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Providing Pastoral Care Services in a Clinical Setting to Veterans At-Risk of Suicide

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Abstract

The value of enhanced spiritual wellbeing has largely been overlooked as part of suicide prevention efforts in Veterans. The aim of this qualitative study is to examine the clinical pastoral care services provided by VA Chaplains to Veterans at-risk of suicide. This study was conducted using in-depth interviews with five Chaplains affiliated with a medical center located in upstate New York. This study was able to show that some at-risk individuals do actively seek out pastoral care, demonstrating a demand for such services. In conclusion, a pastoral care framework may already exist in some clinical settings, giving at-risk Veterans the opportunity to access spiritual care.

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Acknowledgments

The author gratefully acknowledges Eric Silver, M.Div., MA, and his thoughtful insight into Chaplaincy services. The findings and conclusions expressed in this work are the author’s and do not necessarily represent the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs nor should they be construed as the official position of the U.S. Government.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. VISN 2 Center of Excellence for Suicide Prevention, 400 Fort Hill Ave., Canandaigua, NY, 14424, USA

    Marek S. Kopacz

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  1. Marek S. Kopacz
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Correspondence to Marek S. Kopacz.

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Kopacz, M.S. Providing Pastoral Care Services in a Clinical Setting to Veterans At-Risk of Suicide. J Relig Health 52, 759–767 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-013-9693-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-013-9693-2

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