Frequently Asked Questions

Contact form at the bottom.

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 one of the best solutions for mental health resources, blending science and Scripture to see God’s grace transform lives … a mental health-ready church and body of Christ.

Mental Health Grace Alliance provides Free Christian mental health resources and one of the best solutions for Christian mental health support groups, with proven results. A faith-based support group model with proven results … a fresh new discipleship growth experience for renewed life.

As a non-profit, our generous donor partners enable 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 Group workbooks, blog articles, videos, 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.

To learn more, click here.

Who do we serve?

1. MHGA resources support individuals, couples, and families experiencing and facing mental health difficulties and disorders (the spectrum of mental health challenges).

   
   
   

2. Our reach is worldwide for the individual, couple, and family, as well our resources and groups being facilitated through churches, ministries, community centers/homes, and mental health professionals.

What are mental health challenges?

Mental health challenges — mental health difficulties and disorders?

1. Mental health difficulties and disorders. Someone experiencing unmanageable and prolonged or chronic adverse feelings/emotions, thoughts/perceptions (self, others, God, circumstances), and these challenges are disrupting daily life, relationships, and responsibilities (for two weeks or more). These conditions can come from a genetic predisposition and/or situational factors.
   
   

2. A whole-person and relational effect. These mental health challenges often affect overall health, causing sleep and eating issues and fluctuating psychological and physical abilities and energy levels. Due to the mental health stress has on the body, these conditions can sometimes lead to other physical health issues (see below on whole health and person approach).
   
   

3. Mental health challenges occur on a spectrum and need support (professional and community care). Many mental health challenges and conditions range in their experience and symptoms. This spectrum can range from situational stress causing depression and anxiety to chronic diagnosable mental health conditions (Major Depressive Disorder, General Anxiety Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, etc.) All levels—mild, moderate, or severe—are real and deserve community and professional support.

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

Yes … we highly value science. We have independently conducted studies demonstrating positive outcomes among people in the United States and refugee camps (North Africa). These independent studies also highlight the effectiveness of our mental health recovery coaching program, which uses our Thrive curriculum. 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 and trauma healing

3. Experience a renewal of their faith (spirituality)

4. Improved relationships

5. Grace Alliance’s Clergy Training (Healthy Minds 101): Increase confidence and skills to respond and minister to mental health challenges, which leads to better overall family support.

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

1. Mental health recovery and trauma healing are learning to thrive and flourish (regardless of mental health condition). This process focuses on learning resiliency tools to manage symptoms and improve mental wellness with professional and community support.
   
   

2. Mental health recovery and trauma healing - reduction and management of symptoms. Symptoms linked to a mental health condition can decrease (in number), lessen their intensity, and frequency. Our research found that in 10 weeks, refugees saw their trauma symptoms decrease significantly from seven or more to less than two (i.e., mental health recovery, trauma healing). As some symptoms may be reduced, the remaining symptoms are well-managed with mental health resiliency skills, causing a decrease in their intensity and frequency (i.e., thriving and flourishing).
   
   

3. Mental health recovery and trauma healing are a whole-health and whole-person approach. Mental health conditions impact overall health and well-being, so it’s a holistic approach (whole health and person) to aid in mental wellness and well-being (i.e., to thrive and flourish). The approach is physical, mental/emotional, relational, and spiritual (see our Thrive workbook on this in-depth approach).

   
   
   

   We’re on a wholeness journey, not a brokenness journey.

   - Joe Padilla | Cofounder/CEO Mental Health Grace Alliance

   
   
   

4. Mental health recovery is not a cure; it’s about learning resiliency to thrive and flourish. The goal is not to achieve an absolute cure for the mental health condition. Research shows that even if some people no longer experience difficult symptoms or disruption from their mental health condition, they are still "thriving and flourishing" within it. Integrating Christ-centered Scripture (Christ-centered spirituality) with proven mental health tools can help manage, decrease the number and intensity of symptoms, and boost resilience.
   
   

5. Mental health recovery and trauma healing is growth through new challenges (to thrive and flourish). Some resiliency skills may not have the same efficacy in new challenges. However, one learns and adapts their resiliency skills to new, difficult situations. Already having resiliency skills, they learn to manage and grow through the challenge. They thrive and flourish with new resiliency skills and personal growth.
   
   

6. Mental health recovery is not achieving “happiness” but learning and discovering how to thrive and flourish in good and challenging times. In a holistic, whole health and person approach, one learns to handle stress and challenges using resiliency skills. These new tools and skills are utilized for good and difficult times — causing one to thrive and flourish in all seasons of life.

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

1. The Fullness of God and Grace through the (ecumenical) Church. Our curricula 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 and grace through God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, and how His “life” (in Christ) can transform lives (improved wellness and well-being). We value an ecumenical approach, and our curricula 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 work and/or utilize the studies and resources from experts in different scientific fields to create programs that blend science and spirituality to help with mental health, relationships, and faith.

What is “Mental Health Discipleship”?

1. Discipleship is whole-making because “spirituality” impacts the whole person: The Gospel is intended for the whole person and the world. Thus, discipleship for mental health challenges should address the whole person to thrive and flourish. Grace Alliance groups function like other discipleship classes, courses, and groups to improve life and fit with the care ministry's classes, workshops, and support groups.
   
   

2. Solution-based discovery & experiential learning: We utilize an "empowerment model" to help guide participants in discovery and experiential learning, developing "learned hopefulness" and resiliency skills for positive growth. This model empowers participants with greater intrinsic value (hope, faith, grace) for overall well-being. This is not a professional therapeutic intervention program (see disclaimer).
   
   

3. Community fosters growth: Research suggests that like-minded peer groups in mental health recovery lead to up to 90% growth, form high-quality connections that improve overall wellness and well-being, and many other positive outcomes in developing community groups. Community fosters healing, support, and connection, reducing reliance on staff. Participants often become group facilitators, finding renewed purpose.

Resources: Grace Groups & Thrive

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

Yes … but No! We prefer not to use the term “support groups” because of its stigma, which can be intimidating for newcomers (or those curious). Discipleship implies growth and change, which is what people want and desire in their mental health journey. Our groups are growth-oriented, better received, and promoted as a discipleship growth-experience for mental health challenges.

NOTE: Grace Alliance resources and groups are not therapy groups, nor are they intended to replace professional and medical intervention. Instead, Grace Alliance resources and groups work in harmony with professional and medical intervention. Professionals often recommend our resources for mental health support. All materials have a proper disclaimer to make this clear..

Can anyone lead these groups?

Yes … it’s simpler than you think. Since 2011, with hundreds of groups and thousands involved worldwide, we've found that most prospective group leaders already have lived experience and knowledge of mental health. Many have already completed other mental health training or courses. With our free 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 curricula ideal for individual 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 an excellent 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.

Additional Services

Do you offer counseling and consultation for mental health needs?

No. We do not offer or provide personal mental health coaching or consultations. 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.”

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!

*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.