Choosing a Certified Christian Counseling Program

If you feel called to counsel people in troubled times, but don't want to be a psychologist, becoming a Christian counselor might work for you.

Christian counselors do many of the same things that secular psychologists do, but their counsel is based on Christian principles.

There are many different organizations that offer certification programs that can get you started in this career in as little as a year.

Even better, many of these programs are available through online study so you don't have to put your life on hold to start a new career.

Top Online Certified Christian Counseling Programs

Keep reading for more details on the best certified Christian counseling programs available online.

1. Amberton University

Amberton University offers a 100% online graduate certificate in Christian counseling that consists of 12 credit hours. This program is designed for students who already have a bachelor's degree in any other discipline.

The program helps you integrate your faith with counseling so you can help people within a spiritual context. Scholarships and other financial aid opportunities are available for qualifying students.

2. American Institute of Health Care Professionals

The American Institute of Health Care Professionals has an online Spiritual Christian Counseling Certification program available.

This program is open to healthcare, ministerial, and psychological professionals with the following credentials:

• licensed registered nurses
• licensed social workers
• licensed healthcare professionals or providers
• ministers, chaplains, and other members of the clergy
• counselors certified in another area or discipline

The program includes 330 contact hours of required education courses, so it's a pretty intensive program requiring at least four years of study.

The cost for the certification program is $200 per course. There is no financial aid available. You'll get a certificate at the end of each course.

3. Association of Certified Biblical Counselors

The Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC) offers certification as a biblical counselor. The coursework is online and self-directed. Following comprehensive exams, the program includes 50 sessions of supervised counseling.

The program takes approximately two years to complete. Upon completion, you're invited to join the ACBC as a certified member. The total cost for the program is approximately $1,400. While there is no financial aid, there are convenient payment plans available.

4. Biblical Counseling Center

The Biblical Counseling Center (BCC) has an online certificate program that can train you to be a more effective biblical counselor.

This program is designed for laypeople, not active clergy members, and features 60 video lessons delivered through BCC's online platform.

Upon completion of the program, you'll be eligible for certification from the ACBC to become a certified Christian counselor.

The certificate program costs $375 if you make a one-time payment, or you can make 12 monthly payments of $37.50.

5. Gateway Seminary

Gateway Seminary has a 12-hour online program leading to the award of a Christian counseling certificate. The only prerequisite to enroll in this program is a high school diploma or the equivalent, such as a GED.

The program is designed to assist those who are called to counsel as a lay leader in a church or community ministry as well as aspiring clergy.

Tuition starts at $315 per unit for Southern Baptist students or $405 per unit for all others. Scholarships and financial aid are available.

6. National Association of Christian Counselors

If you're interested in becoming board-certified as a Christian counselor, look no further than the National Association of Christian Counselors.

The NACC has an online program that leads directly to certification as a Christian counselor, with training in the following areas:

• biblical counseling
• building strong marriages and families
• counseling within the church and the community
• bringing about positive change

Courses are asynchronous and self-directed. The program consists of 15 total credit hours that can be applied toward a bachelor's degree.

Tuition for the program is $600, plus a $50 registration fee. Financial aid is not available and tuition must be paid in full at the time of enrollment.

7. TEB Seminary

TEB Seminary offers a limited online course that can lead to certification as a Christian counselor in as little as 24 weeks.

This program is only offered twice a year with limited seats available so that each student gets the individual attention they need. Students learn to counsel others using biblical principles and the power of prayer to find solutions to problems.

Tuition starts at $375. Since the program is faith-based, it does not fulfill the education requirements for state licensure as a counselor.

FAQs about Certified Christian Counseling Programs

Read on for answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about certified Christian counseling programs.

Can You Take a Certified Christian Counseling Program 100% Online?

There are plenty of organizations and universities that offer Christian counseling programs that lead to certification 100% online.

An online format means that you don't have to put your life on hold to get the training you need to start your career as a Christian counselor.

Is Certification the Same as State Licensing?

Many states require all counselors to be licensed before they can work as counselors in that state.

The state licensing exam covers state laws and regulations for counseling professionals as well as ethics requirements.

Can I Become A Christian Counselor Without State Licensure?

If you categorize your counseling as a ministry rather than as a business, you typically don't need state licensure.

When you counsel as a ministry, you typically work through an established church, rather than another organization.

Find the Right School for Christian Counseling Today

If you feel called to become a Christian counselor, take the first step with a reputable online certified Christian counseling program.