Facing Mental Health Needs in Your Congregation

This workshop will provide clergy and faith community members with approaches to making their congregations a welcoming and supportive space for people with mental health challenges.  Particular attention will be given to public communication, relationship development, and partnering with external mental health providers.

Breakfast and networking will be held from 8:00 – 8:30 am; the presentation will begin at 8:30 am.

Keynote Speaker – Dave Eckert, Founder and Director, Intersect

Dave Eckert is the Founder and Director of Intersect, an initiative within Access Services that supports those at the intersection of faith and mental health through consultation, training, and the fostering of collaboration between faith communities and mental health providers. He has spent over 20 years working for Access within various roles including Director of a Mobile Psychiatric Rehabilitation program and agency Chaplain.

Dave is also an ordained minister, serving as one of the pastors at Grace Community Church in Chalfont for the last 15 years.

In addition, Dave is a certified suicide intervention trainer for Living Works, a Psychiatric Rehabilitation trainer for PAPRS (Pennsylvania Association of Psychiatric Rehabilitation Services) and a co-author of the Opioid Response Network’s “Opioid Use Disorder Toolkit for Faith-Based Community Leaders.”

He serves as a board member of Lakeside Educational Network and an advisory board member of the Faith Inclusion Network.  A certified psychiatric rehabilitation practitioner (CPRP), Dave also holds degrees in Social Work, Biblical Studies, and Divinity. He lives with his wife and three children in Montgomery County.