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Degree Programs

Our degree programs differ significantly from traditional clinical social worker degrees offered at conventional colleges or universities. Our focus is on Biblical Christian Counseling, which emphasizes not only practical strategies for creating lasting change in the lives of those you counsel but also the essential involvement of God and the teachings of the Bible. While traditional counseling programs, such as those based on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, center on the individual’s will and strength to make changes on their own, they do not incorporate God’s guidance. In fact, in many states, it is illegal for those with clinical social worker degrees to introduce God into their counseling sessions. This stands in stark contrast to our approach. We begin with God and operate under the framework of Pastoral Counseling, meaning that most state restrictions regarding the inclusion of God and religion do not apply to our counseling practices.

Requirements

We follow the guidelines set by the National Christian Counselors Association (N.C.C.A.) for training, education, and certification. Here is a high-level overview of the requirements:

  1. Credentialed Ministers: Counselors must be ordained, licensed, or commissioned ministers whose mission is to evangelize and alleviate the emotional pain and suffering of others. All ministerial credentials are reviewed and may be accepted or rejected based on their evaluation. We will guide you through the process. (Note: You do not have to start a church to be a minister.)

  2. Service Under Authority: Counselors must provide their services under the authority of a legally organized local church, a national church organization, or a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit ministry. (Note: Arise Academy also has a Counseling Office with openings for qualified counselors, which can eliminate the need to form your own LLC or not-for-profit organization.)

  3. Specialized Training: Counselors must complete the specialized training provided by the N.C.C.A. and earn their degree.

  4. Continuing Education and License Renewal: Counselors must fulfill the minimum continuing education requirements and annually renew their license.

  5. Uphold Ethical Standards: Counselors must adhere to the N.C.C.A.’s Code of Ethical Standards.

Levels Explained

  • Certified Temperament Counselor (Phase 1)- This phase covers the fundamentals of Temperament Theory and basic Temperament Therapy. It equips you to administer and explain temperament to help individuals understand how God has uniquely created them. This is the first step toward becoming a Licensed Pastoral Counselor.

  • Certified Pastoral Counselor (Phase 2)- After completing Phase 1, you will undergo further education, begin conducting Temperament Case Studies, and receive Clinical Supervised guidance. This phase builds on the foundation established in Phase 1.

  • Licensed Pastoral Counselor (Phase 3)-Upon completing Phase 2, you will complete additional courses and an open-book examination on the Bible. After successfully fulfilling the requirements for Phase 3, you will earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Christian Counseling.

  • Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor-After completing Phases 1-3, you will continue with Master-level courses, additional Temperament Case Studies, Clinical Supervised guidance, and a written thesis. Upon successful completion, you will earn a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Christian Counseling.

  • Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor-Advanced Certification (Doctorate)-This is the highest level of certification offered through the N.C.C.A. After completing the Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor designation, you will undertake additional Master-level courses, further Temperament Case Studies, Clinical Supervised guidance, and a written dissertation. Upon successful completion of all requirements, you will be awarded a Doctorate in Clinical Christian Counseling.

What is the next step?

Reach out to us—we’re here to personally guide you through the program and help you choose the best path based on your goals. Our degree options are designed to align with the level of counseling you're called to pursue. Don’t feel overwhelmed—you don’t need a doctorate to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others through counseling!