholic Charities.  She has also provided child welfare services in several divisions of the Department of Social Services.

Dr. Cook-Johnson is a well regarded conference speaker, retreat director, and spirited preacher on the integration of spirituality and mental health.

Services for the Faith Based Community

CISMH services to the faith community are tailored to meet the needs of the individual congregation or religious organization and are designed to:

• Increase awareness of mental health issues

• Reduce stigma associated with mental illness

• Clarify the connection between spiritual, mental, and physical health

• Assist religious leaders and organizations with the assessment of mental health needs and the development of mental health ministries

• Foster the spiritual growth of individuals with mental illness who may be alienated from traditional religious services

• Provide support and training for  clergy regarding self care, effective stress management, and the recognition and management of mental illness in their congregations

• Assess the psychological status of candidates for ordained ministry

Faith Based Community Services Supporters

The Second Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

The Johns Hopkins Diversity Outreach/Research Program

The Alzheimer’s Association of Maryland

Partial Client List

The Mental Health Association of Maryland

Baltimore Mental Health Systems, Inc.

The Foundation for Spirituality and Medicine

For additional information contact:

Rev. Dr. Rosemary Cook Johnson

309 North Charles Street

2^nd and 4^th Floors

Baltimore, Maryland 21201-4303

Cell: 410-913-8662