The Office of Mental Health Ministry is not a clinical resource and is not intended to serve as a substitute for treatment or counseling with a qualified professional. We do not diagnose or treat mental illness, but rather serve as an avenue to provide literacy in mental health to promote the reduction of mental illness stigma, encourage conversations around mental illness, and create a safe environment for individuals to share and seek help surrounding their mental illness (Catholic Mental Health Ministry Guidelines, 2019). Our mission is to help create pastoral environments where people living with mental illness can meet, share their experiences and their Catholic faith with others, and to grow spiritually in their relationship with God.
Most Rev. John P. Dolan, Bishop of Phoenix, reflects on the ways his life has been changed by suicide and the ways in which the Church is here to support those who were left behind.
“Come to me, all you who are weary… and I will give you rest.” – Matthew 11:28
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…” (Psalm 34:18). Our ministry offers Catholic counseling, prayers, and support groups.
Mary Permoda
DIrector, Mental Health Ministry
mpermoda@dphx.org
602-354-2114
Leticia (Lety) Assad
Manager, Education Program
lassad@dphx.org
602-354-2115
Itzhel Caballero
Administrative Assistant II
icaballero@dphx.org
602-354-2117
Brian Cannon
Manager, Advocacy Program
bcannon@dphx.org
602-354-2116
Richard DiCarlo
Manager, Accompaniment Program
rdicarlo@dphx.org
602-354-2401