Clinical Pastoral Counseling, Patient Counseling
Program Summary
A program that prepares ordained clergy and other counseling professionals to respond to the emotional and spiritual needs of patients and families in health care emergencies and other situations, and to consult with and counsel other health care professionals. Includes instruction in advanced interpersonal communication; individual and small group counseling; interdisciplinary teamwork; crisis management; extended care relationships; self-analysis; medical ethics; pastoral care art; spiritual dimensions of human growth and health; counseling psychology and therapy; and applications to grief, death, emotional collapse, injury, individual/family adjustment, and chronic illness situations.
Discover More About a Degree in Clinical Pastoral Counseling, Patient Counseling
What is Clinical Pastoral Counseling and Patient Care?
Clinical pastoral counseling and patient care is the area of study that prepares clergy for the use of psychological methodology and theological study to assist patients in treatment and care. Individuals in this field will typically work with parishioners, particularly families, and assist in variety of issues, including trauma, abuse, depression and more. Individuals are not required to be clergy, though the degree is typically sought after by officials of churches in order to provide better assistance.
Educational Requirements
Individuals in this field typically pursue a master's degree at minimum in order to begin working through organizations and preparing for state licensure. Many will have a bachelor's degree and seminary degree, allowing them to work in their church. Individuals will pursue graduate or doctoral study in order to better implement methodology and techniques used in the treatment of patients. Programs are offered through universities as well as seminaries, with seminaries providing a specific focus on utilizing a theological basis when applying psychological technique.
A curriculum may include:
- Clinical Psychology
- Religion and Mental Health
- Family and Treatment
- Mental Health and Diagniosis
- Patient Care and Dialogue
Employment Opportunities
Individuals in this field will typically work through churches, providing services at hospitals, clinics or other locations, including private practices, that provide an atmosphere of safety and trust. Individuals will work all sorts of patients, providing assistance as needed. Individuals in this field must obtain licensure, which will include fees, examination, and a set number of clinical hours under the supervision of experienced professionals in order to ensure that the counselor has received the training and experience necessary to be able to work with troubled individuals and families. Additionally, individuals having studied in this field may seek employment as counselor's outside of a church setting as they meet the standards and education to pursue employment elsewhere.
Job Growth, Salary, and Related Fields
Counseling as a whole is expected to increase in demand, as taboos regarding mental health continue to disappear and more and more individuals seek assistance. Clinical pastoral counseling is based on community demands, though individuals in this field should have little trouble finding employment. The average salary for all counselor's is approximately $44,000 annually, with more experienced, educated or individuals in highly populated areas earning above average wages.,
Related field include clinical social work, mental health counseling, and marriage counseling and family therapy.
Top Schools That Offer a Clinical Pastoral Counseling, Patient Counseling Degree or Program
4-Year Colleges and Universities
| Argosy University - Online Programs | |
- Phoenix, AZ
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| Christian Theological Seminary | |
- Indianapolis, IN
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| Fordham University | |
- Bronx, NY
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| George Washington University | |
- Washington, DC
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| Houston Baptist University | |
- Houston, TX
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| Loma Linda University | |
- Loma Linda, CA
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| Loyola College in Maryland | |
- Baltimore, MD
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| Madonna University | |
- Livonia, MI
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| Mid - America Christian University | |
- Oklahoma City, OK
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| Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary | |
- Kansas City, MO
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| Somerset Christian College | |
- Zarephath, NJ
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| South Florida Bible College and Theological Seminary | |
- Deerfield Beach, FL
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| Trinity International University-Illinois | |
- Deerfield, IL
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| Virginia Commonwealth University | |
- Richmond, VA
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