Abstract

Theology offers an account of how a person grows in the love of God or fails to do so; this account is needed for understanding the role of mental health treatments. An overview of the elements of character formation is given, including moral and theological virtues, vices, emotions, reason, commandments, and the influence of family and the community. The diagnosis of mental disorders and illnesses is reviewed, along with the basic kinds of psychotherapist and methods of therapy. A few principles regarding human dignity are highlighted, and the similarities of and differences between the counselor and the confessor are explained.