How to Become a Licensed Christian Counselor
Utilizing the combination of Christian values and counseling training is a helpful practice for those who wish to exhibit their faith in social service work. From lay ministers to licensed professionals, people of faith are an important resource in serving the needs of those who seek some form of counsel during crisis or points of transition in their lives. Being licensed as a Christian counselor affirms both the methodology of counseling treatment and the values of faith in helping professions.
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Instructions
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Enroll and complete a program of study in a mental health associated field such as social work, psychology or sociology at an accredited university, college or seminary. Both secular and Christian schools offer these degrees at bachelor's and master's levels. Pastoral counseling and Biblical counseling degrees are options at seminaries and Bible colleges that focus their mental health training under another ministry degree.
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Inquire with the National Association of Christian Counselors (NACC) about their licensing requirements. If you do your training with one of their partner schools such as Pillsbury College and Seminary in St. Louis, Mo., Regent University in Vancouver, or Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio, among others, you may have different application requirements than those from another university.
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Apply with the NACC for a Christian counselor's license that fits your intended practice needs. Those who wish to be in the "profession" of counseling must have a state-licensed mental health or counseling degree and training along with a Christian counselor certification. For the "ministry" of Christian counseling, NACC allows for different training options. For instance, ordained clergy may be licensed in the "ministry" of counseling by virtue of their pastoral training.
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Investigate the American Association of Christian Counselors for their Board Certified Credentials in addition to the NACC licensing. They offer four certifications, distinctly for state-licensed professionals as well as non-professionals who publicly identify themselves as Christian counselors or pastoral counselors.
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Complete any additional program requirements the NACC requests. Submit the required documentation and fees for your Christian counseling license. Purchase malpractice insurance according to your employer's requirements. NACC offers members a discount on insurance premiums when using a partner agency
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Tips & Warnings
Without at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, you can only be certified--not licensed--as a Christian counselor, which may limit your options for practice. Research which licensing or certification option best fits your intended plans before spending money on unnecessary documents.
AACC certifications are not the same as professional licenses. Note carefully the differences in training and degree requirements before you establish a counseling practice.
