The Priests’ Wellness Program was established in 2004 with a grant from a generous benefactor who identified the need to better care for the priests of the St. Louis Archdiocese through a comprehensive wellness initiative.
Through a multi-faceted wholistic approach, services are offered to assist you in achieving optimal wellness physically, emotionally and professionally.
The program is respectful of the life of service for which you entered the priesthood. Keeping in mind that health matters are of a very personal and private nature your confidentiality will be absolutely respected.
The program today is fully funded through the cooperative support of the St. Louis area Catholic Hospitals.
Program Coordinators
Physical Wellness: Arje Crawford, RN, BSN
Phone: 314-792-7648
E-Mail: [email protected]
Priests' Assistance for Emotional Wellness: Patrick Dotson, MA,
M.Div, LPC, CEAP
Phone: 314-729-4483 or 1-855-637-2932
E-Mail: [email protected]
Patrick's services are contracted through your medical/mental health provider, Mercy Health Services. The Emotional Wellness Program provides short term counseling services to help with a broad range of issues including stress, grief, anxiety and depression, aging relatives, addictions, anger, and coping with illness.
For priests who require more specialized or intense care, Patrick will help arrange care with Psychiatrists, Psychologists, Counselors or at facilities as needed through your medical benefits (a co-pay is required).
The Mercy Priests’ Assistance Program (PAP) is a completely CONFIDENTIAL service that is FREE of charge to you. This is a contracted service through Mercy Health Services (your medical benefit) and is NOT individually billed to PMBS. Neither your name or the nature of service is revealed.
All services are strictly confidential and meet all HIPAA guidelines.
The Priests' Wellness Program is directed by Rev. Kenneth Brown, Vicar for Priests, and is solely funded by the Catholic Hospital Systems in the St. Louis Metropolitan area:
SSM Health Care—St. Louis
Mercy Medical Centers
We thank them for their continued support.