Finding Counseling

The Bible clearly encourages us to “seek wise counsel.” In addition to seeing your medical doctor, obtaining good Christian counseling, when effective, can shed light on the source(s) of emotional pain and offer practical, biblical steps toward healing. Much like choosing a physician, selecting the right counselor can be a process. We encourage anyone seeking counseling to proceed with wisdom and prayer. Do contact your insurance company as many policies cover counseling but may have specific guidelines or prerequisites. The following organizations provide either direct Christian counseling or referral to local sources.

Local Churches

Many churches provide free counseling. The quality of counseling, however, can vary greatly. Here are some suggested guidelines for choosing a local church counselor. Do they use the Bible and Biblical principles as their primary counseling tool? Does the church have experience dealing with your particular issue? How long has their counseling department been providing counseling? Are their counselors trained? If so, how much and what kind of training do they receive? Do they believe in medical intervention if it is warranted? Will they refer counselees for medical care? Are there situations when they refer counselees to professional Christian counselors? If so, what are those situations? Do they have an initial in-depth screening to determine appropriate counselor placement?

American Association of Christian Counselors

AACC represents thousands of evangelical professionals, pastoral and lay counselors nationwide who are dedicated to promoting excellence and unity in Christian counseling. To find a Christian Counselor in your area, you visit their website or call 800.526.8673.

New Life Ministries

New Life Ministries is a non-profit ministry that seeks to provide resources that will help you with your life challenges. New Life has a large network of professional, Christian counselors located throughout the country. The network counselors have gone through an extensive application and credentials verification process. The Network Counselors agree with New Life’s Statement of Faith and meet the professional standards set for the members in the counseling network. Let New Life Ministries help you locate and connect with a New Life Network Counselor in your area. Personalized and confidential referrals are given by phone only. Call New Life at 800-639-5433.

Focus On The Family

Focus On The Family is an educational organization consisting of fifty-two separate ministries, each dedicated to the preservation of the home. Recognizing that many families face emotional and spiritual issues that require counseling, Focus On The Family has developed a nationwide network of Christian counselors and Pastors who specialize in counseling. After a free phone assessment, their trained staff can provide a list of counselors in your area and information on cost, including sliding fee scales and voluntary services.

National Association For Christian Recovery (NACR)

The NACR exists to acknowledge and honor the inner challenges of healing. They provide referrals to counselors nationwide and produce a quarterly magazine, STEPS, which is dedicated to issues involving recovery from depression and other disabilities.