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What happens when a small-town church becomes a lifeline for mental health support?
Since 2004, Corey Laughary has served as pastor in the rural community of Palouse, Washington, where he and his church have stepped into the mental health gap. In this episode, Corey shares how they’ve built a mental health ministry team, offered Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings, and equipped schools, agencies, and churches to care for their communities. Full of practical insights and hard-won hope, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone facing the realities of rural ministry and mental health care.
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Interview Summary
“Hope is the antidote to so many of our challenges, but hope has to come in the physical form of a person caring and being there.” – Corey Laughary
In rural communities, where mental health services are often scarce, the church can play a pivotal role in filling the gaps. Corey Laughary, pastor at Palouse Federated Church, shares how his church has actively engaged in mental health training and outreach, offering practical solutions to the mental health struggles of their neighbors.
Corey Laughary grew up in Spokane, Washington, and began his journey into mental health advocacy while working on a mental health hotline during his college years. His experiences in both group homes for troubled children and seminary shaped his understanding of mental health challenges, particularly in rural areas. When Corey moved to Palouse, a town of just 1,000 people, he realized the lack of accessible mental health resources and sought to create change in his community.
“I had a blessed life, but I didn’t know much about mental health challenges until I worked on a mental health hotline. That exposure opened my eyes to a whole world of people hurting in ways I hadn’t experienced before.” – Corey Laughary
The Mental Health Crisis in Rural Communities
In rural areas like Palouse, mental health resources can feel distant, both geographically and in terms of availability. Corey recognized the struggles many people in his community faced—without immediate access to counselors, mental health support often comes too late. “The resources are often farther away,” Corey explained, “and they’re hard to find.”
“In rural towns, the gap in resources is wide, and the consequences of not having those resources readily available are felt deeply in the community.” – Corey Laughary
To address this, Corey focused on what his church could do within their limited means. He began by seeking training for himself in suicide prevention and later expanded this by offering similar training to his congregation and community members. This grassroots approach enabled the church to meet the growing need for mental health support, especially as tragic events like suicides highlighted the lack of timely intervention.
Training, Partnership, and Response
Corey’s church adopted a three-pronged approach: training, partnership, and response.
Training: The church offered mental health training, such as the internationally recognized QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) suicide prevention program, to both church members and the wider community. Corey emphasized that the church’s goal wasn’t to become professional counselors but to empower laypeople with the knowledge and skills to intervene effectively in times of mental health crises.
“We don’t claim to be counselors, but we can equip people in our church and community with the tools to identify mental health issues early and connect people with the help they need.” – Corey Laughary
Partnerships: Rather than working in isolation, Corey’s church built partnerships with local agencies, including law enforcement, schools, and mental health clinics. These collaborations expanded their reach and enhanced the effectiveness of their training programs. They also created a countywide initiative to address mental health challenges, which included forming the Whitman County Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Resiliency Task Force.
Response: The church didn’t just stop at training. Corey’s team was also involved in response efforts, offering follow-up care to families after suicides or crises. This involved providing emotional support and connecting individuals with further resources. By training church members to respond to these situations, the church became a vital part of a community-wide safety net.
“We wanted to be there for people when they needed it the most, not just before a crisis hits, but also afterward—helping them pick up the pieces and connect to support systems.” – Corey Laughary
The Impact on the Community
The results of these efforts have been remarkable. The church’s mental health initiatives have led to deeper connections within the community and strengthened its role as a trusted resource. “It builds relationships with people that you might not otherwise know,” Corey shared. Through training, partnerships, and support, the church has demonstrated a commitment to loving its neighbors, regardless of their mental health challenges.
“When we step up and offer support, people know we care, and that opens doors. We’re not just offering programs; we’re offering a community where they can feel seen and heard.” – Corey Laughary
Corey also shared how these efforts have opened doors for the church to engage with local organizations, schools, and even state institutions. For example, the church was invited to provide suicide prevention training to the athletic staff at the local university and has offered self-care workshops to other businesses in the area.
The work Corey Laughary and his church are doing in Palouse highlights the profound impact small-town churches can have on the mental health crisis in rural communities. By taking proactive steps to provide mental health training, build partnerships, and offer support, they’ve demonstrated that even the smallest of churches can make a big difference.
As Corey put it, “Hope is the antidote,” and by stepping up to meet the needs of their community, Palouse Federated Church is offering that hope, one person at a time. If you’re a pastor or leader in a rural community, Corey’s story is a reminder that you don’t need to have all the answers to begin making a difference. Start with small, meaningful steps, and the rest will follow.
Reflection Questions:
- What types of mental health training could your church offer to its members and neighbors?
- How can partnerships with local agencies enhance your church’s impact in addressing mental health challenges?
- What are the biggest mental health needs in your community, and how can your church address them?
- What does it look like for the church to be a place of hope and healing for those struggling with mental health?
- How can your church integrate mental health awareness into regular ministry programs?
- How can small towns and rural churches leverage their unique position to address mental health challenges?
