Journal of Religion and Health
Spiritual Care at the Intersection of Mental Health: VA Chaplains’ Lived Experiences Supporting US Veterans
Abstract Chaplains play a vital role within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) by providing spiritual care and supporting veterans’ mental health needs. The present study explored 11 VA chaplains’ lived experiences regarding their support of veterans’ mental health. Using a phenomenological qualitative approach, it explored their motivations, perceptions of mental health patterns, collaborative practices, and assessments of training adequacy. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of …