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DSW Showcase Student Presentation

Jack Hilton

LCSW, CTP-II, Doctoral Candidate

Reducing Stigma Around Mental Health in Faith-Based Communities: Why Are Christians Not Engaging in Mental Health Supports?

Concentration -

  • Wednesday, April 30, 2025 -
  • 4:00 pm
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Abstract

Mental health stigma within Conservative Christian communities creates substantial barriers to seeking professional care, particularly for individuals experiencing serious mental illnesses (SMIs). Rooted in doctrinal beliefs and cultural norms, this stigma often portrays mental health struggles as spiritual failings, leading many to rely on pastoral care over clinical interventions. This Capstone Project synthesizes findings from a systematic literature review (SLR), conceptual exploration, and practical application to address the reluctance of Christians to engage in mental health supports. The project identifies key themes, including the role of clergy, religious beliefs, and social stigma, in shaping mental health perceptions within these communities. By integrating Transpersonal and Hope theories alongside Internal Family Systems (IFS), this project proposes a holistic framework for reducing stigma and bridging the gap between spiritual care and mental health services. Transpersonal theory aligns therapeutic interventions with spiritual resilience, while Hope theory emphasizes optimism and goal-directed behavior. IFS provides tools to address internal conflicts, fostering self-compassion and reconciling faith-based identities with mental health needs. The Capstone emphasizes the importance of culturally competent social work interventions, training clergy in mental health literacy, and fostering collaborative partnerships between clinicians and faith-based organizations. These strategies ensure mental health care is theologically aligned, culturally sensitive, and accessible to Christians with SMIs, ultimately reducing stigma and promoting holistic well-being.

Biography

Jack Gatti Hilton is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP-II) with over five years of experience specializing in the treatment of complex PTSD, anxiety, and depression. He is the owner of Greater Love Counseling, LLC, a private practice in Bangor, Maine, where he integrates spirituality and evidence-based therapeutic approaches to support clients in their healing journey.
Jack is currently pursuing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at the University of Kentucky, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. His research focuses on reducing mental health stigma within faith-based communities and equipping faith leaders with tools to support their congregants’ mental health. He has received training from numerous experts in interventions, including EMDR, the structural dissociation model, and recovery-oriented cognitive therapy (CT-R).

Beyond his clinical work, Jack provides consultations to pastors and faith-based leaders, offering psychoeducation and strategies to foster mental wellness in their communities. He has contributed to research advancing clinical practice in faith-based settings and regularly presents on topics such as trauma, recovery, and the intersection of spirituality and mental health. Jack is dedicated to empowering individuals to reclaim control of their mental well-being, build resilience, and achieve transformative growth.