WHAT TYPES OF SERVICES DO PASTORAL COUNSELORS PROVIDE?
Pastoral counselors use a variety ways to address emotional problems which stand as barriers to moving through life’s crises and transitions. Based on psychosocial assessments, theological principles and cultural understandings, the pastoral counselor may recommend one or more of the following ways of helping – individual psychotherapy, group therapy, couples counseling, marriage and family therapy, spiritual guidance and short-term counseling. When the pastoral counselor feels that medical treatment is needed in addition to psychotherapy, the assistance of a psychiatric practitioner may be recommended as well. Whether the pastoral counselor provides the complete treatment, or makes a referral to a psychiatric colleague, decisions regarding client care are always made in consultation with the client and in their best interest. ARE THE FEES FOR PASTORAL COUNSELING COMPARABLE TO THOSE CHARGED BY OTHER HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS? In general, the fees of pastoral counselors are lower than those
