November 2025
At Providence, caring is at the heart of everything we do - not only for the communities we serve, but also for the people who serve them. Our caregivers, the dedicated employees who show up every day to support others, deserve the same level of compassion and attention they so generously give.
Recognizing the emotional toll that caregiving can take, Providence offers TeleSpiritual Health, a virtual service designed to nurture the emotional and spiritual well-being of our caregivers. This innovative service provides a safe, accessible space for caregivers to find comfort, express their feelings, and reconnect with their sense of purpose - all from the privacy of home.
"It’s relieving to know there’s a place where you can release your pain and know someone is holding it with you,” says Lisa Barrett-Kelly, a chaplain with the TeleSpiritual Health program.
Lisa has been a chaplain since 2022 and quickly recognized the challenges caregivers faced in adapting to virtual and hybrid environments. Supporting people through these transitions became one of the reasons she joined the TeleSpiritual Health team.
Caregivers contact TeleSpiritual Health for a variety of reasons, from burnout to anxiety. When they connect with the team, they’ll have an opportunity to talk with a chaplain like Lisa for a 45-minute conversation. “I find great meaning and satisfaction in being able to provide support for the people of Providence,” Lisa says.
Using data for spiritual support
When the pandemic highlighted a gap in spiritual support for health care workers,[RO2] clinical researcher Terra Tindle Williams saw an opportunity to make a difference. “We wanted to create a resource that truly supports caregivers during challenging times,” Terra explains.
With funding from Providence’s Wellbeing Trust, the TeleSpiritual Health program launched in 2022 to connect caregivers with spiritual care resources, offering comfort and guidance when it’s needed most.
Since then, it’s grown from a small team to nearly 30 chaplains across the Providence system. “Our goal is to be a bridge for in-person resources,” Terra says. “Our digital space is fantastic, but may not work for everyone, especially those seeking community. Whether we’re connecting caregivers with chaplains at their local ministry or promoting access to a community resource, we want to make sure that we’re serving their individual needs.”
Healing the heart
Caregivers don’t have to be in distress to reach out. In fact, Lisa has seen an increase in people approaching her seeking spiritual support simply to nurture their well-being. “Learning how to hold your tension and care deeply for yourself and your wellness can positively impact your spirit,” she says.
Seeing guarded emotions soften in her presence reminds Lisa of the important service she provides. “Easing the way of those in need makes me feel deeply grateful,” she says. “While working, I can step into who I am and offer support, silence and listening for the people of Providence.”
Related news:
- See the original article on Catholic Health World.
- Visit the Providence Spiritual Health website for more information, including a short, animated video.
- Learn more about serving as a chaplain with the Providence Portland Medical Center Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) program.
