Christian counseling programs can differ substantially in how they combine faith and clinical training. Some integrate theology throughout a licensure-track counseling curriculum. Others include a small number of faith-integration courses within an otherwise conventional clinical degree. A separate group focuses primarily on biblical or pastoral counseling and does not prepare graduates for California mental health licensure.
For prospective therapists, that distinction should come before school reputation or tuition. California does not issue a license called “Christian counselor.” Students planning to provide psychotherapy generally need a qualifying graduate degree that leads toward another credential, most commonly Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC).
This ranking focuses on California programs that combine substantive Christian integration with a graduate curriculum designed for professional counseling or psychotherapy. Programs were evaluated on faith integration, California licensure alignment, clinical training, accreditation, format, current tuition, and the clarity with which the university explains the relationship between Christian formation and professional practice.
Students comparing other counseling paths can also review the broader overview of California counseling degrees.
Best Christian Counseling Programs in California at a Glance
| Rank | School and program | Christian integration | Main California pathway | Format / length | Current cost reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Biola University, M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy | Theology and spiritual formation integrated throughout the degree | LMFT | 67 credits, on campus, about 3 years | $884 per credit; about $59,228 estimated tuition |
| 2 | Concordia University Irvine, M.A. Counseling, Clinical Mental Health Counseling | Clinical training explicitly integrated with Christian faith through the Townsend Institute | LPCC | 60 units, online with 4-day residency, as few as 24 months | $715 per unit |
| 3 | California Baptist University, M.S. Counseling Psychology | All courses integrate theory and faith; optional counseling ministry dual degree | LMFT; LPCC with additional coursework | 63-69+ units, online or on campus, about 2 years full time | $864 per unit |
| 4 | Azusa Pacific University, M.A. Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy | Theology, ethics, psychotherapy, and Christian spiritual formation integrated into clinical study | LMFT; optional LPCC preparation | 63-90 units, 2-4 years, multiple Southern California locations | $865 per unit |
| 5 | Fresno Pacific University, M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy | Seminary-based curriculum integrating Christian theology, personal formation, and clinical practice | LMFT | 65 minimum units, Fresno campus | $610 per MFT/counseling unit |
| 6 | Hope International University, M.S. Counseling | Counseling theory and clinical practice grounded in Christian principles | LPCC + LMFT educational preparation | 61 units, fully online, 2-3 years | $675 per unit |
| 7 | Vanguard University, M.S. Clinical Psychology | Faith-based clinical learning with a required Psychology, Theology and Spirituality course | LMFT; LPCC with additional coursework | 61-66 units, online or Santa Ana, 2-4 years | $855 per unit |
| 8 | Southern California Seminary, M.A. Counseling Psychology, Licensure Track | Nine units of biblical foundations within a strongly Bible-centered clinical curriculum | LMFT and/or LPCC preparation | 72-unit licensure track, El Cajon and online options | $660 per unit plus technology fees |
| 9 | Jessup University, M.A. Counseling Psychology | Psychological theory integrated with biblical principles throughout the curriculum | LMFT + LPCC | 63 units, Rocklin or remote synchronous, about 26 months | $660 per credit; $43,155 published direct program cost |
These prices are planning references rather than guaranteed total degree costs. Tuition can change during enrollment, and fees, books, personal therapy, transportation, practicum expenses, and reduced paid work hours can increase the actual cost.
How We Ranked Christian Counseling Programs in California
There is no standardized dataset that can determine which Christian counseling program is best for every student. This ranking is editorial.
The strongest weight went to programs where Christian thought is integrated into clinical preparation rather than confined to the university’s general mission statement. We also considered:
- whether the degree leads toward California LMFT or LPCC licensure
- how theology, spiritual formation, or biblical studies appear in the curriculum
- clinical practicum and supervised client experience
- current programmatic accreditation
- institution-wide accreditation
- required units and completion time
- online, hybrid, or campus availability
- current tuition
- clear disclosures about professional licensure
- major current accreditation developments
What Does “Christian Counseling Program” Mean?
The phrase can describe two different kinds of graduate education.
A licensure-track Christian counseling program combines mental health training with Christian theology, spiritual formation, or a biblical worldview while also meeting the educational requirements associated with a professional license.
A pastoral or biblical counseling degree is different. Those programs may prepare students for church ministry, lay counseling, chaplaincy, discipleship, or other faith-based service, but they may not qualify graduates to become LMFTs or LPCCs.
1. Biola University M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Biola ranks first because Christian formation is woven unusually deeply into its MFT curriculum. The degree is housed in Talbot School of Theology rather than being a conventional psychology program located at a Christian university.
The 67-credit M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy is designed for California LMFT preparation and has a standard completion time of about three years.
Theology and Clinical Training Are Interwoven
Biola describes the program as Christ-centered and grounds its counseling approach in the belief that people are relational beings created in the image of God.
Faith integration appears throughout the curriculum rather than in one isolated religion course.
Current study includes:
- marriage and family therapy theory
- group counseling
- trauma and crisis intervention
- child and adolescent therapy
- law and ethics
- diversity
- biblical interpretation
- spiritual formation
- therapist formation
- supervised clinical experience
Students also complete spiritual direction and personal psychotherapy as part of the program’s formation model.
A Year-Long Clinical Practicum
Biola requires a 12-month clinical practicum in community settings and reports more than 300 hours of client experience during graduate training.
Clinical supervision comes from licensed mental health professionals at practicum sites and from university faculty.
The university states that the program aligns with current California MFT educational requirements. Graduates still continue through the post-degree steps required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Accreditation and Tuition
Biola University is institutionally accredited by WSCUC, while Talbot School of Theology also holds accreditation through the Association of Theological Schools. These are institutional and theological accreditations, not COAMFTE accreditation for the MFT program.
Biola’s official program page lists:
- 67 credits
- $884 per credit for 2026-27
- approximately $59,228 in estimated total tuition at the current rate
Best fit: students seeking the deepest combination of Christian spiritual formation, theological study, and California MFT preparation.
2. Concordia University Irvine M.A. in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Concordia University Irvine offers the strongest CACREP-accredited option in this ranking.
The Townsend Institute’s M.A. in Counseling with a Clinical Mental Health Counseling emphasis requires 60 units and is primarily delivered online, with a required four-day in-person residency.
Clinical Training Is Explicitly Connected to Faith
Concordia states that clinical training at the Townsend Institute is inseparable from faith.
The curriculum combines Christian formation with counseling theory, diagnosis, assessment, trauma, groups, career development, ethics, and clinical practice.
Students also study the Townsend Model, which emphasizes relational health, attachment, character development, emotional processes, and interpersonal connection.
The program is designed for working adults and can be completed in as few as 24 months.
CACREP Accreditation
Concordia’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling M.A. is currently CACREP-accredited. CACREP lists both the Irvine and online delivery formats within the accredited program, with the current cycle extending through October 31, 2027 and reaffirmation in process.
Concordia’s current catalog identifies the Clinical Mental Health emphasis as containing the coursework used for California LPCC licensure preparation.
The university also offers a separate Marriage, Couple and Family Counseling emphasis. Applicants should verify its current programmatic accreditation separately rather than assuming the CACREP status of the Clinical Mental Health program automatically applies to every emphasis.
Tuition and Residency
For 2026-27, Concordia lists Townsend Institute Counseling tuition at $715 per unit plus a $60 Student Success Fee each semester.
A 60-unit calculation at the current tuition rate is approximately $42,900 before fees and future increases.
Best fit: students seeking a Christian, CACREP-accredited LPCC-oriented program with online coursework and a short on-campus residency.
3. California Baptist University M.S. in Counseling Psychology
California Baptist University offers one of the most flexible combinations of Christian integration and California clinical licensure preparation.
Its M.S. in Counseling Psychology requires at least 63 units and is offered both on campus and online.
Every Course Integrates Theory and Faith
CBU describes its counseling psychology curriculum as biblically rooted and states that all courses integrate counseling theory with faith.
The program includes a dedicated Christian Perspective on Professional Counseling course, but faith integration is not limited to that class.
Student learning outcomes include the ability to apply a Christian worldview framework to marriage and family therapy practice.
The curriculum also includes conventional professional preparation in diagnosis, assessment, treatment planning, evidence-based interventions, law and ethics, research, and family systems.
LMFT and LPCC Options
The base M.S. is designed around California MFT educational requirements.
Students who add the Professional Clinical Counselor sequence can also complete coursework associated with LPCC preparation.
For students who want an even stronger ministry component, CBU offers a separate dual program combining the M.S. in Counseling Psychology with an M.A. in Counseling Ministry. That 92-unit route combines clinical licensure preparation with additional theology and congregational counseling coursework.
Practicum and Current Cost
CBU reports relationships with more than 100 clinical organizations, including community mental health, school-based, church-based, and other settings.
The program also requires personal psychotherapy, which students should include in their financial planning.
Current pricing is $864 per unit for Counseling Psychology. A 63-unit base degree would therefore equal approximately $54,432 at the current rate before fees and any additional LPCC coursework.
Best fit: students who want both online and campus options, strong Christian integration, and the ability to pursue LMFT or LPCC preparation.
4. Azusa Pacific University M.A. in Clinical Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy
Azusa Pacific’s MFT program combines professional psychotherapy training with Christian spiritual formation and offers more Southern California instructional locations than most schools in this ranking.
The degree is available in Azusa, Orange County, the Inland Empire, and San Diego.
Faith, Ethics, and Psychotherapy
APU describes the curriculum as interdisciplinary study across theology, ethics, psychotherapy, and evidence-based practice.
Students learn to integrate Christian spiritual formation into work with individuals, couples, families, children, and adolescents while also developing culturally responsive clinical skills.
The program includes more than 300 hours of clinical experience and requires students to complete the Gottman Couples Therapy Level 1 Certificate as part of the core curriculum.
Optional certificates include areas such as Play Therapy and Substance Use Disorder.
MFT With an Optional LPCC Direction
APU states that the program prepares graduates to meet California MFT educational requirements.
Students can also pursue additional preparation associated with LPCC licensure.
The program ranges from approximately 63 to 90 units depending on the selected plan and additional coursework and generally takes two to four years.
Tuition
For 2026-27, APU lists Clinical Psychology: MFT tuition at $865 per unit.
The university currently publishes base cost estimates ranging from $54,495 to $77,850 depending on the number of units in the selected plan.
Azusa Pacific University is institutionally accredited by WSCUC. The MFT program should not be described as CACREP- or COAMFTE-accredited based on the current official program information.
Best fit: students who want a Christian MFT program with multiple Southern California campus locations and options for additional clinical certificates.
5. Fresno Pacific University M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy
Fresno Pacific places its MFT program within Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, giving the degree a stronger formal theological component than many faith-affiliated clinical psychology programs.
The current curriculum requires at least 65 units and is offered on the Fresno campus.
Seminary-Based Clinical Education
Fresno Pacific describes the program as preparation for theologically minded counselors who may work in clinical settings, faith-based treatment centers, or churches.
The curriculum integrates:
- Christian theology
- psychological theory
- personal formation
- professional practice
- clinical assessment
- human development
- cross-cultural counseling
- discipleship
MFT students take foundational seminary courses alongside ministry students.
The university also awards a Seminary Integration Certificate reflecting the theological coursework completed as part of the MFT program.
California MFT Preparation
Fresno Pacific states that the degree is approved for California MFT educational preparation and covers the content areas required for licensure.
The 2026 program brochure lists a 65-unit minimum curriculum and emphasizes diverse clinical practicum settings.
One of the Lower Tuition Rates
For 2026-27, Fresno Pacific lists MFT/Counseling tuition at $610 per unit plus a $210 student services fee.
At 65 units, the simple current-rate tuition calculation is approximately $39,650 before fees and future changes.
Fresno Pacific identifies institutional accreditation through WSCUC and seminary accreditation through ATS. The MFT program is not presented as COAMFTE-accredited.
Best fit: students seeking seminary-level theological integration with California MFT preparation at a comparatively moderate tuition rate.
6. Hope International University M.S. in Counseling
Hope International University in Fullerton offers a fully online 61-unit M.S. in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy.
The program is designed around both California LPCC and LMFT educational pathways.
Christian Principles Throughout the Program
Hope describes the degree as integrating counseling theory and practice while grounding both in Christian principles.
Faculty are practicing clinicians, and the program emphasizes research, theoretical preparation, clinical training, self-assessment, and professional development.
Courses run in eight- to 16-week formats, and the university supports two- or three-year completion plans.
Clinical Training and Licensure
Hope’s current program information states that the degree is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences for LPCC and LMFT educational preparation.
The curriculum includes substantial clinical training. University catalog information identifies 700 total clinical training hours, including 300 direct client contact hours.
Applicants should confirm the current practicum structure and placement process for their entering catalog year.
Hope is institutionally accredited by WSCUC. The M.S. in Counseling does not currently advertise CACREP or COAMFTE accreditation.
Tuition
For 2026-27, Hope lists M.S. Counseling Psychology tuition at $675 per unit.
At 61 units, the current base tuition calculation is approximately $41,175.
Additional charges include annual assessment fees and a practicum fee once clinical training begins.
Best fit: students who want a fully online Christian program supporting both LMFT and LPCC educational preparation at a lower private-university tuition rate.
7. Vanguard University M.S. in Clinical Psychology
Vanguard University describes the mission of its graduate Clinical Psychology program as preparing Christian mental health professionals through rigorous academic training, professional development, and faith-based learning.
The degree requires 61 to 66 units and can be completed online or at Vanguard’s Santa Ana location.
A Defined Theological Foundation
Vanguard’s curriculum includes a required Psychology, Theology and Spirituality course.
The program’s theological foundation is built around Christian understandings of God, human nature, relationships, brokenness, redemption, and compassion.
Other required clinical study includes psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapy, family psychotherapy, child and adolescent psychotherapy, diversity, addiction, assessment, psychopharmacology, trauma, and group psychotherapy.
LMFT and LPCC Preparation
The 61-unit curriculum meets California academic requirements associated with MFT licensure.
Students pursuing Professional Clinical Counselor preparation complete additional coursework, bringing the curriculum to approximately 66 units, along with the applicable clinical contact requirements.
Vanguard also requires supervised practicum and personal therapy. Its program information lists at least 225 clinical hours for the MFT path and additional face-to-face requirements for students completing the PCC pathway.
Cost and Delivery
Vanguard currently lists tuition at $855 per unit.
At that rate:
| Curriculum | Current base tuition calculation |
|---|---|
| 61 units | About $52,155 |
| 66 units | About $56,430 |
The online program is limited to California residents and includes live interaction rather than being entirely self-paced.
Vanguard is institutionally accredited by WSCUC. The Clinical Psychology M.S. is not currently identified as CACREP- or COAMFTE-accredited.
Best fit: students seeking either online or Orange County study with explicit theological integration and both MFT and LPCC options.
8. Southern California Seminary M.A. in Counseling Psychology
Southern California Seminary offers the most explicitly Bible-centered licensure-track curriculum in this ranking.
The seminary’s Graduate School of Behavioral Sciences teaches counseling and psychological research on a foundation that identifies the Bible as the inerrant Word of God.
A 72-Unit Licensure Track
The M.A. in Counseling Psychology has a licensure track designed for California LMFT and/or LPCC preparation.
The curriculum includes professional counseling coursework in areas such as:
- treatment of children
- psychological testing
- group counseling
- counseling process
- psychopharmacology
- substance use
- abuse assessment
- practicum
It also includes nine units of biblical foundations through courses such as Faith Integration and Praxis, Theological Foundations of Counseling, hermeneutics, and inductive Bible study.
Do Not Confuse the MACP With the Christian Counseling M.A.
Southern California Seminary also offers a separate Master of Arts in Christian Counseling.
That degree is designed primarily for church, parachurch, and biblical counseling contexts. It should not be assumed to provide the same California clinical licensure preparation as the 72-unit Counseling Psychology licensure track.
For prospective therapists, the licensure-track MACP is the relevant program.
SCS states that its Counseling Psychology and MFT programs are approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.
Tuition and Accreditation
Southern California Seminary currently lists Behavioral Science graduate tuition at $660 per unit plus a technology fee.
A 72-unit base calculation is approximately $47,520 before technology fees and other expenses.
SCS holds institutional accreditation through TRACS, and its theological programs have accreditation through ATS. These are not CACREP or COAMFTE programmatic accreditations.
Best fit: students seeking a strongly Bible-centered clinical curriculum rather than a broader or more ecumenical model of faith integration.
9. Jessup University M.A. in Counseling Psychology
Jessup University offers a 63-unit M.A. in Counseling Psychology at its Rocklin campus and through remote synchronous study.
The program is structured for completion in approximately 26 months and prepares students for California LMFT and LPCC educational pathways.
Biblical Integration Throughout the Curriculum
Jessup states that current psychological theory is integrated with biblical principles throughout the degree.
Program learning outcomes include evaluating approaches to the integration of psychology and Christianity and considering how those approaches shape personal spiritual formation.
The curriculum prepares students for work with individuals, couples, children, and families as well as agency, church, ministry, and eventual private-practice settings after licensure.
A Shorter Timeline and Moderate Private Tuition
Jessup’s current cost information lists:
- 63 credits
- $660 per credit
- $43,155 in published total direct program costs
Current WSCUC Warning
There is an institutional accreditation development prospective students should review.
WSCUC currently lists Jessup University as “Accredited on Warning” following a June 26, 2026 Commission action. The university remains accredited during the Warning period, and Jessup states that students’ status is not affected.
A Warning indicates that WSCUC found the institution out of compliance with one or more accreditation standards and has required corrective action.
That current status is the main reason Jessup ranks lower despite its strong faith integration, dual licensure preparation, short timeline, and relatively moderate tuition.
Best fit: students interested in a shorter dual LMFT/LPCC Christian program who have reviewed and are comfortable with the university’s current WSCUC accreditation status.
Why Point Loma Nazarene University Is Not Ranked Here
Point Loma Nazarene University is a Christian university and offers a strong M.A. in Clinical Counseling that prepares students for California LMFT and LPCC pathways.
However, PLNU’s current program FAQ explicitly states that the Clinical Counseling curriculum is not a specifically Christian curriculum.
The university explains that Christian values are part of the educational environment and faith integration appears in several classes, but spiritual identity is addressed from multiple perspectives so graduates can work with clients from varied religious backgrounds.
Christian Counseling Versus Biblical or Pastoral Counseling
Students should distinguish clinical counseling from ministry counseling before enrolling.
A California LMFT or LPCC provides psychotherapy under a state-issued professional license. The pathway requires qualifying graduate education, registration as an associate, supervised professional experience, examinations, and final licensure.
Biblical, pastoral, or ministry counseling programs can prepare graduates for church-based counseling and ministry without necessarily meeting those clinical requirements.
California Baptist University illustrates the difference clearly. Its 33-unit M.A. in Counseling Ministry is designed for congregational, pastoral, chaplaincy, family-ministry, and lay-ministry settings. CBU separately offers the 63-unit-plus M.S. in Counseling Psychology for clinical licensure preparation. Students wanting both can pursue the dual degree.
Southern California Seminary uses a similar distinction between its Master of Arts in Christian Counseling and its licensure-track Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology.
Before enrolling, ask the university directly whether the exact degree you are considering meets California BBS educational requirements for the license you intend to pursue.
Does a Christian Counseling Degree Lead to LMFT or LPCC Licensure?
It can, but the word “Christian” in a program title does not determine licensure eligibility.
The California Board of Behavioral Sciences evaluates applicants under statutory education and experience requirements.
For LPCC licensure, current California applicants generally complete a qualifying master’s or doctoral degree, register as an Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, pass the required examinations, and complete 3,000 supervised hours over at least 104 weeks. See the BBS LPCC applicant requirements.
For LMFT licensure, applicants complete a qualifying graduate degree, register as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, complete the applicable examinations, and accrue 3,000 supervised hours over at least 104 weeks. See the BBS LMFT applicant requirements.
Programs in this ranking support different paths:
| School | Primary California clinical direction |
|---|---|
| Biola | LMFT |
| Concordia Irvine | LPCC through Clinical Mental Health Counseling |
| California Baptist | LMFT; LPCC with added coursework |
| Azusa Pacific | LMFT; optional LPCC preparation |
| Fresno Pacific | LMFT |
| Hope International | LMFT + LPCC |
| Vanguard | LMFT; LPCC with added coursework |
| Southern California Seminary | LMFT and/or LPCC through licensure track |
| Jessup | LMFT + LPCC |
Licensing rules can change, so applicants should verify the current curriculum with both the university and the BBS before enrolling.
Does CACREP or COAMFTE Accreditation Apply to Christian Programs?
Specialized accreditation varies substantially among Christian counseling programs in California.
Concordia University Irvine’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling program is currently CACREP-accredited. CACREP reviews counselor education programs rather than entire universities.
Most of the other programs in this ranking rely on institution-wide accreditation plus California licensure alignment rather than CACREP accreditation.
Institution-wide WSCUC accreditation applies to schools such as Biola, California Baptist, Azusa Pacific, Fresno Pacific, Hope International, Vanguard, and Jessup. Seminary-based programs may also hold accreditation through organizations such as the Association of Theological Schools.
Southern California Seminary uses TRACS institutional accreditation and ATS accreditation for theological education.
None of those institutional accreditations should be described as though they were CACREP or COAMFTE accreditation for the specific counseling program.
Students who expect to seek licensure outside California should research the target state’s education rules before enrolling.
How Much Do Christian Counseling Programs in California Cost?
Current tuition varies considerably.
| Program | Current published tuition reference |
|---|---|
| Fresno Pacific MFT | $610 per unit |
| Southern California Seminary MACP | $660 per unit plus technology fees |
| Jessup Counseling Psychology | $660 per credit; $43,155 published direct program cost |
| Hope International M.S. Counseling | $675 per unit |
| Concordia Irvine M.A. Counseling | $715 per unit |
| Vanguard Clinical Psychology | $855 per unit |
| Azusa Pacific MFT | $865 per unit |
| California Baptist Counseling Psychology | $864 per unit |
| Biola MFT | $884 per credit; $59,228 estimated tuition |
Per-unit tuition is only part of the cost comparison.
Program lengths range from about 60 to 72 or more units, and some require personal therapy, retreats, residencies, or additional coursework for a second licensure pathway. Practicum can also reduce the number of hours a student can work for pay.
Applicants should calculate the cost of the actual track they intend to complete rather than multiplying the advertised minimum units by the current tuition rate without checking additional requirements.
Counseling Career Outlook
Christian counseling graduates who become LMFTs or LPCCs generally work in the same regulated professions as graduates of secular programs. They may choose faith-based employers, private practices serving Christian clients, church-affiliated counseling centers, or conventional healthcare and community mental health settings.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that marriage and family therapists had a median annual wage of $66,940 in May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 14% from 2025 to 2035. See the BLS Marriage and Family Therapists profile.
For substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, BLS reports a median annual wage of $59,350 in May 2025 and projected employment growth of 18% from 2025 to 2035. See the BLS Mental Health Counselors profile.
Potential settings include:
- private practices
- Christian counseling centers
- churches and ministry-affiliated clinics
- community mental health agencies
- hospitals
- substance use treatment programs
- schools and youth organizations
- nonprofit organizations
- group practices
- residential treatment programs
How to Choose a Christian Counseling Program in California
Start with the professional credential.
If LMFT is the goal and you want intensive theological formation, Biola and Fresno Pacific deserve close comparison. APU and California Baptist also provide strong MFT preparation with explicit faith integration and more delivery or location options.
If LPCC is the primary goal, Concordia’s CACREP-accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling program provides the clearest nationally accredited counselor-education route. Hope, Vanguard, CBU, SCS, and Jessup also provide California LPCC-related options depending on the selected curriculum.
Then decide how you want Christianity integrated.
Some students want seminary coursework, spiritual direction, and theological formation throughout the degree. Others prefer a clinically conventional program taught from a Christian worldview. Still others want a program that prepares them to serve clients of all faith backgrounds while allowing their own Christian commitments to shape professional identity.
Compare:
- the exact LMFT or LPCC pathway
- theology and biblical coursework
- how faculty describe faith integration
- whether personal spiritual formation is required
- practicum settings
- programmatic accreditation
- institution-wide accreditation
- online or campus delivery
- personal therapy requirements
- total units
- current tuition
- the university’s current accreditation status
A strong Christian counseling program should prepare students to think carefully about both faith and professional ethics. Clinical competence, informed consent, respect for client autonomy, cultural humility, and evidence-based practice remain essential regardless of the religious identity of the university.
Before enrolling, verify current California licensure requirements directly with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences.