Faith and Mental Health Don’t Have to Be Opposites
There has been a lot of discussion in recent years about mental health in the church. Many of us who grew up in faith-based communities heard countless sermons about trusting God—but never heard much about therapy. For some, that created internal conflict: If I believe God can heal and help me, why would I need counseling?
Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” We pray and believe that God hears us. But does that mean we can’t also seek help from a therapist?
Faith and Therapy Can Coexist
Here’s something important to remember: two things can be true at once. You can have deep, unwavering faith in God—and still benefit from therapy. Just as we trust doctors to help with physical health, we can trust counselors to support emotional and mental health.
God often uses people to carry out His purposes. Counselors, like doctors, are equipped with knowledge and skills that can be life-changing. Therapy offers practical tools that align with the healing God wants for us. After all, healing often comes through relationships—and therapy is a relationship-based process.
Incorporating Faith Into Therapy Sessions
For those who want to integrate their spiritual life with their mental health care, it’s possible—and powerful. In faith-based counseling:
- Prayer can be a vital part of sessions, inviting God’s presence into the process.
- Scripture can be used to promote healing, forgiveness, and wisdom.
- Spiritual practices like worship, singing, and meditation can ease anxiety and increase joy.
Jesus said, “Where two or more are gathered in my name, I am there with them.” (Matthew 18:20). That includes the counseling room. The presence of God can be just as real in a therapy session as in a church service.
Helping Clients Connect Faith and Mental Health
Christian therapists often help clients interpret Scripture through a mental health lens—offering insight, context, and application that bring peace and healing. Sometimes, reading a passage with someone else allows us to see what we couldn’t on our own.
God gave us the body of Christ for a reason. If Scripture alone were all we needed, we wouldn’t need teachers, pastors, or each other. But God uses people to reveal His truth and love.
Why the Church Should Support Counseling
Historically, many churches haven’t been vocal supporters of mental health treatment. This silence has unfortunately caused some to feel shame or judgment when considering therapy. But counseling isn’t a sign of weak faith—it’s an act of courage and wisdom.
3 John 1:2 says, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.” God desires wholeness: physical, spiritual, emotional, and mental. Mental health is a vital part of our overall well-being.
Imagine how many lives could change if the church promoted therapy as a normal, God-honoring part of growth and healing.
Spiritual Practices That Strengthen Mental Health
You don’t have to choose between God and a therapist. In fact, some of the best spiritual practices can support mental health too:
- Prayer and Meditation – Calm the mind and center the spirit
- Worship and Singing – Release joy, reduce anxiety
- Community – Builds belonging and combats loneliness
- Purpose and Meaning – Faith gives us a reason to keep going, even in dark times
A healthy relationship with God, paired with the right support, can give people hope and tools to walk through life with purpose and peace.
Following the example of Jesus, He engaged in conversations with individuals that left them with comfort, healing, and guidance. Proverbs 11:14 states, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” We are encouraged by the Bible to seek counsel. There are great examples of counselors all throughout the Bible. Even the book of Proverbs was written as a book of wisdom by King Solomon to help guide us if we will read it and apply it. Let’s look at 10 examples of figures in the Scriptures that were considered counselors.
Bible Figures Who Served as Counselors
Following the example of Jesus, He engaged in conversations with individuals that left them with comfort, healing, and guidance. Proverbs 11:14 states, “Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.” We are encouraged by the Bible to seek counsel. Even the book of Proverbs was written as a book of wisdom by King Solomon to help guide us if we will read it and apply it.
The Bible includes many examples of people who served as counselors. Each of them offered wisdom, guidance, and correction to individuals, leaders, or sometimes entire nations. Below are several biblical figures who acted in this role, along with the verses that highlight their influence.
1. Jethro – Moses’ Father-in-Law
Jethro gave Moses practical advice when he came to visit Moses. He advised him on on leadership and how to delegate tasks and authority (mainly in judicial matters) that helped shape the governance of Israel. The reason this was important was because Moses was doing it all himself. If you are doing all the governance of a nation by yourself, you are bound to get burned out and need help.
Scripture: “Moses’ father-in-law replied, ‘What you’re doing is not good… Select capable men from all the people… and appoint them as officials.’”
— Exodus 18:17–21
2. Ahithophel – Royal Advisor to David and Absalom
Ahithophel was known for giving politically sharp and strategic advice, even though he later betrayed David. This is still an example of a counselor, even if he turned on David. When he was giving counsel, the Scriptures refer to his advice as good advice, as you see in the following verse.
Scripture: “Now in those days the advice Ahithophel gave was like that of one who inquires of God.”
— 2 Samuel 16:23
3. Nathan – Prophet and Spiritual Counselor
Nathan courageously confronted King David after his sin with Bathsheba, guiding him toward repentance. This attempt at talking to a King this way would potentially be a death sentence, but due to the nature of Nathan as an esteemed, highly thought of counselor and prophet, David ultimately saw the error of his ways and repented.
Scripture: “Then Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man!’”
— 2 Samuel 12:7
4. Daniel – Advisor to Kings in Babylon
Daniel served as a trusted counselor to multiple kings, interpreting dreams and offering divine insight. The only way Daniel could have served as a counselor is because he was upstanding and showed great wisdom. This was in a country that was not his own. Why would anyone trust him? But they did!
Scripture: “Daniel went in and asked the king to give him time, so that he might interpret the dream for him.”
— Daniel 2:16
5. Joseph – Counselor to Pharaoh in Egypt
Joseph’s God-given wisdom allowed him to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams and manage Egypt’s resources during famine. Guess what, if it had not been for Joseph, all of Egypt, Israel and more would have perished due to the lack of foresight in preparing for the famine to come.
Scripture: “Since God has made all this known to you… you shall be in charge of my palace.”
— Genesis 41:39–40
6. Solomon – King Known for His Wisdom
Solomon’s ability to make just decisions made him a counselor to the nation, and his proverbs still guide people today. Solomon is considered by many to be the wisest man who ever lived. It doesn’t mean he was perfect or made the best decisions. He made lots of bad ones, but was eventually able to realize the error of his ways. He fortunately left us with a great treasure trove of wisdom to help guide us and not make the same mistakes as he did.
Scripture: “When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw he had wisdom from God.”
— 1 Kings 3:28
7. Mordecai – Mentor and Guide to Queen Esther
Mordecai offered counsel that helped Esther act courageously and save her people. Again, Esther was a queen. Mordecai could have been killed, but he helped Esther figure out how to talk to the King and make a plan that would keep Israel going. Think about that! Israel may not exist today if Mordecai had not counseled Esther on how to engage the King and gave her encouragement in the moment when she was fearful.
Scripture: “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
— Esther 4:14
8. Paul – Apostle and Pastoral Counselor
Paul offered deep encouragement and correction to churches throughout the New Testament. He gave much advice that is penned today in the Scriptures for us all to read. The way he helped guide the churches and ultimately the church at large helped it to grow and seed the generations of believers to come with the knowledge of Jesus Christ as Messiah in the Christian faith.
Scripture: “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters… that all of you agree with one another.”
— 1 Corinthians 1:10
9. Jesus Christ – The Ultimate Counselor
Our last example of a counselor in the Scriptures is Jesus. Jesus is called the “Wonderful Counselor” in prophecy. He fulfilled that role through his ministry of truth, grace, and guidance. His words are the most powerful words we could ever read. They bring life, hope, and healing as we study them and meditate on them.
Scripture: “And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
— Isaiah 9:6
These examples remind us that wise counsel is a theme woven throughout Scripture—and that God often uses people to bring clarity, direction, and correction when it’s most needed.
Final Thoughts: Faith and Therapy Work Better Together
Seeking a therapist doesn’t mean you lack faith—it means you’re willing to grow. Counselors are not perfect people with magical advice. But they’re trained to help you sort through what’s going on and offer support as you move forward.
Faith and therapy are not enemies—they’re partners. God is the healer, and He often works through people to bring that healing. Whether it’s through a pastor, a counselor, or a friend, God’s wisdom is available to help you thrive.
Author: Shenikka Jackson, Intern
