Mental health treatment and referral practices of clergy and physician caregivers.

Consistent with previous literature, the results of a detailed survey mailed to clergy and physicians from a community known for its longstanding, excellent mental health system indicated extensive treatment and referral of mental health problems by clergy and physicians. Clergy and physicians, though, displayed very limited knowledge of mental health services and personnel, particularly innovative approaches and workers. Receiving mental health training was identified as a key factor, particularly for physicians, in terms of knowledge of services and personnel, referral to a mental health center, and treatment of serious mental health problems. Strategies were, therefore, outlined to provide more accurate information to this natural treatment and referral system.