Free Online Christian Counseling Courses & Certificates

Updated on 9/18/2025

Exploring Christian counseling can be both spiritually enriching and practically useful for those who want to help others. Today, many Christian colleges offer free programs online, which allow learners to grow their Biblical knowledge and counseling skills without the burden of tuition.

By taking a free online Christian counseling course with certificate options, students can combine Biblical training with practical application. Whether you're pursuing ministry or personal growth, these programs provide accessible pathways into counseling. Keep reading to discover the best options available.

Are There Free Online Christian Counseling Courses With Certificates?

Yes, students can find free online Christian counseling courses that include an option to earn a certificate of completion. While the courses themselves are available at no cost, most platforms require a small payment for the certificate. This makes it possible to explore Christian counseling training while only paying if proof of learning is needed.

Many of these programs can help learners develop spiritual care skills, Biblical understanding, and counseling basics. Pursuing Christian counseling certification in this way allows individuals to build knowledge and credibility without committing to expensive tuition. It's a flexible entry point for those considering ministry or counseling careers.

Free Christian Counseling Certification Courses

Learners can explore free Christian counseling certification courses online, gaining Biblical counseling knowledge and optional certificates for ministry or careers.

1. In His Hands International Bible College – Faith Therapy Christian Counseling Course

This course provides Biblical counseling training centered on Faith Therapy. It teaches how to identify emotional and spiritual roadblocks through Scripture, helping students learn to apply Biblical models to complex life issues. Skills include counseling and coaching methods, life coaching techniques, handling issues like addictions, codependency, marriage and family difficulties, abuse, spiritual formation, and practice in group and individual settings.

To receive the certificate of completion, learners must email a one-page testimony and a two-page essay to the institute. They request a donation to support charity work for the certificate.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Two weeks to a month (self-paced)

2. Light University – Spiritual and Mental Health First Aid

This nine-lesson, peer-to-peer training is designed to help you recognize, relate to, and respond to people facing spiritual, mental, or behavioral challenges. It's Biblically grounded and evidence-based, integrating trauma-informed care and practical tools so you gain empathy, crisis de-escalation skills, and hope-focused interventions.

Upon successfully finishing all modules, you receive a certificate of completion from Light University, recognized by the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). There is no cost for the certificate listed.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Four hours

3. Christian Leaders Institute – Christian Counselor Ministry Training

Learners gain foundational skills in Christian counseling integrated with ministry. The curriculum covers core subjects like pastoral care, spiritual formation, ethics, Biblical counseling theory, and applied ministry skills, including listening, guidance, and prayer-based support. 

Students will practice case studies and learn how to address emotional and relational issues through a Christian worldview. The training is rooted in CLI's free-tuition model, supported by donations. A certificate is awarded upon completion, which is purchasable via CLI's store for $100.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: 20 to 30 hours

Other Free Christian Counseling Courses

Learners can also explore additional free Christian counseling courses online, which provide valuable training and resources without certificates.

City Vision Institute – Introduction to Christian Addiction Counseling

This course offers an in-depth look at how Christian principles intersect with addiction recovery. The course introduces five major counseling models, including levels-of-explanation, integration, Christian psychology, transformational, and Biblical counseling, while applying them to addiction-related challenges.

Students gain knowledge in assessment and treatment planning, co-occurring disorders, relapse prevention, self-help group dynamics, multicultural awareness, and ethics. Lessons also emphasize practical counseling skills, encouraging learners to approach addiction recovery with compassion, spiritual understanding, and evidence-based techniques rooted in Christian values.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Ten to 15 hours

West Coast Baptist College – Introduction to Biblical Counseling

WCBC's course introduces practical ways to apply Biblical principles to everyday life. You'll explore topics like stress, anxiety, depression, grief, pornography, anger, suicide prevention, marriage, and more. Students learn how to understand emotional and spiritual struggles through Scripture and counsel others in support groups using Christian frameworks, as well as to gain sensitivity to difficult issues like gender identity and relational conflict.

Skills include compassionate listening, spiritual assessment, applying Biblical truth to mental or relational challenges, pastoral empathy, and foundational counseling tools grounded in Scripture.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: 25 to 30 hours, self-paced

Word of Life Counseling Training Institute – Counseling and Life Coaching Courses

Word of Life offers a large suite of Biblically-derived videos, including topics like faith therapy, effective counseling and life coaching skills, addictions counseling, marriage and family counseling, codependency, anger management and sexual abuse, and more. Students learn skills like ethical decision-making, analyzing relational and emotional issues, and applying Biblical models to complex life challenges. Counseling communication &mdash listening, reflecting, and asking powerful questions &mdash is also explained.

If students wish to learn more beyond the 45-minute video lectures, they can apply for credit or certification through Word of Life's paid courses. 

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Approximately seven and a half hours

DTS Global Institute – Intro to Biblical Counseling

This course shows how Christians can guide others toward spiritual growth through Biblical counseling in both formal and informal settings. Students examine four foundation pictures that frame different aspects of transformation and learn six application strategies to bring about change in relational, emotional, and spiritual life. 

The course contents emphasize forming faithful, caring allies in families, churches, and workplaces. Counselors will be equipped to respond with compassion, wisdom, and practical Biblical truth in everyday conversations.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Three to five hours

Prism Counseling and Coaching – Grief, Loss, and Resilience

This training module offers a focused look at how caregivers can more effectively support those experiencing loss. You'll explore the experience of grief, different kinds of losses, how grief reactions manifest, and basic strategies for helping people move toward resilience. 

The content includes a video lecture and complementary reading that emphasize compassion, spiritual awareness, and practical response approaches within ministry or counseling contexts. Skills include listening, empathy, recognizing grief types, guiding resilience, and providing hope.

• Cost: Free
• Course length: One hour

Christian Counseling and Educational Foundation – Free Counseling Resources

CCEF provides a wide collection of free resources designed to deepen understanding of Biblical counseling. Materials include articles, video courses, and short booklets that address real-life issues from a Christ-centered perspective. Notable examples include ''What Is Biblical Counseling?'' ''When People Are Big and God Is Small'' and ''Depression: The Way Up When You Are Down.'' 

Skills developed include practical application of Biblical truth, awareness of complex counseling issues, and approaches for addressing challenges like anxiety, depression, and domestic violence. 

• Cost: Free
• Course length: Self-paced

How We Rank Courses

Our rankings consider key factors to help learners find the best free Christian counseling programs available online.

• Course cost: We only include programs that provide free access to core content, though some may charge optional certificate fees.
• Course value: Courses must offer meaningful skills, practical counseling tools, and Biblical insight that can be applied in real-life contexts.
• Course provider reputation: We prioritize institutions, ministries, and organizations known for reliable, theologically sound, and well-structured Christian counseling resources.

What Skills Can I Learn With Free Online Christian Counseling Training?

Free online training for Christian counseling provides both spiritual and practical tools for supporting others in times of need. Learners develop a Biblical framework for understanding emotional struggles and gain confidence in applying Christian principles to real-life situations. Courses often balance scriptural study with hands-on techniques that can be used in ministry, pastoral care, or personal relationships.

Key skills include:

• listening with compassion and empathy
• applying Scripture to counseling contexts
• identifying and addressing emotional struggles
• guiding spiritual formation and growth
• practicing ethical and cultural sensitivity

How To Become a Christian Counselor Online

Becoming a Christian counselor involves careful planning, education, and hands-on training to prepare for effective ministry and counseling.

• 1: Research online Christian counseling programs: Begin by exploring accredited institutions and free training resources that align with your theological beliefs and career goals.
• 2: Choose your degree path: Decide whether you need a certificate, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral program to reach your counseling objectives.
• 3: Apply and enroll online: Complete the admission requirements, submit necessary documentation, and begin your online coursework.
• 4: Complete coursework in counseling and theology: Engage in classes that cover Biblical principles, psychology, ethics, and pastoral counseling strategies.
• 5: Gain supervised practice: Participate in internships, practicums, or church-based experiences to develop real-world counseling skills.
• 6: Graduate and pursue certification: After finishing your program, seek state licensure or Christian counseling certification, depending on your professional path.

FAQs About Free Biblical Counseling Certifications

Discover helpful information about free Biblical counseling certifications and how they can support spiritual growth and ministry opportunities.

How Can I Become a Christian Counselor Without a Degree?

It is possible to serve as a Christian counselor without a formal degree by completing free or low-cost online training, gaining church-based mentorship, and pursuing ministry experience. Many churches welcome lay counselors who combine Biblical knowledge, empathy, and practical skills to support individuals in need.

What Jobs Can You Get With Just a Certificate in Christian Counseling Online?

With a certificate in Christian counseling, you can pursue roles in church ministry, lay counseling, pastoral care, or volunteer outreach. While certificates are not enough to qualify for state-licensed counselor positions, they do demonstrate training in Biblical counseling principles, preparing you to support individuals, families, or groups within faith-based organizations.

Do You Need a License To Do Christian Counseling?

A state license is only required if you practice counseling as a mental health professional. Many Christian counselors, especially those working in churches or ministries, serve without licensure. However, pursuing certification or further education can enhance credibility, expand opportunities, and provide additional training in Biblical counseling.

Explore Counseling Degrees

Free Christian counseling courses offer valuable skills for ministry. Visit Learn.org to explore more online counseling degrees and training opportunities.