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In this paper, we attempt to translate empirical findings from a program of research that developed a Psychological Measure of Islamic Religiousness (PMIR) into practical clinical applications. The findings from this program of research are complemented and illuminated by findings from other empirical research and clinical work with Muslims. Our recommendations can be summarized as follows. First, clinicians should inquire directly about the place of religion in the lives of their Muslim clients. Second, mental health professionals should ask about what Islam means to their clients and educate themselves about basic Islamic beliefs and practices. Third, clinicians should help their Muslim clients draw on Islamic positive religious coping methods to deal with stressors. Fourth, we recommend that clinicians assess for religious struggles, normalize them, help clients find satisfying solutions to these struggles and, if appropriate, refer clients who struggle to a Muslim pastoral counselor or religious leader. Finally, in order to overcome stigma associated with mental health issues, mental health professionals should educate the Islamic public about psychology, psychopathology, and psychotherapy.

Recently, the field of psychology has shown a growing interest in the impact of religious beliefs and practices on the psychological well-being of the individual. It is clear that religious practices and beliefs are prevalent in many countries around the world and are associated with indices of health and well-being (Koenig & Larson, 2001; Spilka, Hood, Hunsberger, & Gorsuch, 2003) and religion serves as a valuable tool for individuals dealing with life stressors (Pargament & Abu Raiya, 2007). Researchers and practitioners have also begun to convert this body of knowledge into religiously integrated psychotherapy with clients, with promising results (e.g., Pargament, 2007; Richards & Bergin, 2005).

However, this research and...