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.

 
Events & Opportunities
Partner Organizations
Resources
 

Events & Opportunities

 
 

No July Lunch & Learn

Monthly Lunch & Learns:

August - November will feature the Rev. Bob Kem, with various discussions related to frontotemporal dementia and caregiving.

Bio:

The Rev. Robert A Kem is a retired Episcopal priest of 40 years experience with the Diocese of Arizona, Nebraska and Iowa with four years with Mercy Hospice in Des Moines. This has been followed by coursework in grief training with Dr. Alan Wolfelt from Fort Collins Colorado who teaches at The Center for Grief and Life Transitions.

The Rev. Robert Kem was married to Debbie J. Kem for 50 years. In December of 2021 she was diagnosed with bvFTD (behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia) and died at home on July 27, 2025.

Since Debbie’s death Fr. Bob has been become an Ambassador for AFTD for the State of Nebraska, Iowa and the Mid-West focused on educating medical personnel on FTD and building support teams for caretakers. He offers a monthly support group on line for family members have family diagnosed with FTD.

www.theaftd.org

theaftd.org/aftd-helpline

August 18, noon - 1pm on Zoom

What is FTD? How does FTD differ from Alzheimer’s?

August registration

September 15, noon - 1pm on Zoom

Bob’s personal experiences with bvFTD as caretaker for his wife Debbie diagnosed in 2021 and died in July 27, 2026.

september registration

October 20, noon - 1pm on Zoom

Introduction to Emma Willis’s book  “The Unexpected Journey” and the learning as a caretaker for her husband Bruce Willis who was diagnosed with Aphasia FTD. She discovers the need for building a support team and shares her insights.

October registration

November 17, noon - 1pm on Zoom

Clergy, congregations and  their continuous support of families facing FTD diagnosis.

What are we doing for the ongoing support of caregivers as the primary persons  who need physical, emotional, and spiritual well being during the diagnosis until the death of the FTD patient ? 

Then begins the journey for grief counseling with others who become companions on this new way of life.

november registration
 
 

Connecting Heaven & Earth: Mind-Body-Spirit Retreat

October 31: 10am-3pm at Christ Episcopal Church, Cedar Rapids

Contemplative practices and related spiritual wisdom for expanding awareness of Oneness while rebalancing mind, body, and spirit.  Includes Practicing Presence infused prayer, gentle Life Force Energy-Spirit meditative movement (Qigong), and surrendered resting in God through sublime singing bowl healing sounds and vibration. Bring your own Nest of Comfort (see full registration info.). Led by Rev. Dr. Catherine Quehl-Engel.

All are welcome to this free event.
Lunch will be provided.

RSVP deadline: Oct 26.

flyer
register here

Partner Organizations

 

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.

The Iowa Primary Care Association supports Iowa's community health centers and Iowa’s Behavioral Health Delivery System. With an ongoing commitment to expanding access to quality, affordable, and accessible primary and preventive healthcare services, we work to support individuals and communities in reaching their full health potential.

 

Resources

 

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, and 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.

Mental Health Funds Request Form

Meditation Video 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.

Full video series