This book is designed to bring essential knowledge and skills to the religious professional who seeks to provide special ministry to the emotionally troubled. It provides a basic understanding of psychiatric illnesses, theory, and treatment modalities that is certain to enlarge the perspective of the pastoral worker. In addition to an essential overview of psychiatry in general, Mental Illness and Psychiatric Treatment: A Guide for Pastoral Counsellors will help carers to better serve people suffering from depression, anxiety disorders, chemical dependency, reality impairment, or personality disorders. In Mental Illness and Psychiatric Treatment: A Guide for Pastoral Counsellors, practitioners will find the information needed to make effective judgments and assessments about the people seeking your help. The book details fascinating case studies that highlight symptoms and illness patterns as well as treatment options and techniques for coordinating pastoral counselling with a mental health team.