Tag Archives: Mental Health Care

book reviews

How to order "I Trust When Dark My Road: A Lutheran View of Depression"

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The following is the blurb that is on page 10 of the Spring 2009 edition of Caring, from LCMS World Relief:

Free Resource Explores Clergy and Depression LCMS World Relief and Human Care’s newest resource reflects Rev. Todd Peperkorn’s personal journey through depression, I Trust When Dark My Road: A Lutheran View of Depression. LCMS WR-HC Executive Director Rev. Matthew Harrison recommends the book to all associated with professional church work: “This book offers a path to hope, and a future through Christ.” Dr. Beverly K. Yahnke, a licensed clinical psychologist, writes in the book’s forward: “When one’s mind and soul journey across the ghastly landscape of clinical depression, the adventure may challenge faith, hope, and life itself. … Peperkorn invites us into the world of a depressed Christian who remains reliant upon God’s grace.” The book is expected to be available in mid-June. To request your complimentary copy, call 800-248-1930, ext. 1380.

I am still trying to figure out if there is a way of ordering them online. LCMS World Relief is currently working on setting it up on their online store. As soon as that is available, I will give you the link. But in the meantime, I would encourage you to call and order as many as you want. The more that are ordered up front, the more helpful it is going to be for them in determining a print run. Please call them directly.

-DMR

PS Yes, my super double secret identity is now officially not secret anymore.

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Insurance

Changes with Concordia Plans and Mental Health

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Like many congregations, my parish suffers with money problems this year. Fortunately, Christ is Lord of the Church, and such things will pass.

One of the cost savings moves that we made this past year was to go from Concordia Plan B to the new Health Savings Account (HSA). This has been a good move for the church financially, and I think that it will work out fine for us financially in the end as well.

However, one of the things I figured out today is that the way mental health services is managed is different. In The Church’s Plan, as well as plans A,B, C & D, Concordia Plans uses CIGNA to manage their mental health care insurance requests, etc etc etc.

BUT, if you use either the HSA or the HRA plans that Concordia offers, they are now administered under Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

This has caused no end of confusion on the part of my doctor & counselor, and I hope to get it resolved soon. But I thought I would give y’all a heads up on this, as it may have some impact on you.

Anyone else having problems with mental health claims and concordia plans?

-DMR