A qualitative study of mental health help-seeking among Catholic priests

Little is known about Catholic priests' mental health help-seeking. Using consensual qualitative research, this study examined 15 Catholic priests' narratives about help-seeking attitudes, help-seeking behaviours, and offers advice for mental health professionals regarding priest health. Analysis revealed that all 15 priests reported positive attitudes about mental health help-seeking because counselling helped to deal with and heal problems, provided a different, unbiased perspective and allowed for spiritual growth. The majority of participants (9/15; 60%) reported that they have sought help through counselling for various reasons, such as depression and stress. Barriers to help-seeking entailed perceiving no need to seek help, stigma, and concerns about counsellor competence. Participants suggested that mental health professionals understand the importance of prayer to priests, the unique stressors of the priestly role, and the impact of contextual factors (e.g., frequent transfers and sexual abuse scandal) on their health. Implications for future research and clinical practice are discussed.