Anyone here currently in, recently graduated from, or teach at, seminary school?

I know in the military that chaplains often function as a bridge to medical for individuals dealing with strong feeling/sadness/depression/anger and even suicidality. I was just curious how much formal training you get these days on how to address depression/anxiety, and other mental health issues. Especially addressing it without an overtly religious tone - like being able to minister to an atheist going through a hard time.


ETA: Also, please specify what denomination/religion seminary you have knowledge about in this regard. As I'm also curious if one faith is more focused on it than another. What spurred my post is a nurse I know that is going to school to by a nurse practitioner for mental health, and she apparently was the child of missionaries and super religious, but no very vocally atheist - and she was just complaining about people going to religious leaders for their mental health instead of medical professionals.

I don't know the specific answer to question. Nonetheless, wanted to share the story of one of, if not the greatest, Army Chaplin, Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Fr. Emil Kapaun:

(short version)



(long version with interviews of Korean war vets that served with him and excerpts from his CMOH ceremony)



In 2021, his remains were identified and he was brought home:

Diocesan priests in Texas go through extensive training. It focuses first on the individual but then also working with others. I think it's the Methodists that have a very large program in Dallas. That's for the Pre-the and undergraduate. I'd assume that is carried on for their post grad studies.

"Don't put a spiritual bandage on a psychological wound."