Mental health and spiritual well-being in humanitarian crises: the role of faith communities providing spiritual and psychosocial support during the COVID-19 pandemic

World Vision’s response to COVID-19 across 70 countries highlighted the essential role of mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) in crisis settings — especially the vital contribution of faith leaders and communities. These groups often responded to community fear and anxiety by offering psychosocial and spiritual care together. While faith groups supported MHPSS efforts, their core role remains spiritual care. For a rights-based approach to mental health, it’s important to value both contributions — without conflating spiritual and psychosocial well-being.