Psychiatrist should thus consider their patients not only from the psychological and social/culture aspects, but also from the spiritual (psychoreligious) side. Therefore the holistic approach in psychiatry, which at first had only three dimensions, comprises four dimensions viz. bio-psycho-socio- and spiritual (American Psychiatric Association 1992). Further, the psychiatric treatment currently recommended covers psychotherapy/consultation, psychosocial therapy, and psychoreligious therapy.

The important of the religious/psychoreligious factor in psychiatry and mental health can be noted in the statement of Daniel X. Freedman, former President of the APA, Professor at UCLA, and editor of "Archives of General Psychiatry". He stated, "Among other things, that there are two great institutions in the world which are interested in the health of human being; the medical profession, where psychiatry is a part of it, and religion can cooperate constructively and become a potential to enhance the level of welfare and mental health of individuals as well as social groups."

The religious/psychoreligious approach is in practice not aimed at changing one’s/the patient’s faith in which he/she has a firm belief, but at reviving spiritual strength in coping with illness.