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

 
 

Monthly Lunch & Learns:

August - November Lunch & Learns will feature the Rev. Robert A. Kem, retired Episcopal priest, hospice chaplain, and AFTD (Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration) Ambassador serving Nebraska, Iowa, and the Midwest.

This four-part Lunch & Learn series introduces Frontotemporal Degeneration, explores the challenges faced by individuals and families living with the disease, and highlights ways communities can offer informed, compassionate support. Each session is approximately 50 minutes and includes time for questions and discussion.

The goal of these Lunch & Learn sessions is to increase awareness of Frontotemporal Degeneration, encourage earlier recognition, support caregivers, and equip healthcare professionals, clergy, community leaders, and families with practical knowledge and compassionate resources.

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

November 17, noon - 1pm on Zoom

Clergy and Congregational Support for Individuals and Families Living with FTD

A session for clergy, lay leaders, and faith communities on providing pastoral care, practical assistance, and compassionate support to individuals living with FTD and those who care for them.

november registration
 

Blue Christmas

Blue Christmas How-To

December 1 at 6:00pm
Zoom Registration coming soon

The Christmas season is often seen as a time of great joy and celebration and yet, for many, the holiday is not so merry and bright, especially for those who experiencing loss and grief. Whether it is the loss of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, a job, health, or joy, many have found comfort during the holidays by gathering together for what is often called a Blue Christmas Service or the longest night service. 

In it, we gather to remind ourselves that God is still with us in our loss or pain and that others are with us as well.

To assist parishes that may wish to offer an opportunity for folks throughout the entire community to find a place of comfort and togetherness during what can be a difficult time, the Behavioral Health Ministries Team has created a simple liturgy and instructions that can be used by any size congregation, lay or clergy led. In addition, a best practices/Q & A session will be offered via Zoom on Tuesday, Dec 1 @ 6pm to further help congregations who may feel called to add this opportunity to their December worship offerings.

Don't forget to let us know the date and time of your local service so we can share it on our website, Facebook page, and December E-News! Email Rev. Laurie Finn with details of your upcoming services.

Downloadable Blue Christmas Materials will be available soon.

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