Catholics are members of a faith tradition and institution that dates back over 2,000 years. The religious beliefs, practices, and social values professed by the Catholic Church are very important to some Catholics, not important to others, and inconsistently and ambivalently held by yet others. Knowing something about Catholicism is necessary for mental health professionals to provide holistic, respectful and sensitive care to Catholic clients. Every Catholic is unique in the particular combination of religious beliefs, practices, and values that he or she holds dear.

Catholics in general have mental health that is comparable to members of other faith traditions, and greater religious involvement is related to better mental health in most cases (as is true for Christians in general). The Catholic Church places many obligations and rules on the faithful, and promises harsh consequences in the hereafter for those who fail to comply. While this may increase feelings of guilt among Catholics who see themselves as not living up to these high expectations, particularly those who are vulnerable to such anxieties, the current research suggests that guilt in Catholics may not be nearly as serious a problem as some have assumed.

There are many applications to clinical practice that follow from the information presented in this chapter, especially in terms of taking a careful and detailed spiritual history. Finally, Catholics have a long tradition of compassion for the less fortunate, and that includes those with mental illness or emotional problems. Mental health professionals and clergy should find solid partners among Catholic religious and social service professionals as they pursue goals that are common to all.