KSGV

The KSGV (‘Expertise Centre for Religion and Mental Health’) is an independent Dutch association that aims to explore the relationships between faith/religion/meaning and mental health. To this end, KSGV endeavours to inspire scientific investigation of and reflection on contemporary religious issues in mental healthcare and in society. It pursues a critical discernment regarding a mentally healthy approach of religion and (personal) meaningmaking.

KSGV issues publications in its Dutch-language ‘Second Series on Mental Health’ (since 1972). Since 2014, KSGV, in association with Shaker Verlag, is also publishing an English-language series, the International Series in Mental Health and Religion. Up to 2022, five volumes have already been released in this series.

KSGV has also established, and is funding, Endowed Chairs: the first one of ‘Religion and Mental Health, in particular the Psychological Aspects’ (Clinical Psychology of Religion) at Tilburg University; the second one of ‘Religion and Mental Health, in particular in the area of Spiritual Care’ at the University of Groningen; the third one of ‘Religion and Mental Health, in particular in the area of Psychiatry’ at the University for Humanistic Studies, Utrecht; the fourth one of ‘Religion and Mental Health, in particular the Societal Aspects’ also at Tilburg University; the fifth one of ‘Religion and Mental Health, in particular the Psychiatric and Spiritual Aspects’ at KU Leuven (Belgium); and the sixth one of ‘Religion and Mental Health, in particular the Philosophical, Religious and Psychoanalytic Aspects’ at Radboud University Nijmegen. A new Endowed Chair at the University of Groningen recently started. In addition, KSGV organises each year a well-attended and lively study conference.

KSGV has some 800 members and benefactors (2021 statistics), from mental and physical healthcare, spiritual and pastoral care, the churches, social services, nursing and other caring professions and (social-cultural) education. This diversity of professional backgrounds adds to the organisations’s attractiveness.