Michael Brooks
There is a growing demand for Catholic-integrated mental health services. According to a survey, 34% of Catholics in the US would prefer to receive counseling from a therapist who is knowledgeable about their faith and can employ faith-based techniques. To meet this demand, several Catholic institutions offer programs to train individuals to become Catholic counselors. These programs aim to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to counsel people effectively, incorporating the truths and practices of the Catholic Church. Holy Apostles College and Seminary, for example, offers a fully online Graduate Certificate in Catholic Pastoral Counseling, while the University of Mary offers a Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Catholic anthropology. These programs equip students with the tools to integrate their faith into counseling settings, addressing mental health concerns within the Catholic community.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Faith-based techniques | 34% of Catholics in the US prefer faith-based techniques |
| Pastoral Counseling | Holy Apostles College and Seminary |
| Online programs | Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies |
| Graduate Certificate | Catholic Pastoral Counseling |
| Master of Science in Counseling | Concentration in Catholic Anthropology |
| Online/blended program | University of Mary |
| Master of Science in Counseling | Concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) |
| Divine Mercy University | 66 semester credit hours of coursework |
| Practicum experience | 100 hours with a minimum of 40 hours of direct services |
| Internship | 600 hours with a minimum of 240 hours of direct service |
| Franciscan University of Steubenville | Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master's degree |
| National Counselor Exam (NCE) | National Clinical Mental Health Counselor Exam (NCMHCE) |
| Behavioral health matters | How spirituality can benefit wellness |
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What You'll Learn
Online courses
Holy Apostles College and Seminary offers two online programs for those interested in becoming Catholic counselors: the Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies with a concentration in Catholic Pastoral Counseling and the Graduate Professional Certificate in Catholic Pastoral Counseling for Licensed Mental Health Professionals. The latter is an 18-credit-hour program that includes courses such as Fundamentals of Practical Theology, Methods in Counseling, Pastoral Counseling I and II, Morals and Psychology, and Thanatology. Holy Apostles College and Seminary is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, the Connecticut Office of Higher Education, and the Association of Theological Schools.
The University of Mary also offers an online Catholic Anthropology Certificate program for those enrolled in its Master of Science in Counseling program or who are currently licensed as counselors or related mental health professionals. The program focuses on integrating Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine values with professional ethics, effective communication, critical thinking, and leadership skills.
Additionally, those seeking to become pastoral counselors can pursue online master's programs, such as the one offered by Northwestern University, or the online master of arts program in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness offered by NYU. These programs provide the necessary education and training to become licensed mental health counselors and typically require a bachelor's degree in psychology, social work, or a related field as a prerequisite.
Online certification programs are also available, such as those offered by the American Academy of Grief Counseling and the National Association of Christian Counselors. These programs typically involve completing continuing education courses and paying certification fees.
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Qualifications and accreditation
Holy Apostles College and Seminary offers a fully online Graduate Certificate in Catholic Pastoral Counselling. The programme is designed for practising Catholics who are also professional psychologists, clinical social workers, counsellors, marriage and family therapists, or other state-licensed mental health professionals. The college is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the Connecticut Office of Higher Education (CTOHE), and the Association of Theological Schools (ATS).
The University of Mary offers an online Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Catholic anthropology. The curriculum trains students to counsel people effectively in accordance with the magisterial truths of the Catholic Church. The programme includes hands-on field experience to prepare students to become professional counsellors and/or provide integrative mental health services.
Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio offers a Clinical Mental Health Counselling master's degree programme. The programme is grounded in a philosophical anthropology informed by a Catholic understanding of the human person. It is accredited by CACREP.
Divine Mercy University offers an online Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC). The programme embraces the Catholic-Christian vision of the person and educates students on the core dispositions established by industry standards. The university is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the Board of Directors of the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
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Faith-based techniques
Catholic counselors may incorporate the Church's teachings on morality, virtue, and the human condition, providing a framework for understanding suffering, healing, and redemption through Catholic theology. Counselors might encourage clients to draw on the sacraments, prayer, and the guidance of the saints as sources of strength and comfort. The communal and sacramental aspects of Catholicism offer unique resources for healing, such as the support of the Church community and the grace of the sacraments.
Catholic counseling can provide a safe and compassionate space for individuals to explore their struggles and emotional challenges while deepening their relationship with God and the Church. Counselors may help clients work through feelings of being "stuck," process unresolved memories, and find hope and inner strength through their faith. This approach can be beneficial for those seeking guidance on moral or ethical dilemmas, struggling with questions of suffering or forgiveness, or desiring to integrate their faith into their emotional and psychological healing journey.
Additionally, Catholic counselors can utilize specific faith-based techniques such as offering prayers at the beginning of counseling sessions, incorporating Catholic theology and Scripture into the therapeutic process, and encouraging clients to reflect on how their faith can provide comfort and guidance in their lives. Counselors may also recommend faith-based resources, such as books or podcasts, to support the client's journey.
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Pastoral care
The curriculum equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate Catholic teachings into their counseling practices effectively. It addresses the best strategies for helping those in need of healing and provides hands-on field experience to prepare individuals to become professional counselors or provide integrative mental health services.
Another example is the University of Mary's Master of Science in Counseling program with a concentration in Catholic anthropology. This online/blended program nurtures authentic human flourishing and the healing of minds, hearts, and souls. It teaches students how to counsel people effectively according to the truths of the Catholic faith regarding the human person, including the pathway to genuine human flourishing and happiness, the complementarity of man and woman, and the integrated unity of body, mind, and spirit.
Additionally, the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio offers a Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's degree program. This program is grounded in a philosophical anthropology informed by a Catholic understanding of the human person and emphasizes Christian and human values, particularly the dignity and worth of each person. It prepares students to become certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) and to meet state licensure requirements by passing the necessary exams and completing supervised clinical service hours.
These programs, with their focus on pastoral care and the integration of Catholic teachings, provide a solid foundation for individuals seeking to become Catholic counselors and effectively serve the mental health needs of Catholic individuals and communities.
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Mental health services
Holy Apostles College and Seminary offers a fully online Graduate Certificate in Catholic Pastoral Counseling. This program is designed for practicing Catholics who are also professional psychologists, clinical social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists, or other state-licensed mental health professionals. The online nature of the program provides flexibility for working individuals. The college is accredited by several organizations, including the New England Commission of Higher Education and the Association of Theological Schools.
The University of Mary offers an online Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Catholic Anthropology. This program equips students with the knowledge and skills to counsel people effectively, incorporating the truths of the Catholic faith and its understanding of the human person. It covers topics such as the pathway to happiness, the complementarity of man and woman, and the integration of body, mind, and spirit. The University of Mary encourages applicants residing in or seeking licensure in a particular state to discuss how their program can meet specific state requirements.
Divine Mercy University offers an online Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. This program embraces the Catholic-Christian vision of the person and educates students on core counseling knowledge and skills. Graduates are prepared to be compassionate and ethical professionals who respect the innate dignity of every person. The university utilizes state-of-the-art technology for asynchronous and synchronous learning, and it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio offers a Clinical Mental Health Counseling master's program that aligns with Franciscan values and a Catholic understanding of the human person. The program prepares students to be instruments of healing for those seeking mental, emotional, relational, and spiritual renewal. It is accredited by CACREP, and students are prepared to pursue certification by the NBCC.
These programs provide a range of options for individuals seeking to become Catholic counselors specializing in mental health services. They offer a blend of academic knowledge, practical skills, and spiritual integration to meet the unique needs of Catholic individuals seeking mental health support.
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Frequently asked questions
Some universities that offer Catholic counseling programs include Holy Apostles College and Seminary, University of Mary, and Divine Mercy University.
To become a Catholic counselor, you must be a practicing Catholic and a licensed mental health professional such as a psychologist, clinical social worker, counselor, marriage and family therapist, or other state-licensed mental health professional.
A Master of Science in Counseling with a concentration in Catholic anthropology or Clinical Mental Health Counseling is a common degree for those pursuing Catholic counseling.
In a Catholic counseling program, you will learn how to apply Catholic teachings and faith-based techniques in a counseling setting to help clients with their mental health and overall well-being.
