Atheists Talk cable program by Minnesota Atheists. "Secularism and Mental Health" recorded 3/5/2015 Licensed counselor and Minnesota Atheists board member Jill Carlson appeared on our cable program this month to discuss the importance of finding a secular mental healthcare provider. Jill noted that this can be difficult, as most therapists and counselors do not advertise their feelings on religion and faith; but that it should be possible to determine if a mental health provider is secular or, at least, friendly toward those who are not religious. Jill discussed some of the challenges and issues that might arise in seeing an overtly religious counselor; for example, they might wish to pray with you or view your problems from a religious perspective. Jill then talked about some of the problems regarding church-state separation in the mental health provider field. For example, some practices receive state funding yet are religiously driven. A court might order someone to attend AA although the only such groups in their area might be very religious. Jill indicated a need for a database of secular providers, not just in the mental health field, but also in other areas of care (such as prenatal) where trust and confidence are very important, and where a provider's beliefs might color their methods of treatment. James Zimmerman hosted. Minnesota Atheists practices positive, inclusive, active, friendly neighborhood atheism in order to: - Provide a community for atheists - Educate the public about atheism - Promote separation of state and church http://www.mnatheists.org/