Caring for Teens in Crisis: Understanding Adolescent Mental Health

By Bryan A. Nash

Bryan Nash sounds an alarm about the frequency of adolescent mental health crises in the US. Nash also notes that many church leaders and pastoral caregivers feel unprepared to respond appropriately to the challenging situations that today's youth face. Nash argues that this gap not only leaves adolescents without crucial support but also prevents churches from fulfilling their spiritual mission. In Caring for Teens in Crisis, Nash bridges the gap.

The book explores two central questions that emerge during adolescence: "Who am I?" and "Who are they?" Drawing on research from psychology and theology, the book examines why many adolescents today might be at risk of facing one of five potential mental health crises. That is, Nash highlights that when these two big questions remain unresolved for youth, the harmful coping behaviors of self-injury, suicidal ideation, homicidal ideation, substance abuse, and sexual trauma-related responses can emerge.

Accessible, yet theologically grounded, Caring for Teens in Crisis prepares pastors, chaplains, seminarians, and church leaders not only to respond wisely in moments of crisis but also to support healing, resilience, and vital connections in the lives of young people in their congregations and families.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0HKCYZC1X
• ISBN13: 9798341902534
• Release Date: March 2027
• Publisher: Fortress Press
• Length: 175 Pages