Solihten Institute

{{More citations needed|date=May 2025}}

{{More citations needed|date=May 2025}}

'''Solihten Institute''' (formerly known as '''The Samaritan Institute''') is a [[non-profit organization]] based in [[Denver, Colorado|Denver]], [[Colorado]] which manages a national network of [[counseling]] centers (Affiliated Centers) that prioritize accessible mental health care and integrated approaches to care that acknowledge the interdependence of mind, body, spirit, and community into a person’s well-being.

'''Solihten Institute''' (formerly known as '''The Samaritan Institute''') is a [[non-profit organization]] based in [[Denver, Colorado|Denver]], [[Colorado]] which manages an international network of faith-based [[counseling]] centers (Member Centers) that specialize in evidence-based, integrated healing.{{Cite web |title=Solihten Institute Case Study |url=https://thekarmagroup.com/case-studies/solihten-institute/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=The Karma Group |language=en-US}} Counselors and [[mental health]] professionals accredited by Solihten Institute receive [[Theology|theological]] training in addition to typical licensing in [[psychology]], [[psychiatry]] and counseling, enabling an approach which combines "mind, body, spirit, and community." Services offered include outpatient counseling, wellness programs, and consultation and training for [[clergy]] and other professionals. This is a 12-step organization.

==History==

Solihten Centers are independently run affiliates accredited by Solihten Institute. The model is cost-effective in practice and is capable of offering counseling at lower rates than many other programs. In addition, Solihten Centers work in collaboration with local physicians and faith-related organizations to best serve a client's varying needs, as appropriate. Solihten Institute is a [[501(c)|501(c)(3)]] organization, governed by a board of directors.

Founded in [[Elkhart, Indiana|Elkhart]], [[Indiana]] in 1972 by a [[physician]], two parish [[minister of religion|ministers]] and a [[seminary]] professor as The Samaritan Institute, the philosophy sought to emphasize the unity of mind, body, spirit, and community in counseling through the collaboration of clergy, therapists and physicians. The program first formed as a part of First Presbyterian Church of Elkhart as part of the church's counseling center. Following the expansion of the Samaritan Institute name and model to other churches, in 1979, the Samaritan Institute was formed as a non-profit corporation seeking to unite and develop existing and future counseling centers. In anticipation of continued growth, in 1983, the Institute relocated its headquarters to Denver, Colorado, where it could better manage its nationwide network.

Today, Solihten Institute and its Member Centers are one of the largest national providers of faith-based counseling. Nearly fifty Solihten Member Centers exist in over 200 locations throughout the [[United States]]. Solihten Member Centers, which are the independently run affiliates of Solihten Institute, use facilities provided by sponsor churches — about 4,000 congregations of 26 denominations support the Solihten program. The model is cost-effective in practice and is capable of offering counseling at lower rates than many other programs. Annually, Solihten Member Centers donate more than $20,000,000 in subsidized counseling to individuals in need of assistance.

Solihten Institute is a [[501(c)|501(c)(3)]] organization, governed by a board of directors in consultation with a national council of Center executive directors. Bob Johnson currently serves as president.

==The Solihten Institute Counseling Model==

As a spiritually integrated (or faith-based) therapy program, counselors and professionals in the Solihten program represent various disciplines, including psychology, clinical [[social work]], marriage and family therapy, [[pastoral counseling]] and psychiatry. In addition, counselors are trained in theology and are better able to address the religious perspectives of clients, incorporating them into the therapeutic process. Declaration of any particular religious belief is not a requirement for treatment, however, and counselors do not impose personal theological beliefs upon those being treated, but instead work within a spiritual context when appropriate. In addition, local physicians and ministers work in collaboration with therapists to best serve a client's varying needs. The Solihten program has been acknowledged by the [[American Medical Association]], the [[American Association of Pastoral Counselors]], the [[President's Commission on Mental Health]], and a number of major religious denominations.

==Ethics in Business Awards==

==Ethics in Business Awards==

Many Solihten Centers host local Ethics in Business Awards programs. The Awards are intended to honor community leaders, businesses, and non-profit organizations which promote social responsibility, civic improvement, environmental concerns or ethical conduct.

Solihten Institute sponsored the Ethics in Business Awards program, which is conducted by Solihten Member Centers worldwide. The Awards are to honor community leaders, businesses, and non-profit organizations which promote social responsibility, civic improvement, environmental concerns or ethical conduct.

==External links==

==External links==