The Catholic Mental Health Ministry is a compassionate and faith-centered initiative dedicated to supporting emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being within the Catholic community. Established in 2024 as a chapter of the International Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, the ministry serves as a bridge between mental health care and the healing mission of the Church.
Based at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Lexington, the ministry provides a welcoming space where individuals and families can find hope, understanding, and support. Rooted in Catholic teaching and guided by professional expertise, it seeks to reduce stigma around mental health while promoting holistic healing—mind, body, and spirit.
The ministry was founded through the collaborative vision of Linda Harvey, Father Derek Van Daniker, and Dr. Melinda Moore. Together, they recognized a growing need within the Church for accessible mental health resources that honor both clinical insight and spiritual care.
Through prayer, education, support groups, and community outreach, the Catholic Mental Health Ministry strives to accompany those experiencing mental health challenges, as well as their loved ones. Its mission is to reflect Christ’s compassion by fostering a culture of understanding, connection, and healing within the Church and the wider community.
Mission
The Catholic Mental Health Ministry accompanies individuals, families, and parish communities with compassion, hope, and faith-centered support. Rooted in Catholic teaching, we foster understanding, connection, prayer, and healing while creating welcoming spaces where all are treated with dignity and care.
Inspired by Christ’s compassion, we seek to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and nurture the well-being of mind, body, and spirit within the Church and the wider community.
Dr. Melinda Moore speaking at the International Association of Mental Health Ministers’ Ministry of Hope Conference in November 2025 at the Vatican
Core Values
Accompaniment
Education
Advocacy
Support
Community
Services
- Mental health training for laypeople, ministry leaders, and clergy.
- Suicide prevention, postvention, and trainings such as safeTALK and QPR (Question, Persuade, & Refer)
- Educational Conferences
- Specialized services to address a wide range of difficult situations such as homelessness, family crisis, and mental health challenges
- Topic-based support groups such as the monthly Suicide Bereavement support group or Survivors of Suicide for family and friends of those who died by suicide to be supported in their grief.
- Community prayer and connection events, holiday ecumenical and interfaith initiatives, special masses such as World Suicide Prevention Day Mass and St. Dymphna Mass
Resources
- 988 is great for anyone needing to speak to someone personally. They can also be reached if you are a friend, family member, etc. who need to talk to someone about how to help a loved one. They can be reached via phone or text.
- Survivors of Suicide Loss Support Group meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month from 7:00-8:30 in the O’Neill Center at Christ the King. This is led by Dr. Melinda Moore, co-founder of Catholic Mental Health Ministry, and Father Derek Van Daniker.
Meet our Staff
Linda Harvey
Co-Founder
Dr. Melinda Moore
Psychologist
Amanda Day
CMHM Coordinator
