Pastoral Counseling is typically provided by Certified Pastoral Counselors, who are not only mental health professionals but who have also had in-depth religious and/or theological training. Pastoral Counselors use spiritual resources like the Bible as well as psychological training to foster healing and growth for their clients.

Pastoral Counselors are trained and have Master Degrees in their counseling field. They are also required to be Ordained and Certified and Licensed through a Professional Counseling Organization like the National Christian Counselors Association.

Pastoral Counselors licensed with the National Christian Counselors Association (NCCA):

• Have a Master’s Degree in Pastoral Counseling and are Ordained Ministers.

• Use an integrated approach. They are trained to Counsel with Biblical understanding and Principles. They are educated in both Psychology and the Bible and typically use various counseling methods to facilitate healing for their clients.

• Follow the leading of the Holy Spirit in their counseling sessions.

• Focus their counseling efforts on helping the counselee find emotional and spiritual balance.

• Are trained to identify various Temperament needs to help the counselee effectively change behavior by targeting problems at the source.

• Are trained and experienced in understanding and dealing with spiritual influences and forces.

• Are required to have yearly continuing education in order to keep their license and are strictly regulated by the NCCA.

In Addition:

Pastoral Counselors in the State of Texas are exempt from State certification and the Licensed Professional Counselor Act under Section 503.056 of the Texas Occupation Code.  They are required however to be board-certified and licensed by a professional counseling organization, be an Ordained Minister and have a Masters degree in their field and work with a Religious non-profit or Church.  NCCA board-certified & licensed Pastoral Counselors are also required to uphold the NCCA Code of Ethical Standards.