These self-care and formation resources foster personal healing and ongoing discipleship, integrating prayer, psychology, and Catholic spirituality to strengthen emotional and spiritual wellbeing. 

ORGANIZATIONS / MINISTRIES / CENTERS

John Paul II Healing Center
A national ministry providing retreats, workshops, and courses like Healing the Whole Person to restore emotional and spiritual wholeness.
https://jpiihealingcenter.org

Saint Luke Institute (SLI)
Offers therapy, assessment, and education for clergy, religious, and lay ministers, blending psychology and theology.
https://sli.org

Clergy Care Collective
Supports clergy and religious with confidential counseling, formation programs, and community support.
https://clergycarecollective.org

Catholic Charities USA – Integrated Health
Integrates behavioral-health, social-service, and pastoral programs across Catholic Charities agencies nationwide.
https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org/what-we-do/integrated-health

Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers (CMHM)
Equips parishes to serve those living with mental illness through formation, resources, and national community.
https://catholicmhm.org

My Catholic Doctor
Offers medical and mental-health education guided by Catholic ethics and theology of the person.
https://mycatholicdoctor.com

USCCB National Catholic Mental Health Campaign
A pastoral initiative promoting awareness, inclusion, and hope through diocesan engagement.
https://www.usccb.org/mentalhealth

Catholic Mental Health Resources
An online library curating Catholic mental-health providers, reflections, and educational materials.
https://catholicmentalhealthresources.com

BOOKS & PRINT RESOURCES

Litanies of the Heart – Souls and Hearts
Devotional litanies for inner healing and emotional honesty rooted in Catholic anthropology.
https://www.soulsandhearts.com/content/lit

St. Dymphna’s Playbook – Ave Maria Press
A prayerful guide for those seeking peace amid anxiety, depression, or mental illness.
https://www.avemariapress.com/products/st-dymphnas-playbook

Be Healed – Dr. Bob Schuchts
A transformative journey toward emotional and spiritual renewal through encounter with Christ.
https://www.avemariapress.com/products/be-healed

Be Brave in the Scared – Mary Lenaburg
Memoir and reflection on courage, faith, and surrender amid life’s challenges.
https://www.avemariapress.com/products/be-brave-in-the-scared

Arise from Darkness – Fr. Benedict Groeschel, CFR
Explores how faith reframes suffering and helps individuals find meaning in darkness.
https://ignatius.com/arise-from-darkness-afdp

Litany of Self Love – The Face of Mercy
A modern devotional promoting self-acceptance rooted in divine mercy.
https://www.thefaceofmercy.org/blog/litany-of-self-love

Every Moment Holy (Vol. II): Death, Grief & Hope
Beautifully written prayers for moments of suffering, renewal, and everyday sanctity.
Available via Catholic and Christian publishers.



COURSES / FORMATION SERIES

Sanctuary Course for Catholics – Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries
An eight-part small-group course exploring mental health, community, and faith.
https://sanctuarymentalhealth.org/catholics

JPII Healing Center Online Courses & Retreats
Digital and in-person offerings such as Healing the Whole Person and Unbound Freedom in Christ.
https://jpiihealingcenter.org

Ave Explores: Stress, Anxiety & Mental Health – Ave Maria Press
A multimedia series exploring Catholic approaches to mental wellness and resilience.
https://www.avemariapress.com/pages/aveexplores-mentalhealth

Mind & Heart Integration – Souls and Hearts Program
Guided formation series combining Catholic psychology and spiritual direction practices.
https://www.soulsandhearts.com



PODCASTS & AUDIO REFLECTIONS

Restore the Glory Podcast
Catholic conversations on trauma, identity, and healing in Christ.
https://www.restoretheglorypodcast.com

Saint Dymphna’s Playbook (Podcast)
Encourages prayer, hope, and self-understanding through saintly intercession.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/saint-dymphnas-playbook/id1467499528

The Catholic Therapist Podcast
Explores faith-informed therapy and the balance of prayer, psychology, and relationships.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-catholic-therapist/id1547320302

Sanctuary Podcast
Interviews bridging mental health, theology, and the lived experience of faith.
https://sanctuarymentalhealth.org/podcast

Abiding Together Podcast
Faith-filled conversations on healing, identity, and holiness in everyday life.
https://www.abidingtogetherpodcast.com

Chris Stefanick Show – “What If Depression and Anxiety Are the Only Way Up?”
Invites listeners to encounter renewal through vulnerability and hope.
https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/what-if-depression-and-anxiety-are-the-only/id1611370672?i=1000690867354

Ascension Podcast – “OCD, Anxiety & Therapy” (Fr. Paul Gros)
A Catholic exploration of scrupulosity, anxiety, and mental-health treatment.
https://media.ascensionpress.com/podcast/ocd-anxiety-and-therapy

Catholic Answers Live – Catholics and Mental Health
Addresses common spiritual and therapeutic questions about mental illness.
https://www.catholic.com/audio/cal/catholics-and-mental-health

Hallow App
Catholic meditation and prayer platform with content for anxiety, sleep, gratitude, and peace.
https://hallow.com



CONTEMPLATIVE PRAYER & MINDFULNESS RESOURCES

Centering Prayer – Contemplative Outreach
Rooted in Benedictine tradition, Centering Prayer helps integrate silence, mindfulness, and surrender to God’s presence.
https://www.contemplativeoutreach.org

Monastic Wisdom for Modern Life – Benedictine Peace Center
Workshops and retreats teaching contemplative stillness, Lectio Divina, and mindful presence.
https://benedictinepeacecenter.org

Carmelite Institute of North America
Courses and retreats on contemplative prayer, mental prayer, and emotional healing through Carmelite spirituality.
https://carmeliteinstitute.net

Hallow Mindfulness and Breath Prayer Series
Guided reflections combining prayer, mindfulness, and calm breathing rooted in Scripture.
https://hallow.com

Jesuit Meditation Series – “Reimagining the Examen” (App & Podcast)
Daily Ignatian reflections for self-awareness, gratitude, and discernment.
https://www.ignatianspirituality.com/examen-prayer

Center for Action and Contemplation – Richard Rohr
Online reflections and guided contemplative practices integrating emotional and spiritual awareness.
https://cac.org



PDFs & LEADER TOOLS

Reaching Out with Hospitality to Those with Mental Illness – NCPD Brochure
Catholic guide to parish inclusion and accompaniment of those with mental illness.
https://www.ncpd.org/resources_and_toolkits/reaching-out-hospitality-persons-mental-illness

Caring for Those with Mental Illness – Quick Reference for Faith Leaders
Concise overview of pastoral best practices and referral guidelines for Church workers.
(Michaela has it on her drive, CDC resource)

Equipping and Advancing Catholic Mental Health Ministry (ACMHM)
Educational webinar equipping parish and diocesan leaders to serve Catholics facing mental health challenges.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQXtgV4UpJY