Consultation and Evaluation

Saint Luke Institute’s full range of consultation services provides the expert assistance you need. When a priest or religious faces challenges or needs an integrated psychological and spiritual assessment, our experts provide guidance for leaders making difficult decisions.

We provide these services at all Saint Luke Institute locations.

Expert Consultation

Saint Luke Institute staff members have the skills and experience to support Church leaders facing complex pastoral challenges. We provide expert guidance for bishops, major superiors, and other Church leaders around the world, helping to ensure suitable and healthy ecclesial ministers.

Our confidential consultation services cover a variety of personnel or behavioral challenges that may disrupt community and parish life. Consultation can take place face-to-face or via phone and may include facilitation, conflict resolution, mediation, intervention, or other support.

Professional Evaluations

An evaluation provides an individual and his or her superior with practical information and recommendations to guide next steps. The evaluation services at Saint Luke Institute are team-based, holistic, and tailored to an individual’s needs.

Clinical Evaluation

We offer a multi-day, comprehensive evaluation for seminarians, clergy, and men and women religious that includes clinical, psychological, and spiritual assessments, as well as an examination by a physician. Evaluation components include:

Laboratory tests and medical consultation
Clinical interview
Psychosocial history interview
Spiritual assessment
Psychological evaluation
Neuropsychological evaluation
Polygraph testing, when indicated

We provide the evaluee and the ecclesial superior with comprehensive oral feedback and recommendations, as well as a detailed written report. Recommendations are thorough and specific and help the client and leadership determine the appropriate next steps.

Download an overview of our evaluation services (PDF)

Candidate Assessment Program

Saint Luke Institute has been providing psychological assessments for applicants to the priesthood and religious life for nearly 30 years. Our multidisciplinary team approach to psychological assessment uses two clinicians and one trained spiritual director and helps ensure the admission of healthy, mature candidates for priesthood, the diaconate, and religious life.

Learn more about our Candidate Assessment Program

Risk Assessment

This two-day assessment measures the risk of recidivism and provides resources to help guide the development of an appropriate safety plan. The assessment can be part of a clinical evaluation at Saint Luke Institute or conducted on-site. Evaluation components include:

File review by expert psychologist
State-of-the-art, research-based assessment instruments
Interviews with the individual and key contacts
Identified recidivism risk level and specific recommendations to inform a safety plan