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.
Education: All Biblical Care Specialists hold at minimum a Master's degree in counseling or a related field.
- āOffer practical life guidance grounded in Scripture
- āUse non-clinical terminology and supportive language
- āWork with stable clients not experiencing severe daily disorders
- āGently explore the past with non-critical clients
- āRecommend and discuss biblical resources with clients
- āProvide supportive listening and encouragement
- āFacilitate client-led resource discussions
- āMake appropriate referrals to licensed counselors when needed
- āDocument sessions using non-clinical terms
- āDiagnose mental health or psychological conditions
- āUse clinical terminology or diagnostic classifications
- āAdvertise as professional "counselors"
- āWrite clinical documentation or treatment plans
- āAdminister or interpret clinical assessment tools
- āClaim to treat mental health conditions
- āPrescribe or manage medication
- āShare 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.
Education: All Licensed Professional Counselors hold at minimum a Master's degree in counseling or a related clinical field, and are fully licensed in their state of practice.
- āAssess and assign formal mental health diagnoses
- āProvide psychological and clinical treatment
- āUse diagnostic codes and DSM classifications
- āConduct psychotherapy with Christ-centered integration
- āWrite and implement treatment plans
- āDocument using clinical terminology
- āAddress past, present, and future concerns
- āProvide counseling for complex cases
- āUse the title "Licensed Professional Counselor"
- āPerform advanced psychological testing (e.g. MMPI-2, IQ assessments)
- āPrescribe or manage medication
- āPractice outside their licensed scope of training
- āSupervise beyond their qualified level
- āShare confidential information improperly
- āPractice 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Education | Master's degree in counseling or related field | Master's degree or higher in counseling or clinical field; state-licensed |
| 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 | ā Not permitted | ā Formal mental health diagnosis |
| Faith Integration | ā Scripture-centered approach | ā 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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