ABOUT US

Speak Out is a nonprofit committed to breaking the stigma of mental health in the local Church. We do this by coming alongside organizations and churches, equipping them to address mental health challenges with compassion and understanding. We recognize the vital role these organizations play in supporting individuals and families facing mental health concerns. That's why we offer a range of resources designed to foster conversations, provide practical tools, and empower church and parachurch communities to create safe and supportive environments.

We also offer resources for individuals– for anyone seeking some extra supplemental support outside of traditional therapy. Whether we are working with a single individual, a church staff, or a large conference, we are committed to building lasting relationships centered around support, honesty, seeking truth, and listening to one another without judgement.

- Workshops — Each workshop is thoughtfully crafted by a collaborative team of psychologists, therapists, pastors, and mental health professionals. Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of both psycho-education and spiritual formation. Available nationwide, we tailor our training to meet the specific needs of your team.
- Camp Mental Health First Aid — Speak Out provides Mental Health First Aid training to camp leaders and attends camp with your church, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for campers’ mental well-being throughout their stay.
- Annual Conferences — Speak Out also equips parents and youth leaders through two annual conferences packed with information, practical tools, and community support. Our Parent Conference and Youth Leaders Conference offer resources and connection to help adults foster the mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of both themselves and young people.
- Courses — We have a library of video series for churches and organizations to run anytime, like our Parent Course and Youth Series, with even more coming soon.
- Classes — Speak Out offers a variety of in-person classes open to the public throughout the year. Topics range from practical support skills, such as “Supporting a Friend Through Mental Health Challenges” to in-depth training like “Trauma Informed Care”, “Anxiety Tools”, and “Grounding Techniques”.
- Coaching — Speak Out’s coaching helps teens and adults find their voice and speak up! We teach you how to talk about your feelings, ask for what you need, and have tough conversations. We can help you learn to advocate for yourself, set healthy boundaries, and practice mental health check-ins.
- Underdogs Club — Underdogs Club is a mental health support group open to all individuals. It is based off of peer support and group coaching. Each meeting, we commit to seeking prayer, adding tools to our mental health toolkit, and taking inventory of our weekly successes and downfalls. We hold space to voice frustration because we are not alone in this fight, and neither are you.
- Podcasts — Mental health conversations with our founder and guests
- Workbooks — We offer mental health workbooks on topics like Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and more
- Free Mental Health Tools — Speak Out offers free mental health tools and community online

OUR MISSION

Speak Out empowers the Church to embrace mental health by actively practicing the way of Jesus. Our team of mental health professionals trains and equips lay people, providing support and education to dismantle stigma and walk alongside individuals and communities on their journey to wholeness.

LAUREN’S STORY

LAUREN’S EARLY LIFE WAS MARKED BY A STRONG RELIGIOUS UPBRINGING, YET BENEATH THE SURFACE, SHE EXPERIENCED SIGNIFICANT MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES. BEGINNING IN HER EARLY ADOLESCENCE, SHE EXHIBITED SYMPTOMS OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION, INCLUDING SUICIDAL IDEATION, AS WELL AS DISORDERED EATING AND SELF-HARM BEHAVIORS. THESE CHALLENGES WERE COMPOUNDED BY INTERNALIZED STIGMA, DEEP-SEATED SHAME, AND A LACK OF UNDERSTANDING WITHIN HER FAMILY SYSTEM. FORTUNATELY, SHE FOUND CRUCIAL SUPPORT THROUGH HER COMMUNITY, YOUTH LEADERS, AND PEERS, WHICH PROVED INSTRUMENTAL IN HER EARLY RECOVERY JOURNEY.

IN COLLEGE, LAUREN RECEIVED A DIAGNOSIS OF BIPOLAR. THROUGH A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY AND SOME TOUGH LOVE, SHE PURSUED PROFESSIONAL HELP, exploring both therapy and medication. This marked a turning point in her journey as she began to dismantle the stigma surrounding mental illness and prioritize her well-being. Although the path was not linear, and included setbacks like suicide attempts and hospitalizations, Lauren’s resilience, coupled with professional treatment and unwavering support, ultimately led her to a place of stability.

in 2015 during a simple prayer gathering, Lauren experienced the power of intercessory prayer. In that intimate setting, she found freedom from bipolar by speaking out truth to break free from the pain of her past. this allowed her to move forward with renewed purpose. she completed her psychology degree and began her career working at a residential treatment facility, supporting others on their own journeys to recovery. she fell in love with teaching and equipping young people with tools to navigate their mental health in this space.

Lauren founded Speak Out in 2018. Today, she leads this organization, advocating for mental health awareness in the local church and providing resources for both organizations and individuals.