Proverbs 11:14
"Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety."
Understanding Your Care Options
Foundations Christian Counseling offers two types of care providers.
Understanding the difference helps us match you with the right support for your journey.
Biblical Care Specialist
Faith-based supportive guidance
"Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and
admonish one another with all wisdom." ~ Colossians 3:16
Best suited for stable, everyday life challenges where Scripture-centered guidance, encouragement, and practical wisdom are the primary needs.
- ✓Offer practical life guidance grounded in Scripture
- ✓Use non-clinical terminology and supportive language
- ✓Work with stable clients not experiencing severe daily disorders
- ✓Gently explore the past with non-critical clients
- ✓Recommend and discuss biblical resources with clients
- ✓Provide supportive listening and encouragement
- ✓Facilitate client-led resource discussions
- ✓Make appropriate referrals to licensed counselors when needed
- ✓Document sessions using non-clinical terms
- ✗Diagnose mental health or psychological conditions
- ✗Use clinical terminology or diagnostic classifications
- ✗Advertise as professional "counselors"
- ✗Write clinical documentation or treatment plans
- ✗Administer or interpret clinical assessment tools
- ✗Claim to treat mental health conditions
- ✗Share confidential information improperly
Licensed Professional Counselor
Clinical mental health treatment
"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and
not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Best suited for complex mental health needs requiring clinical assessment, formal diagnosis, and psychotherapy - with Christ-centered integration.
- ✓Conduct clinical assessments and formal diagnosis
- ✓Provide psychological and clinical treatment
- ✓Use diagnostic codes and DSM classifications
- ✓Conduct psychotherapy with Christ-centered integration
- ✓Write and implement treatment plans
- ✓Document using clinical terminology
- ✓Address past, present, and future concerns
- ✓Provide counseling for complex cases
- ✓Use the title "Licensed Professional Counselor"
- ✗Practice outside their licensed scope of training
- ✗Supervise beyond their qualified level
- ✗Share confidential information improperly
- ✗Practice without maintaining an active license
At a Glance
How these two roles differ across key dimensions of care
| Category | Biblical Care Specialist | Licensed Professional Counselor |
|---|---|---|
| Scope of Practice | Supportive, educational, spiritually-guided | Broadest scope - includes formal diagnosis & clinical treatment |
| Documentation | Non-clinical documentation | Clinical documentation, diagnostic codes & treatment plans |
| Diagnosis | ✗ Not permitted | ✓ Formal clinical diagnosis |
| Faith Integration | ✓ Scripture-centered approach | ✓ Christ-centered integration as standard practice |
| Best For | Stable clients with everyday life challenges | Complex mental health needs, trauma, or clinical diagnosis |
Note: Documentation standards are a legal compliance requirement, not a judgment of quality of care.
Not Sure Which Is Right for You?
Following your intake session, our clinical staff will evaluate your needs and make a recommendation on the most appropriate category of care provider for your situation.
Additional questions? Contact our Care Coordinators at (570) 402-5088 or office@foundchristcounsel.org
Our Scholarship Fund
The Karen Hoffner Memorial Fund makes professional Christian counseling accessible to individuals and families who cannot afford it. Your generous donation helps remove financial barriers to mental health care and brings hope to those who need it most. Every gift - large or small - directly supports someone's journey toward healing. Join us in making a lasting impact in our community by supporting this vital scholarship fund.
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