How to Become a Pastoral Counselor
Consider a career in pastoral counseling. Help others thrive using a blend of counseling techniques, religion, and spirituality in a faith-based setting.
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Pastoral counselors provide specialized therapy that integrates psychology, religious beliefs, and spirituality. If you want to work as a pastoral counselor, you must complete specialized training and pursue licensure if appropriate. This guide provides step-by-step guidance on how to prepare for a career in pastoral counseling.
Steps to Become a Pastoral Counselor
Pastoral counselors complete a blend of traditional college and religious education. Explore educational and licensure requirements for this profession.
- 1
Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A four-year degree provides foundational knowledge in the social sciences and other key areas. Fields like psychology and sociology help you understand what drives human behavior and how society functions. A major in pastoral counseling, counseling, or a related field explores counseling theory and practice. Learners complete the 120-126-credit degree in about four years. Many programs accept transfer credits so you can finish the degree faster.
- 2
Earn a Master’s Degree
Pastoral counselors need a master’s degree if they plan to pursue state licensure. Clergy do not need state licensure to conduct pastoral counseling within church settings. A master’s degree in pastoral counseling, clinical mental health counseling, or marriage and family therapy prepares you for counseling practice. Specialized training in religious studies is available at Bible colleges and similar institutions.
- 3
Seminary or Theological School
Christian institutions prepare you for clerical roles, such as minister or pastor. Faith-based degrees focus on the spiritual care of individuals, couples, and families in ministerial settings.
Seminaries and theological institutions offer graduate-level training that typically leads to a master’s in divinity or a doctorate in theology. Some seminaries offer master of arts or master of science degrees in biblical or pastoral counseling.
- 4
Clinical Pastoral Education Program
Clergy of all faiths, healthcare professionals, and ministerial students complete this short-term supervised professional training. Clinical pastoral education (CPE) enhances practitioners’ clinical skills as they minister to people in need. CPE can occur in settings that include hospitals, correctional facilities, and nursing homes. Participants receive feedback from pastoral supervisors and peers on how to better support people in crisis. The Association for Clinical Pastoral Education accredits CPE programs.
- 5
Pursue State Licensure
Clergy from any religious denomination can practice pastoral counseling and spiritual care in faith-based and other settings without a state license if they:
- Perform counseling to members within their congregation as part of their ministerial duties
- Are employed as chaplains in healthcare, correctional, and military settings
- Do not engage in private practice counseling
- Do not receive payment or donations for their services
Pastoral counselors typically need a state license to practice if they intend to offer services in private practice or clinical settings. Several states require pastoral counselors to have a license:
States offering licensure for pastoral counselors include:
- Arkansas: Pastoral counselor
- Kentucky: Licensed pastoral counselor
- Maine: Pastoral counselor
- New Hampshire: Licensed pastoral psychotherapist
- North Carolina: Fee-based practicing pastoral counselor
- Tennessee: Clinical pastoral therapist
Requirements for a pastoral counseling license include a master or doctor of divinity, 1,375 hours of clinical pastoral counseling experience, and 250 hours of pastoral counseling supervision. Applicants must be ordained (or the equivalent) and authorized to serve as a pastoral counselor.
States like Maine require pastoral counselors to pass a national exam, such as the National Counselor Examination for credentialing as a licensed professional counselor.
How Long Will Becoming a Pastoral Counselor Take?
Plan to complete several years of education and training. Full-time students typically complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree in 5-6 years. Pastoral counselors must complete approximately two years of additional training if they plan to pursue state licensure.
| Job | Time to Become |
|---|---|
| Substance Use Counselor | 4-8 years |
| Behavioral Disorder Counselor | 4-8 years |
| Licensed Counselor | 6-8 years |
| Mental Health Counselor | 6-8 years |
How to Continue Your Education as a Pastoral Counselor
Professional organizations offer certifications to validate a pastoral counselor’s knowledge, expertise, and counseling skills. Pastoral counselors who do not need to have a state license may voluntarily seek certification from organizations like those listed below.
How Much Does a Pastoral Counselor Make?
According to Payscale data from April 2025, the average annual salary for a pastor with counseling skills is $54,130. The lowest paid counseling pastors earn about $30,000. A pastor’s level of education and experience can impact income potential. Location also matters, with pastors in Colorado earning an average of 29.3% above the national average.
$54,130
Average Annual Pastor (with Counseling Skills) Salary
$22.44
Average Hourly Pastor (with Counseling Skills) Salary
Source: Payscale, April 2025
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Pastoral Counselor
It will take 6-8 years to complete the education and training for a pastoral counseling career. You can complete a four-year bachelor’s degree followed by a graduate degree that includes pastoral counseling training.
