The specialty of Christian counseling can be confusing due to:

• Terminology (such as interchanging the words of counselor and therapist)
• Varieties of locations (such as counseling in a church vs in a center)
• Differing training and certification (such as grad school, certificate programs, licensure, etc.)
• Similarity to the secular field (such as Christian counseling clinics having some overlaps with state funded health clinics)

The following list is designed to enhance understanding and help decision-making when it comes to mental health from a Christian approach.

Titles

Christian counselor – This is a broad term that encompasses a number of approaches and styles, but sends a message that the counselor’s Christian beliefs will usually be a part of the counseling work. To varying degrees, this faith application includes prayer before and during appointments, seeking the Holy Spirit for guidance, and using Scripture to address challenges. Many Christian counselors also integrate their faith-filled work with scientific research. This entails conducting and studying psychological research, learning from colleagues, and attending seminars in areas of specialty.

Biblical counselor – This is a specific term to describe a type of Christian counselor who believes the bible has much to say about the human condition, sinful consequences, and suffering. Some Biblical counselors are less likely to involve themselves in the occurrences of the clinical field of mental health, and instead maintain a biblical focus. (*Personal Note: The longer I practice, the more I become both an industry-informed, integrated Christian counselor and a deeply focused Biblical counselor).

Pastoral counselor – Clergy who also counsel are essentially Biblical counselors, but their training and application can vary.

Therapist – Many people use this title to describe anyone who counsels; but the word therapist most precisely fits those who are trained (and state licensed) to treat behaviors or certain conditions, more than to describe a Biblical counselor who is listening to someone’s heart for the presence and consequences of sin, and the movement of the Spirit of God. You can refer to your Biblical counselor as your therapist, but he/she may not be as clinical as the term indicates.

Psychologist – Many psychologists have doctorate degrees in the field of psychology and their careers can have a wide span from studying behaviors, to helping people learn, to administering tests for better self-awareness, etc. A Christian patient could be seen by a psychologist to address a specific issue without needing them to provide Christian counseling as well. Or, a Christian psychologist could find a way to incorporate faith interaction into his/her practice if desired.

Psychiatrist – Not to be confused with psychologist, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in prescribing medications for mental conditions, who may or may not integrate Christian faith in practice.

Locations

Christian counseling center – A group of Christian counselors who incorporate faith with mental health, and serve persons coming from multiple churches and communities can choose to work alongside one another in a clinic or counseling center.

Church counseling center – Christian counselors on site at a church serving their parish and the community bring counseling to the church in a very present way.

Private practice – An individual Christian counselor producing the same work as Christian counseling centers and church counseling sites are sole operators serving the universal church in a separate location. (*Personal Note: I belong in this category, and feel honored and passionate to be a part of the global Biblical/Christian counseling movement in this particular manner).

Credentials

Degree programs – Biblical or Pastoral counselors may have a Certificate in Biblical counseling or a Master’s degree in counseling; Pastoral counselors may have a Master’s degree from a seminary or graduate program; and Christian counselors usually have a Master’s degree from a counseling graduate program. (*Personal Note: I earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Liberty University in 2011).

State licensed – Many Christian and Biblical counselors pursue a state license in the state in which they will practice counseling. Having state licensure enables these professionals to work with insurance companies and public schools, and to testify in court cases.

Board certified – A few states, such as Georgia, allow for a board certification for the smaller number of Pastoral, Biblical, and Christian counselors who operate their practices and centers so similarly to churches that they don’t go the state licensure route. (*Personal Note: I feel so fortunate to live in a state that has board certification as an option for practitioners like me who elected not to be state licensed. In addition, I hold myself accountable to a few church leaders, the Christian Counseling Educational Foundation (CCEF), Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC), and the Body of Christ. Though using either term of Christian counselor or Biblical counselor is appropriate to identify me, the title of Biblical counselor may be a best fit when discussing my decision not to pursue a state license).

Ultimately, all Christian mental health workers are on the same team of bringing the restoration of Christ to broken hearts, minds, and souls through training, skills, giftings, prayers, a personal calling, and the leading of the Spirit of the risen Christ.

Where there is no counsel, the people fail; but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. (Prov. 11:14)