The October 2007  Harvard Mental Health Letter  features an article which gives tips to clinicians about how to support patients.  Here are some excerpts worthy of further disussion and thought.  For a small fee you can view the complete article at  www.health.harvard.edu

 "Clinicians may think that these topics are so highly charged that they keep their distance and avoid talking with patients about their spiritual or religious beliefs.  .  .The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life has reported that 87% of Americans consider themselves to be religious, while 57% attend some type of religious worship service on a regular basis.  Likewise, a Newsweek/Belief poll found that 88% of Americans who responded described themselves as spiritual, religious, or both. " 

"Recognizing the importance of spirituality the Joint Commission . . .now requires that hospitals, mental health centers, and other participating organizations have clinicians assess clients' spiritual beliefs and needs, with the goal of improving treatment and services.  .  .   The Joint Commission requires clinicians to ask about spiritual beliefs at the time of assessment, so that a patient's beliefs can become part of the treatment plan. .  .  '

"For example, a practicing Catholic who is struggling with an addiction  may find it helpful to attend Mass on a daily basis rather than weekly."