Spiritual care is an essential part of CAMH's approach to care. It supports patients, staff and families of all faiths, including those with no religious affiliation, by recognizing that emotional and spiritual well-being are integral to mental health recovery. Research shows that spiritual care can help build resilience, foster a sense of connection, and promote emotional healing. That's why our Spiritual Care Practitioners integrate this support alongside clinical treatment, providing a holistic, person-centred care experience.
Students in CAMH's Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program experience hands-on learning supported by structured supervision. They take part in clinical simulations on topics such as suicide risk assessment, morgue preparation and trauma-informed care and collaborate with teams across the hospital, including the pharmacy, the Gender Identity Clinic, Mood and Anxiety Services, Addictions, and Law and Mental Health. These placements offer students a unique opportunity to explore spiritual care in complex, real-world mental health settings.
"During my placement at CAMH, I gained a greater awareness of my strengths and areas for improvement as a spiritual care provider and psychotherapist," says Andrea Blacker, Registered Psychotherapist and graduate of the University of Toronto's Master of Psychospiritual Studies. "With support from my supervisor, I developed new skills, increased my confidence, and enhanced my self-awareness. I also learned about various mental health challenges and the services offered through CAMH's inclusive programs. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to complete a Clinical Psychospiritual Education placement at CAMH."
To achieve this accreditation, CAMH underwent a rigorous three-month self-study process, assessing how our teaching programs meets the national standards for spiritual care education, including student access to supervision, safety measures, and educational supports.
"Being accredited enables us to continue excelling in what we do best: teaching, learning, and providing compassionate care," says Lucas.
CPE Programs at CAMH
CAMH offers CPE programs in affiliation with the Toronto Schools of Theology (TST), part of the University of Toronto. Each CPE unit is eligible for academic credit within a TST degree program. Students interested in registering for a CAMH CPE unit must apply through their TST member school, and those already enrolled in a TST program should confirm with their director if a CPE unit fits into their studies.
CAMH offers full-time and part-time CPE units, each totaling 400 hours. Both formats include at least 200 hours of direct clinical service, plus group and individual supervision. The programs provide in-depth training with people in need in an environment where effective feedback from peers, teachers, and students develops deeper self-awareness.
For more information, contact: SpiritualCare@camh.ca
