The Pastoral Care of Depression focuses on the people who become depressed and the skilled pastors who choose to treat depression. Pastors, pastoral counselors, chaplains, clergy, and psychiatrists and psychologists will learn more about the significant role religious confidantes can play in helping depressed people. The book shows pastors how to help people who come to them in a state of depression--how to know when to refer them to other professionals, perhaps a therapist or medical doctor, and how to then assume a supportive counseling role.