In this second edition of this sturdy resource, editors P. Scott Richards and Allen E. Bergin reveal the diversity of today's religious landscape in America with its rich mix of customs, beliefs, doctrines, rituals, sacred writings, spiritual practices, and healing traditions. They make a good case for mental health professionals to develop competency in religions and the spiritual aspects of diversity since they will no doubt run across it in their work.

The ethical codes of mental health organizations require that psychotherapists have respect for and some knowledge of the world's religions. Professionals will have more credibility with religious clients, leaders, and communities if they evidence training and competency in religious and spiritual diversity. Last but not least, religious communities and therapists can collaborate by sharing the healing resources from each tradition.

In 16 chapters various scholars and experts present portraits of religious and spiritual paths from Christianity, Judaism, Islam, the Eastern Traditions, and Ethnic-Centered Spirituality, including African-American churches, Latino/Latina churches, Asian American churches, and North American Indian and Alaska Native Spirituality. There are enlightening dollops of information in these chapters on positions on important social and moral issues, implications for counseling and psychotherapy, psychological interventions, case studies and online resources.

We are confident that this handbook will increase the well-being and wholeness of those taking advantage of both religious faith and psychotherapeutic treatment.