We are glad you’re reaching out for help!
Watch this short video to learn more about how our counseling referral works.
Our Counseling Ministries work to help connect our church family and community with mental health resources. This includes referrals to mental health professionals on our approved referral list as well as on-site counseling with graduate interns. We also work with the pastors to bring emotional wellness and family support programming to the congregation through Resurrection Recovery, support groups and other venues.
Sometimes you need a pastor, sometimes you need a counselor. Sometimes you need both. Our ministry recognizes the challenges we face are sometimes best addressed through professional counseling, but we highly value the growth that can come from working with pastors to address the spiritual dimensions of our struggles. We are committed to helping you identify the right tools so you can begin to heal and grow into the person God created you to be.
As you begin to consider how we might be able to connect you with counseling resources, it is important to note this service is not intended for immediate crisis needs. If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of others, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.
An important note about insurance: Many of the professionals on our list are out-of-network providers and may not accept insurance. Please direct all insurance related questions to each individual provider as we are not able to track that information.
Counseling Interns
Our counseling interns are here to offer free counseling services for mild to moderate mental health needs. This includes things like life transitions, depression, anxiety, relationship conflict, self-esteem, self-identity, emotional regulation, coping skills and more. We offer counseling for adults, teens, couples, families and children (with play therapy techniques). Just complete the counseling referral form and indicate that you would like to work with a counseling intern to start these services.
Resurrection's counseling ministries helped me through my darkest days and gloomiest hours. If you feel overwhelmed or stressed or burdened, get in touch with them!Resurrection Member
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect from a counseling referral?
After you complete the referral form, our staff will identify counselors in the community who we think might be a good fit based on your needs, location, and financial constraints. Currently it is taking a couple weeks to process these requests. Requests usually take longer to process when staffing is more limited during holidays and church events (e.g., Christmas, Holy Week, etc).
Do I need to be a member of the Church of the Resurrection to get a referral?
Our referrals are accessible to our church family and the community. You do not need to be a member or a visitor to request a counseling referral.
What if I need counseling immediately?
We expect our clinicians to be able to accommodate new clients within a two week period, but it will sometimes take more time based on a variety of factors. NOTE: This service is not intended for immediate crisis needs. If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of others, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room.
I need to find a counselor that will accept my insurance. Can you help with that?
Unfortunately, we are unable to make referrals based on insurance providers. Some providers on our referral list accept insurance and many are able to accept out-of-network benefits.
What if I have limited financial resources?
We do take this into consideration when making referrals. Many of our providers consider a client’s ability to pay when setting rates.
How do you decide who is on the referral list?
The providers on our list go through a thorough application process. Counselors complete a written application and an in-person interview to ensure they are excellent and trustworthy practitioners.
Is counseling offered at the church?
Graduate counseling interns offer counseling at the Leawood campus and the Downtown campus. These are students from area universities in the process of completing their Master’s degrees in counseling or marriage and family therapy. Their availability is limited and there is often a waiting list for their services, but they are an excellent option for individuals, couples and families concerned with cost.
Should I also see a pastor?
If you have identified a spiritual component to your challenges, we strongly encourage that you seek pastoral guidance.
Crisis Prevention
Leawood Program
We believe investing in physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is crucial to living into God’s call for your life. When we find ourselves amid challenging seasons, it can take a community to remind us that God’s plan for us includes a “future filled with hope.” Remember:
- You are loved by, and matter to, God.
- No pain lasts forever.
- There is always hope.
- Others can help – just ask.
If you are concerned about your safety or the safety of others, we encourage you to call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. In addition, there are several other crisis resources available to you. Several are listed below.
Sermons & Videos
- Sermon: When Hope Seems Lost (2019)
- Sermon: Like a Broken Vessel (2017)
- Sermon: Christianity & Suicide (2012)
- Suicide Prevention Panel (2017)
Resources for Times of Crisis
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
Crisis Text Line: 741741
Crisis Text Line is a United States nonprofit organization providing free crisis intervention via SMS message. The organization’s services are available 24 hours a day every day throughout the US by texting 741741.
Johnson County Mental Health Emergency Services: (913) 268-0156
Johnson County Mental Health Center maintains professional clinical staff on duty 24-hours-a-day to provide mental health Emergency Services to Johnson County residents.
Shawnee Mission Medical Center, Behavioral Health Assessment Center (913) 789-3218
Assessments provided by appointment.
Resurrection Resources
Our Congregational Care pastors are here to offer support for all aspects of life, including those times that feel the darkest. To get connected with pastoral care, please call (913) 544-0712. If there is an urgent need for pastoral care after office hours, please call our pager number: (913) 544-0799. The pastor on call will return your page as soon as possible.
Our Counseling Ministries also works to help connect our church family and community with mental health resources. This includes referrals to mental health professionals on our approved referral list as well as on-site counseling with graduate interns. Submit a request for a counseling referral here.
Family Discussion Guide
This guide is designed to give you and those around you the tools to make sure you’re planning, collaborating, and expending energy in a way that draws you closer together. We hope that by using this guide, families are better equipped to identify and share their emotional experiences with each other. We hope people will be more comfortable reaching out for help and more comfortable extending a hand to help others. If this sounds like something you’d appreciate, this guide is for you. Download it here.
Anxiety/Depression Support Group
The Anxiety and Depression Support Group is a safe place where God's healing can take place during your journey to a healthier life, free from anxiety and depression. During the meetings, we explore strategies for overcoming anxiety and depression through education, self-exploration, book studies, and group discussions. We support each other by sharing personal challenges in this small caring community as we strive for healthier lives. No registration required. We look forward to seeing you. Visit our webpage for details.
Books & Miscellaneous
The books below are recommended by the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention.
After Suicide Loss: Coping with Your Grief
Bob Baugher, Ph.D., and Jack Jordan, Ph.D., 2002.
This excellent handbook is organized chronologically to follow the days, weeks, and months after a suicide loss. It includes straightforward information about psychiatric disorders, when to seek professional help, and practical strategies for coping and healing.
Remembering Garrett: One Family’s Battle with a Child’s Depression
U.S. Senator Gordon H. Smith, 2006.
A personal account by the U.S. Senator from Oregon, whose 21-year-old son took his own life, and whose speech on the Senate floor led to overwhelming bipartisan support for the passage of the Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act, which increased federal funding to prevent youth suicide.
Suicide Survivors’ Club: A Family’s Journey through the Death of Their Loved One
Rebecca Anderson (Author/Suicide Loss Survivor), Laurie Phillips (Artist/Storyteller), 2016.
This beautifully illustrated 5-book set depicts the aftermath of a husband/father’s suicide through the eyes and in the words of his wife and children (ages 19, 7, and 5).
The brief books Becky, Pattie, Aidan, and Will explore the feelings of suicide loss survivors of any age and the healing power of art. The fifth book, Parenting the Suicide Survivors’ Club, is a short memoir by mom Rebecca that reflects the challenges of holding a family together as the sole remaining parent.
Reaching Out After Suicide: What’s Helpful and What’s Not
Linda H. Kilburn, M.S.W., 2008.
A clinical hospice social worker and survivor of her daughter’s suicide, Kilburn offers practical advice for well-meaning friends and family who want to reach out and be supportive after a suicide, but aren’t sure what to do or say.
Silent Grief: Living in the Wake of Suicide
Christopher Lukas and Henry Seiden, 2007.
Co-authored by a psychologist and a survivor of multiple suicide losses, this book is written with sensitivity and understanding. The authors offer simple, constructive suggestions for healing, along with straightforward information and a message of hope.
For questions about Crisis Prevention call Denise Mersmann at (913) 544-0728, or email using the form below.
RezVets
Leawood Group
RezVets ~ Our Mission
To honor and support the women and men who serve, along with their families. Additionally, this ministry offers care and training for those who sometimes struggle with re-integration into civilian and family life. We offer support that can help restore and reconcile veterans and their families to a holistic relationship within family and community, including the community of faith.
Counseling Services:
- RezVets offers counseling services to past and present military members and their dependent family members. If you know of a military member who is in need of these services, you can help them by filling out this online counseling request form. The vet or family member will be contacted quickly to begin the process to receive services.
- We have trained and licensed counselors available for veterans and their immediate family members. Our counselors are skillful, empathetic and provide personal and group discussions.
Our Veteran Support Partners:
RezVets has partnered with the following three strong organizations who further our ministry objectives. They are:
- St. Michael's Veterans Center
- Johnson County Community College Veteran's Office
- Kansas City VA Medical Center
Resources:
Resurrection Care Classes & Support Groups
Prayer List:
We invite you to pray for deployed military service members and their families. The list can be found here.
For questions about RezVets call Denise Mersmann at (913) 544-0728, or email using the form below.