Spiritual Counselor & Therapist

How to Become a Spiritual Counselor

The path to becoming a spiritual counselor varies based on the type of services they will ultimately provide. To provide therapeutic services, make a diagnosis, and craft treatment plans, a spiritual counselor needs to be licensed. 

To obtain a license, they first need to obtain a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as psychology, counseling, or religious studies, followed by a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, divinity, or theology. Students should ensure the program is accredited and meets licensing requirements in their state. A master’s program will include an internship or practicum that provides hands-on counseling experience. Post-graduation, they must complete a set amount of supervised counseling hours and pass a state licensing exam to become a licensed spiritual counselor.

Meanwhile, spiritual life coaches often don’t need such comprehensive formal education or licensing. They provide guidance and advice to help clients establish and achieve personal and professional goals, incorporating spirituality as a tool for empowerment and transformation. They might take courses in spiritual traditions, meditation techniques, energy healing, and positive psychology or study specific spiritual modalities or traditions to specialize in, such as Buddhism, Kabbalah, Sufism, Christian mysticism, or Shamanic practices.

Education of a Spiritual Counselor

Spiritual counselors who are licensed mental health counselors must complete extensive edcuation before starting their career. It begins with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, counseling, or religious studies. Next, they must complete a master’s degree in counseling, psychology, divinity, or theology from an accredited institution. These programs delve into human development, ethics, counseling techniques, spirituality, and more. 

While students can complete a general counseling degree, there are programs that offer a spiritual emphasis, such as the master’s of arts in mental health counseling and spiritual integration from Fordham University. Students in this program will take typical counseling classes and courses in pastoral care and spiritual counseling. 

Master’s degree programs will also require practical experience through internships or practicums that serve as stepping stones into professional counseling. Post-graduation, individuals must complete a specific number of supervised counseling hours, typically ranging from 2,000 to 4,000. This practical experience is mandatory for gaining licensure and typically takes two to three years to complete.

Students should ensure the program they complete is accredited and approved for licensure in their state. The most common accrediting bodies are the American Psychological Association (APA) and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). 

Some spiritual counselors may choose to pursue further education in the form of a doctorate in psychology (PsyD) or a PhD in psychology or counseling. These programs provide further in-depth study into specific areas of psychology and counseling and can open doors to additional career opportunities, such as teaching, research, or advanced practice.

Licensure of a Spiritual Counselor

Spiritual counselors who diagnose, write treatment plans, provide psychotherapy services, or discharge patients must be licensed to practice as licensed mental health counselors in all 50 states. Spiritual counselors who coach or offer life advice and don’t provide any of the previously listed services may not need to be licensed. However, they should contact their local counseling board to ensure they are practicing within their state’s laws and regulations.

Licensing requirements vary by state, but applicants generally must hold a master’s degree or higher in counseling or a related field. The program must be accredited or approved and include a practicum and internship. 

Prospective counselors must also pass a standardized exam such as the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or National Clinical Mental Health Counseling Examination (NCMHCE) from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) or Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC) from the Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor Certification (CRCC). All states also required supervised clinical hours after completing a master’s degree. Other requirements for licensure may include passing a background check, providing proof of right to work in the US, and completing continuing education on specific topics like ethics, HIV, or suicide. 

Licensing for counselors in most states is a stair-stepped process. Graduates will first earn an associate, intern, or initial license they will hold while completing their supervised work hours. Then, after completing their hours and any other requirements, they may apply for an unrestricted license and practice independently.