Christian counselors, also called pastoral counselors, use a biblical perspective when working with clients. Christian counselors may or may not be licensed in the same way as licensed counselors who do not factor in religion, depending on the requirements of the state in which they work. This page provides information and resources on how to become a Christian counselor.

• Christian counselors use Old Testament and New Testament principles of the Bible in their counseling practice. Christian counselors work in a variety of settings, including churches, nonprofit religious organizations and sometimes private practice.

• Since the Internet has become available, the Christian Counselor and the public now has easy access to needed resources such as a free Online Bible, dictionary, Bible concordance, and other professional and lay reading materials that may be interactive also.

• The Internet has also changed and broadened learning options such as the introduction of online courses, workshops and programs. Be sure to check local, regional, and country laws, regulations and accrediting bodies as well as job opportunities in order to make informed decisions about available options..

• The scope of what is called Christian counseling can be quite varied, and it helps to get a good idea of how you want to practice Christian counseling before you start working in the field. Also, depending on how you want to practice, the licensing requirements may be substantially different.

1. Bible-based: Many Christian counselors believe that the Bible, and the Bible alone, is the best approach to providing counseling.Metanoia: Christian counseling
2. Religious and secular blend: Some people may feel that a blend of professional counseling techniques with a biblical perspective may be right for them.Metanoia: Christian counseling
3. Career or volunteer? Whether someone wants to make a living from counseling or wants to volunteer at their church is also important to know for licensing and legal reasons. Generally, someone who is getting paid for providing counseling services may need more rigorous training and licensure.

• Once you know how you want to practice Christian counseling, you need to figure out what is required in the state you want to work in. Although most states allow exemption from licensing for counselors in religious settings, you will still need to research your state's specific requirements. See Mahalo's page on How to Become a Counselor for more information on state licensing.

1. Religious exemptions: Some states only give exemption for ordained religious leaders; other states also give exemption to lay counselors who are not ordained.Missouri: Counselor licensing requirements
2. Licensed limitations: If you do choose to become state-licensed, you will be required to follow standards of practice that might conflict with your religious beliefs. For example, you would not be able to impose certain beliefs on your clients.Google books: Ministry and the Americal Legal System
3. Unlicensed limitations: If you choose not to become state-licensed, you may also be limited in your counseling practice. For example, you will not be able to be reimbursed by health insurance companies, and you will not be allowed to call yourself a licensed counselor.
4. Talk to a Christian counselor: Someone who is already practicing Christian counseling is a helpful resource on the laws of your state.
5. Talk to a lawyer: A lawyer can also help answer additional questions about scope of practice and other legal issues in the state where you would like to practice.

• Although there can be overlap between Christian counseling programs and licensed counseling programs, a Christian counselor can also receive strictly Bible-based training and certifications if they prefer.

1. Religious orders: If you become an ordained religious clergy member, most states will allow you to practice Christian counseling as part of your duties as a religious leader. Some states may require you to also have a degree in theology.Missouri: Counselor licensing requirements
2. Christian universities: Many Christian universities offer accredited and non-accredited counseling programs. These programs can blend Christian beliefs and counseling philosophies, and may allow you to become licensed at the state level depending on the school's curriculum.Illinois Wesleyan University: Counseling program
3. Online learning: A number of universities, like Liberty University, offer entire degree programs online. There are also many training courses and modules that provide instruction in Christian counseling.Pillsbury College and Seminary: Home page Liberty University: Counseling program
4. National Christian Counselors Association: The NCCA is a voluntary organization that certifies Christian counselors. Its members consist of clergy, laypeople and health professionals. It is not a state license, but it provides some consistency among the variety of Christian counseling instruction available nationwide.NCCA: Home page Pillsbury College and Seminary: NCCA Certification

Whether you wish to help out individuals in a church setting or start your own private practice, Christian counseling provides an alternative to state-licensed counseling to treat individuals with life problems. The amount of training and certification varies widely, but many organizations are attempting to provide standards for the field to help the profession grow.Pillsbury College and Seminary: NCCA Certification