Findings from nationally representative samples report that more than 90 percent of Americans believe in a higher power or God, and more than 50 percent state that religion is “very” (not just fairly or moderately) important in their lives. These figures are not surprising considering that religion is such a well-utilized resource when coping with life stressors. What is surprising, however, is that hardly any mental health training programs require (or even offer) coursework in how to ask patients about their religion or spirituality in clinical settings.
This educational deficit is a barrier to the provision of personalized and patient-centered treatment. Fifty years ago, we didn’t ask patients about physical pain or domestic safety, and now it’s standard of care to do so. Why shouldn’t patient spirituality be inquired about as well? If it’s not of personal importance to a patient, the patient will say so and treatment can move on to focus on other areas. However, many patients have rich religious belief systems, often of great personal significance. Just imagine their experience when providers don’t even ask about this area of life! Furthermore, recent research we have conducted has tied certain religious beliefs to lower levels of anxiety. Therefore, I believe that mental health providers must gain basic clinical competency by learning to ask patients about their religious beliefs in a professional manner. Such information may be more important than we think.
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