Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mental Health Grace Alliance?

Mental Health Grace Alliance (The Grace Alliance) is a non-profit (501(c)3) organization. Our mission is to equip the Church with mental health resources that blend science and Scripture to see God’s grace transform lives.

As a non-profit, our generous donor partners empower our Grace Alliance team to provide:

1. Free Group Leader Training and Support Video/Resources (education and equipping).

2. Free access to Group Leader Network - no membership/subscription fees (online forums and live events).

3. Free articles, educational guides, and devotionals to expand the group experience for leaders, group participants, and anyone searching for answers to tough faith and mental health questions.

   No training or membership subscription fees because grace should not have any barriers to a growing mental health need

To learn more, click here.

Who do we serve?

MHGA resources support individuals, couples, and families experiencing and facing mental health difficulties and disorders (the spectrum of mental health challenges). Our curriculums aid mental health recovery, trauma healing, and resilience with faith renewal. See below for scientific proof.

What are “mental health challenges?”

Mental health challenges — mental health difficulties and disorders.

> A whole-person and relational effect. Mental health difficulties and disorders include prolonged and unmanageable negative thinking and emotions/feelings (i.e., perceptions and feelings about self, others, God, circumstances, world, etc.) that can affect and disrupt our daily lives, including work, family, and friendships (relationships*). It’s common for people to experience multiple factors disrupting their health, relationships, and responsibilities.

> Are prolonged and unmanageable (over two weeks). These conditions are prolonged with unmanageable anxiety (fear and worry), depressive or heightened moods (low/high energy, fatigue, etc.), negative (ruminating) thoughts, irritability, isolation, and some can experience hallucinations and exaggerated pretentious perceptions, which cause struggles in life, relationships, school, work, etc.

> Mental health challenges occur on a spectrum, vary in severity, and need support. Poor mental health can come from everyday struggles due to chronic stress (situational circumstances) and diagnosed conditions. Both require support from friends, family, community groups, and professional help. Seeking support from a mental health professional alongside community resources is essential for optimum mental health recovery, trauma healing, and resilience. Mental health difficulties and disorders impact relationships, and getting help from the community and professionals is crucial for couples and families.

Do you have any scientific proof that your Grace Alliance programs/curriculum work?

Yes … because we value science. We have conducted studies that demonstrate positive outcomes among people in the United States and refugee camps (North Africa) who didn't have access to mental health intervention. These studies also highlight the effectiveness of our mental health recovery coaching program, which uses our Thrive curriculum. We have further research that confirms the success of our mental health clergy training. We aim to pursue more research and study opportunities in the future.

Overall, the published studies show group participants (and coaching program):

1. Have a reduction of symptoms

2. Are aided in overall mental health recovery

3. Experience a renewal of their faith

4. Grace Alliance’s Clergy Training (Healthy Minds 101): Increase confidence and skills to respond and minister to mental health challenges.

What is “mental health recovery,” and what is it not?

1. Mental health recovery is a journey of growth and resilience in all areas of life. It involves taking a whole-health or whole-person approach to improve overall wellness and well-being - physically, mentally, spiritually, and in relationships. This approach focuses on managing the environment around you (primary control) and managing your internal thoughts and emotions (secondary control). As you progress, you become more resilient, experience personal growth, and find greater life satisfaction.

2. Mental health recovery can help reduce symptoms. People experiencing mental health recovery often experience fewer and less intense symptoms, more irregular and milder episodes, and improved wellness and wellbeing — faith, relationships, life satisfaction, and meaning. This improvement can result in less intensive professional intervention, shifting the focus to simple monitoring, as the mental health professional advises.

3. Mental health recovery is about building inner strength, not being completely "healed" or "cured." Going through difficult times in the future may lead to some lingering mental health symptoms. However, research shows that focusing on recovery and resilience can help shield against future stressors (like triggers). In simpler terms, when people face future challenges armed with new understanding and coping skills, their symptoms may be less intense and shorter-lived.

4. Mental health recovery is about finding wholeness, not becoming or achieving a "better you." Striving for self-improvement drains us and worsens low self-esteem. It begins with validating and accepting your condition, creating new stress resiliency tools for stress, and whole/secure mental frameworks to create a meaningful life. This takes time and isn't a quick fix.

Mental health recovery is about finding wholeness, not striving for a "better you." Trying to be a better version of yourself can be exhausting and make you feel unworthy. It may lead to relying on external factors, like seeking validation or trying to fix yourself. However, these external motivators don't truly bring well-being or satisfaction. Jesus didn't expect people to fix and clean themselves before accepting them. He loved and accepted them as they were and stayed present with them (saw past their mistakes and faulty thinking). His love brought worth and sparked inner change.

Similarly, mental health recovery is not about using willpower to overcome a condition or becoming a better version of yourself. It's about accepting your condition without letting it define you. It's about discovering your worth and embracing wholeness in the present moment. It's about empowering yourself to create a meaningful life as you navigate your condition. This process takes time and is a gradual transformation. By finding wholeness, you naturally experience symptom reduction and a better life over time.

“We are on a wholeness journey, not a brokenness journey.”

- Joe Padilla (CEO + Co-founder, Mental Health Grace Alliance).

How do you integrate the Bible (doctrine) and science?

1. The Fullness of God and Grace through the Church. Our curriculums use stories from the Bible and references to show how God's love, grace, and truth can help with mental and emotional health. We focus on the triune love through God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit and how His love can transform lives. We value an ecumenical approach, and our curriculums are used by many different churches and denominations worldwide.

2. We value research that supports spirituality and its vital role in promoting mental health, wellness, and well-being. At Mental Health Grace Alliance, we collaborate with experts in neuroscience, psychology, physiology, and behavioral science to develop our programs. We combine scientific concepts and tools with Christian spiritual practices to alleviate mental health symptoms, restore purpose and meaning in life, improve relationships, and strengthen faith.

What is “Mental Health Discipleship”? Blending science and Scripture that improves mental health wellness and well-being (whole person) through community.

1. Discipleship is whole-making because “spirituality” impacts the whole person: Grace Alliance groups function like other discipleship classes, courses, and groups for improving life. Alongside valuable teaching, many churches offer extra spiritual courses or programs that address all areas of our lives, including marriage and parenting, loss, business, finances, health and wellness, and more. Grace Alliance groups are a part of the care ministry's classes, workshops, and support groups. The group aims to help address the whole person's health (body, mind/emotions, spirituality, and relationships) in a Biblical and scientific framework to improve their overall mental wellness and well-being.

2. Solution-based discovery & experiential learning: Mental and emotional health issues can immobilize and disrupt personal identity, relationships, faith, and life meaning. Our curriculums combine scripture and science to help participants realize their valued identity, strengths, and practical hope. With an "empowerment model," we guide participants in discovery and experiential learning to develop "learned hopefulness" for positive growth. This integrated approach reinforces a positive psychological state and a safe, growing faith experience. It also empowers participants with greater intrinsic value (hope, faith, grace) for overall well-being. Our format is simple and user-friendly for personal or group discipleship. This is not a professional therapeutic intervention program (see disclaimer).

3. Community fosters growth: Research shows that being in like-minded peer groups leads to significant growth and progress (up to 90%). In mental health recovery studies, community is vital for growth and healing. The group model allows for self-sustaining communities where members support each other with empathy, encouragement, prayer, and ongoing connection. This reduces the need for intervention from the pastoral staff and leaders. Participants often go on to facilitate groups, start new ones, and become more involved in their church, community, work, or school, finding renewed meaning and purpose in life.

Resources: Grace Groups & Thrive

Are Grace and Thrive Groups the same as other mental health “support groups?”

Yes … but No! We reinvented the “Support Group” model into a positive discipleship growth experience for individuals, families, and marriages with mental health challenges.

Grace and Thrive Groups integrate evidence-based science and scripture to support mental health. They function like small discipleship groups, improving mental and emotional wellness within a community. These groups are easily facilitated within a church or Christian mentoring setting.

Is this a therapy group?

No, but it reinforces professional care. While our research shows strong recovery results, our group is not therapy or a replacement for professional care. Professionals often recommend our resources for mental health support. All materials have a proper disclaimer to reinforce this point.

Can anyone lead these groups?

Yes … it’s more simple than you think. In over ten years and hundreds of groups worldwide, we've found that most prospective group leaders already have personal experience or knowledge of mental health. With training, they become excellent facilitators. Good leaders are skilled facilitators. We offer this through our free training and support.

Which Grace Group is right for me?

For individuals experiencing mental health challenges (anxiety, depression, or any mental health challenge), our Redefine Grace group/curriculum is made for high school/college-aged students, and Living Grace is for adults.

Family Grace is designed for the family member, spouse, or friend of someone who is experiencing a mental health difficulty or disorder.

What’s the difference between Living Grace or Redefine Grace and the Thrive curriculum?

Living Grace and Redefine Grace are personal/small group intro experiences with topical-based curriculums ideal for personal and simple group settings.

Thrive is a mental health recovery course that deepens knowledge and skills from Living, Redefine, and Family Grace (and more topics).

Grace Groups are a good start for beginners. Thrive offers a more profound course experience.

How do I find a Grace Group in my area?

For a list of Living Grace Groups, click here.

For a list of Family Grace Groups, click here.

For a list of Redefine Grace Groups, click here.

For a list of all online groups you can join from anywhere, click here.

How do I talk to my church leadership or pastor about starting a Grace Group?

Click here for a step-by-step process for introducing Grace Groups to your church leadership.

How do I get something started in my city/area?

Grace Groups are a good place to start if you're new to exploring and learning. If you're ready to commit and dive deeper into a course, Thrive is a great starting point.

Are there any promotional materials I can use in my church?

Yes! Click here to download the Group Starter Kit.

Purchasing, Shipping, & Delivery (Hardcopy & Digital)

How much is domestic shipping?

We offer free shipping on all U.S. orders!

How much is shipping outside of the U.S.?

International shipping costs are automatically discounted by 50% at checkout and are non­refundable. See shipping checkout to view international shipping costs.

If your country is not listed in the Online Store checkout when you enter your address, please submit an order request via our International Store.

Are there any discounts for bulk orders?

For large bulk orders of 100 or more, please contact us to discuss our wholesale prices (contact form below).

Can I expedite my order?

Yes, if you are ordering within the U.S., you can choose the Priority Mail option when you check out (cost calculated automatically).

Unfortunately, we cannot offer expedited shipping options outside of the U.S.

I placed an order! When will I get it?

All orders are processed within 2-3 business days (except during holidays). You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information as soon as your order has shipped. USPS Media Mail shipping (free) takes 7-10 days, and USPS Priority Mail shipping (cost calculated at checkout) will take 1-3 days.

International shipping times will vary.

I’m having trouble placing an order.

To purchase an item from our online store, select a quantity and click ‘ADD TO CART.’ When you are ready to check out, click on the Cart icon in the upper right-hand corner to be taken to the check-out process. If you are still having trouble, please contact us via the contact form at the bottom of this page so we can help!

How do I access the e-workbooks once I've purchased them on Amazon?

Once you've purchased your e-workbook(s) on Amazon, they'll be delivered to your Kindle library. But don't worry; you don't need a Kindle to view it - just the FREE Kindle app on your smartphone, tablet, or computer!

How do I purchase multiple e-workbooks on Amazon (e.g., for group members)?

When you go to purchase your e-workbook on Amazon, you’ll see a “Buy for Others” option listed in a box near the "Buy with One Click" box with the text: "Buy for others. Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group."  Follow the instructions on Amazon to complete your purchase of multiple e-workbooks and discover how to distribute them.

Returns

What’s your return/refund policy?

Click here to view our full return/refund policy.

Additional Services

Do you offer counseling and consultation for mental health needs?

No. We do not offer or provide personal mental health coaching or consults. We also do not provide a resource or referral list for mental health professionals. Please download our free resources to help you navigate the mental health “for your journey” or “your family or marriage.”

Are you available for speaking events?

Yes! Our co-founder/CEO, Joe Padilla, has been a speaker/presenter/trainer at conferences, community centers, churches, universities, seminaries (in-person and online), and TV, Radio, and podcasts. Please click below if you want Joe to speak at your next event (online, media, or in-person).

Do you collaborate with other groups or other organizations?

Yes! We love being a team player! Over the years we have been involved in many collaborative opportunities through various committees, advisory roles, consulting, projects, and even appearing on different interviews and podcasts with other groups. Please visit our Friends page to see other organizations that are providing other great resources.

Do you have a mailing address?

Yes, you can send mail to:

Mental Health Grace Alliance

P.O. Box 23401

Waco, Texas 76702

Still have a question?

Fill out the form below!

For purchase-related questions only, call 254-300-1419.

*PLEASE NOTE: We do not provide personal mental health counseling, coaching, or consulting and are unable to respond to these types of requests and messages.