The Behavioral Mental Heath Team works to identify, support, educate and develop parish ministry along with support groups for clergy throughout the diocese. We also provide educational opportunities for those around the diocese which may include training in depression, suicide assessment, mental health first aid, and resources for referral and treatment.

Monthly Lunch & Learn Sessions: 3rd Tuesdays

 

August Lunch & Learn: Rev. Eric Rucker of Simpson Youth Academy

August 19, 2025 Noon - 1pm

“The Church & Youth Mental Health: Discoveries & Tools”

with the Rev. Eric Rucker, campus chaplain at Simpson College & Director of the Simpson Youth Academy, Assisting priest at St. Andrews Episcopal, Des Moines.

Eric will share insights from the last 8 years of working with high school youth and their families at the Simpson Youth Academy. More specifically, we’ll explore: what are the most important mental health challenges and needs named by the 200 teens who have participated in the Academy? And what are the foundational practices and tools the Academy has developed for supporting teen mental health? Attention will specifically be given to how these tools can be applied in families and the local church setting.

Upcoming Lunch & Learns:

September 16- Roxanne Petersen of NAMI

October 21 - What is QPR Training with Nikoli Falenschek, Associate Pastor at St. Paul's Lutheran Church & School in Waverly, IA

November 18 -  Julie Saxton, Ames Mental Health Advocate

December 16 - TBD

 
 

Previous:

JULY LUNCH & LEARN: with Dr. Kristen Meyers

MAY LUNCH & LEARN: Rev. Dr. Sarah Griffith Lund

MARCH LUNCH & LEARN: Rage Prayers, with Rev. Elizabeth Riley

FEBRUARY LUNCH & LEARN: Suicide Prevention

JANUARY LUNCH & LEARN: Ask Me Anything about Living with a Mental Illness

DECEMBER LUNCH & LEARN: Mental Health First Aid & Blue Christmas Services

NOVEMBER LUNCH & LEARN: Spiritual Direction

Relax Into Oneness: A Mind-Body-Spirit Retreat for Inner & Outer Peace

September 6, 10am - 3pm
Christ Episcopal Church, Cedar Rapids

  • Calm and rebalance mind, emotions, and body through simple, prayerful movement and seated energy-based wellness practices (breathwork, Oigong, and acupressure)

  • Singing Bowl Prayer--Healing Sound and Vibration combined with Yogic Sleep for releasing stress and resting in Sacred Oneness

  • Praying, Living, and Loving from the Inside Out: Pragmatic, mystical wisdom from St. Teresa of Avila on cultivating receptivity for resting in Oneness with indwelling, loving Presence to fuel brave loving presence and service in the world.

This event is FREE and ALL are welcome. Lunch will be provided at no cost.

Led by Rev. Dr. Catherine Quehl-Engel Sponsored by The Episcopal Diocese of lowa Behavioral Health Ministry Team and the Caring Conversations Team at Christ Episcopal Church.

 

Meditation Series from Katy Lee & Christ Episcopal Church, Cedar Rapids

This series of videos is designed to help you relax, recharge, and focus on self care in the midst of a chaotic world.” These practices do not need to be viewed in any particular order and you are encouraged to try these techniques on a regular basis.

 

Mental Heath Funds Request Form

The Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, through a GILEAD Grant, has limited funds to assist with co-payments for mental health related appointments. You may request incremental funds for up to $50 per appointment. A completed request form is required for each appointment. You must submit a receipt for reimbursement or have a bill sent to the Diocesan office. Funds will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis.

 
 

Partners

 

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) of Central Iowa’s goal is to inspire better lives for Central Iowans affected by mental illness. They work to achieve this goal through support programs, educational outreach, and advocacy on local, state and national levels.

Mind & Spirit Counseling Center offers high-quality mental health services to people from all walks of life, including those who are uninsured, underinsured or from low-income households.

Mindspring Mental Health Alliance provides no-cost mental health education, support, and advocacy programs. All of Mindspring’s programs feature evidence-based curriculum and are available to all community members.

 
 

Resources