A.W.A.R.E.
New Jersey
Spiritual Emergency First Responder Reference
Am I Seeing This?
Tap signs you observe. Two or more may indicate a Spiritual Emergency.
Ecstatic mood or very elevated energy
Very quiet or withdrawn
Hearing voices or seeing visions
Unusual ideas linked to mythology or religion
Perceptual alterations — altered sensory experience
Possible Spiritual Emergency
Do not dismiss spiritual content. Proceed to protocol.
Often mislabeled as:
Hyper-religiosity
Religious preoccupation
Religious fanaticism
Out of touch with reality
What Do I Do?
1
DE-ESCALATE
Lower your voice. Slow your pace. Create calm space. Reduce sirens, bright lights, and crowds where possible.
2
LISTEN
Without judgment. Do not dismiss or challenge spiritual content. Be fully present. Let them speak.
3
ASK
Ask the 3 key questions calmly and without judgment.
What Do I Ask?
Ask these 3 questions calmly, without judgment.
Question 1
"Do you sense something religious or spiritual is occurring?"
Opens the door. Validates their experience without diagnosing.
Question 2
"Would you like a clergy member to be called for support?"
Respects their tradition. Bridges to appropriate spiritual care.
Question 3
"Would a peer-support specialist familiar with your religious, spiritual, or cultural traditions be beneficial?"
Connects to culturally competent care.
Quick Reference
DSM Z Code
Z65.8
Moral, Religious or Spiritual Problem
APA Board & DSM Steering Committee approved definition, December 2024. Use this code in ER documentation.
Terms Often Misapplied
Hyper-religiositymisapplied
Religious preoccupationmisapplied
Religious fanaticismmisapplied
Out of touch with realitymisapplied
A.W.A.R.E. NJ Contacts
Janet Werner
JanetWerner@UHaveMyWord.com
A.W.A.R.E. · U Have My Word
Calvin Chatlos MD
humanfaith@optimum.org
humanfaithproject.org
AI Guide