National Resources

Written By Stephanie Jacobson

National Resources provided as a starting point for spiritual mentors assisting mentees with major life challenges. While these organizations align with Catholic values where noted, mentors are encouraged to use discernment and prudence when recommending outside organizations and encourage individuals to seek pastoral guidance, professional counseling, or medical advice as needed. The accessibility and effectiveness of these services may differ based on individual circumstances and location.

1.Healing, Counseling & Therapy

Offers retreats, healing programs, and formation based on St. John Paul II’s teachings for emotional and spiritual renewal.

A directory of licensed Catholic therapists who integrate faith with professional counseling services.

Provides tele-counseling, coaching, and resources to help individuals, couples, and families heal and thrive in accordance with Catholic teachings.

2. Addiction Recovery & Support

A 12-step recovery program for alcohol addiction with meetings across the U.S.

A 12-step recovery program for individuals struggling with drug addiction, offering meetings and peer support worldwide.

A 12-step recovery program for individuals struggling with compulsive gambling, offering meetings nationwide.

Integrates Catholic spirituality with 12-step recovery for various addictions, including alcohol, drugs, pornography, and food addiction.

Support for family members and friends of individuals struggling with alcohol addiction, helping them find peace and recovery through shared experiences.

3. Marriage & Family Support

A Catholic-based retreat program designed to help struggling marriages rediscover trust, love, and communication.

A resource from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops providing marriage preparation and enrichment materials.

A Catholic apostolate dedicated to restoring and strengthening marriages through coaching, counseling, and retreats.

Offers Christ-centered resources, articles, and support for married couples looking to strengthen their relationship and grow in faith together.

Provides Catholic marriage coaching and online resources to help couples build stronger, faith-filled marriages.

This institute provides education and formation on St. John Paul II's Theology of the Body, helping individuals and couples understand God’s plan for human love, marriage, and sexuality.

4. Mental Health & Suicide Prevention

24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress.

Mental health support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families.

5. Pregnancy & Post-Abortion Support

24/7 pregnancy helpline connecting women with local pregnancy centers.

Offers pregnancy support, counseling, and resources for mothers considering life-affirming choices.

Catholic-based healing for women and men suffering after abortion.

6. Pornography & Sexual Addiction Recovery

Catholic-based resources for overcoming pornography addiction & sexual issues.

Internet accountability and filtering service to combat pornography addiction.

A 12-step recovery program for individuals struggling with sexual addiction, including pornography and compulsive sexual behaviors.

7. Gender & Sexual Identity

A Catholic apostolate offering pastoral care, support groups, and guidance for those experiencing same-sex attraction who seek to live in accordance with Church teachings.

A support group for parents, family members, and friends of individuals experiencing same-sex attraction, providing faith-based guidance and encouragement.

A Catholic community offering support and formation for individuals navigating same-sex attraction or gender identity questions while striving to live faithfully.

A Christian ministry providing healing resources for sexual and relational problems.

8. Grief & Loss Support

Faith-based support groups for those grieving the loss of a loved one, available at churches nationwide.

Catholic ministry supporting parents who have lost a child, offering retreats, support groups, and resources.

Nationwide Christian organization that trains lay caregivers to provide one-onone, Christ-centered emotional and spiritual care for people facing grief, illness, divorce, job loss, and other crises.

9. End-of-Life & Hospice Care

  • National Association of Catholic Chaplains (NACC) – www.nacc.org

Provides Catholic chaplaincy services for those in hospitals, hospices, and endof-life care.

Faith-based hospice care and palliative support for those with terminal illness, emphasizing dignity and spiritual care.

Provides Catholic guidance on ethical issues related to end-of-life care, advance directives, and medical decisions.

10. Bioethics & Reproductive Ethics

Guidance from Bishop Burbidge on the moral and ethical concerns surrounding in vitro fertilization and Catholic alternatives.

Provides Catholic teaching and ethical guidance on IVF, fertility treatments, surrogacy, and other bioethical issues.

A Catholic medical institute offering NaProTECHNOLOGY as an ethical alternative to IVF, supporting couples with infertility in line with Catholic teachings.

11. Domestic Violence & Human Trafficking

Confidential support for victims of domestic violence and their loved ones.

Support for victims of human trafficking and those seeking to report suspicious activity.

12. Singles, Dating & Marriage

Catholic resources for singles seeking faith-centered dating, courtship, and marriage preparation.

  • Ave Maria Singles – www.avemariasingles.com
    A Catholic dating site dedicated to serious relationships and marriage, emphasizing faith and traditional Catholic values.

  • CatholicMatch – www.catholicmatch.com
    The largest Catholic dating platform, helping singles find faithful and meaningful relationships leading to marriage.

13. Mandatory Reporting & Child Protection 

National resources for guidance on mandatory reporting of abuse, child protection, and safeguarding vulnerable individuals. 

  •  Administration for Children and Families (ACF) – www.acf.hhs.gov 
    A division of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services that oversees child welfare programs, abuse prevention, and family support services. 

  • U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – Child Welfare Information Gateway – www.childwelfare.gov 
    Provides state-by-state guidance on mandatory reporting laws and child protection services. 

  • United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) – Office of Child and Youth Protection – www.usccb.org/offices/child-and-youth-protection

    Provides guidelines and resources for safeguarding children and reporting abuse within the Catholic Church. 

  • National Association of Mandated Reporters (NAMR) – www.mandatedreporter.com 
    Offers education and resources for professionals and individuals on mandatory reporting laws and responsibilities. 


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Stephanie Jacobson
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