Intertwine faith-based techniques with modern counseling practices with the Christian counseling certification program from the American Institute of Health Care Professionals (AIHCP). Our courses explore the benefits of spiritual concepts, such as prayer and metaphysical perspectives, and combine them with contemporary counseling practices to provide holistic care for each patient.
Christian Counseling Certification Course Requirements and Fees
Eligibility for the Christian counseling certification program requires applicants to meet specific criteria. If your credentials do not match one of the requirements below, please fill out our qualification review form to have our team verify your existing bona fides. To register, you must be one of the following:
- A registered nurse currently licensed to practice nursing.
- A licensed social worker.
- A licensed healthcare professional.
- A healthcare provider with at least an associate’s degree.
- A licensed counselor or psychologist.
- A professional with a bachelor’s degree or higher in psychology, human services, or other health-related fields.
- Working in a healthcare chaplain ministry under the direction of a pastoral chaplain or clergy.
- A licensed minister or any legal clerical representative of a religion.
- A crisis counselor.
- A certified addictions counselor.
- A professional currently certified in grief counseling, stress management consulting, or pastoral thanatology.
The program itself consists of seven required CE courses, which will cost a total of $1,050 and include the courses below. After completing the courses there is a certification fee for nurse manager certification of $220, plus shipping and handling, which includes the official certificate, ID card, and other related documents. However, this total does not include additional textbooks and other learning materials that might be required for the program. The Christian Counseling courses include the following:
- SC 570 – Christian Counseling
- SC 580 – Spiritual Mentoring
- SC 590 – Exploration of the Spirit Realm: A Christian Perspective
- SC 600 – Contemplative Prayer & Meditation -OR- SC 605 – Christian Meditation: Eastern Applications
- PT 490 – Pastoral Care of Families of the Dying
- GC 630 – Counseling Ministry to the Bereaved
- CI 500 – Crisis Intervention Theory
After passing the courses and becoming certified by AIHCP in Christian Counseling you may use the initials/credential of “SCC-C” after your name which stands for “Spiritual Christian Counselor, Certified.” As well as access to our health care fellowship program. Fellowship status requires you to complete a minimum of 250 hours of continued education within six years from the initial application for the fellowship.
Renewing Your Christian Counseling Certification
Our accredited Christian counseling certification lasts for four years, and we offer a recertification course to enable further use of the credentials after the initial certification period. The recertification fee is $220, plus shipping and handling, and requires candidates to provide evidence of at least 50 contact hours of continuing education in the form of studies, lectures, and learning activities related to the specialty. You must also show proof of at least 500 hours of practice with the wellness and life coach certification over the four-year certification period.
Christian Counseling Certification Testimonials
AIHCP’s Christian counseling certification is more than just a program; it’s a way for people to learn new skills, grow in their faith, and provide the foundation for a lifelong career. Merced’s journey started in the Philippines, and with AIHCP’s certification program, she found a new passion for faith-based counseling.
“For almost eight years, I worked as a psychologist with street children in Manila, Philippines, and three years as kindergarten teacher in Hong Kong. When I married my husband in US, I focused my life, for the last twenty years, managing the household including home schooling my four wonderful children. Now that three of my children are graduated from high school, the Lord put in my heart the desire to counsel others. I decided to find a counselor job and as I was browsing the ads for the position, one particular organization requires that a counseling certification must be from AIHCP. I hurriedly looked up AIHCP online and I was delighted to see all the certification programs they are offering. I wasted no time and enrolled in SC 570- Christian Counseling. The Lord has planned it all for me to be a part of this great institution and equipped to counsel others in a “disciplined and skilled way” for His glory. Evidence-based counseling approaches matter and so are empathy, commitment, warmth and genuine care: qualities that counselors must possess to bring about lasting change in the client, with God’s help. In depth knowledge of the causes and effects of humankind’s problems and crises and knowing how to guide the client each step of the way to solve it, is counseling in a skillful way. Abiding by the Counseling Code of Ethics guides the counselor to work hand in hand with other professionals and the client in a disciplined way. Enrolling in the course empowered me and I highly recommend it. Thank you, Mr. Moran, for your support and the helpful books you required for this course. Glory to God.”
Merced D.Long-MEd-SPED
Read more success stories from other professionals who flourished with AIHCP on our testimonials page.
The Benefits of a Christian Counseling Certification
Combining modern counseling with faith-first concepts allows counselors to provide invaluable care to numerous clients and patients. AIHCP’s focus on providing a combination of high-quality education and real-world techniques ensures that applicants provide a high level of care from the moment they receive the certification. Professionals employing the skills learned from our Christian counseling certification program can easily combine counseling and faith to provide unique care, whether it’s struggles in everyday life, marriage, or the passing of a loved one.
As new techniques and findings come out, AIHCP is committed to keeping up and giving professionals the insights needed to provide beyond the standard of care. Read our topics on Christian spiritual counseling to learn more about the specialty and how you can benefit from the courses at AIHCP.
FAQs on AIHCP’s Christian Counseling Certifications
What are the benefits of a Christian counseling certification?
Providing faith-based counseling puts you in a unique position to provide care for those struggling with various aspects of life and their own spiritual journey. The ability to combine spiritual concepts with modern counseling allows you to help those struggling with faith during everyday life or special occasions. With AIHCP’s Christian counseling certification, you can have the knowledge and tools necessary to provide vital spiritual guidance to those who need it most.
Do I have to take the program and its courses to achieve my certification?
Our model for certification is designed so that our certified members have accomplished the same educational achievements and have consistency in knowledge and skills attainment. Many have experience in many types of specialty practices, but they are varied. Our model focuses on core and solid, comprehensive knowledge and skills that have been determined to practice the specialty at a higher level of quality practice. However, there are instances where past education may be used to waive some of the courses required. View our FAQ page to learn more.
Do you offer a curriculum of continuing education courses for recertification?
Each of our certification programs offers continuing education curricula designed to meet the full requirements for recertification.
Do your continuing education courses have any board approvals?
Most of our continuing education courses do have some or many board approvals, though specific approval depends on the type of professional boards. You can see the full list on our healthcare CE approvals page.
Is the certification necessary for Christian counselors?
Having a Christian counseling certification cements your commitment to the profession in the eyes of colleagues and clients. While the credential requirements for the course are enough to provide faith-based counseling, taking time to learn more about the practice and how to provide care in specific situations further cements your authority and expertise in the space. Furthermore, the insights gained during the program allow you to be a thought leader among your peers, adding even more value to the skills and knowledge gained from AIHCP.
What is the process for your Certification programs? How do I enter and complete a the case management certification program?
We have a dedicated page that provides a quick over-view of our certification process. It will provide you with good information about the process/phases of both the education courses and application for certification. Click here to access.