Frequently Asked Questions
About Grace Alliance, Scripture + Science, Groups, and more.
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 enable our Grace Alliance team to provide:
Free Group Leader Training and Support Video/Resources (education and equipping).
Free access to Group Leader Network - no membership/subscription fees (online forums and live events).
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.
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).
What are mental health challenges?
Mental health challenges — mental health difficulties and disorders?
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.
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 health issues (see below on whole health and person approach).
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. For example, bipolar disorder is on a spectrum itself ranging from bipolar 1 to bipolar 2 (and each person is uniquely different with a spectrum of symptoms within BP 1 or BP 2). The same follows for depression, anxiety, and any mental health challenge. Every mild, moderate, or severe chronic experience within the spectrum is valid and should have access to professional care and community growth support.
Do you have any scientific proof that your Grace Alliance programs/curriculum work?
Yes … because we value science. We have conducted studies demonstrating positive outcomes among people in the United States and refugee camps (North Africa). These 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):
Have a reduction of symptoms
Are aided in overall mental health recovery and trauma healing
Experience a renewal of their faith (spirituality)
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 trauma healing” and what is it not?
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.
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).
Mental health recovery and trauma healing is 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
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.
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.
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?
The Fullness of God and Grace through the (ecumenical) 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 and grace through God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit and how His “life” (in Christ) can transform lives. We value an ecumenical approach, and our curriculums are used by many different churches and denominations worldwide.
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”?
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.
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).
Community fosters growth: Research suggests 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 on 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 and Thrive 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. Our groups are growth-orientated, better received, and promoted as a discipleship experience for mental health challenges. Is this a therapy group?
Professionals often recommend our resources for mental health support. All materials have a proper disclaimer to make this point better.
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 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.
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!
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.