ADMISSIONS

Who should apply?
The Pastoral Counselor Training Program is an extension of the ministry of the church and is intended to provide quality clinical-pastoral and theological training for people who:
  • Wish to enter full-time clinical training in an AAPC approved program to prepare for more specialized ministry in pastoral counseling.
  • Need full-time post graduate clinical training and supervision to meet requirements for certification in AAPC, AAMFT or state licensure as LPC or LMFT.
  • Desire a learning environment where the personal and professional integration of psychotherapeutic skill, religious faith and contemplative presence are central to the training experience.
  • Are presently licensed or certified but want advanced training in pastoral counseling.
  • Need access to a training program for the above goals, but cannot participate in a full-time program. We offer part-time internships, practicums and externships.
  • May not desire professional certification or ministry specialization, but want training for integrating psychotherapeutic disciplines, contemplative spirituality and theology.
  • Desire individual or group supervision or consultation for existing practice or ministry setting.
We encourage international students with excellent English skills to apply.

The training program offers the I-20 document used to obtain F-1 visas for non-immigrant international students who are accepted into the full-time residency program.

If you have questions, please contact us at training@pilink.org.

Admission Criteria
The program is a post-graduate training program. Admission to residency, internship and externship in pastoral counseling requires:
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
  • A master's degree from a graduate school accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (or equivalent) and for those seeking licensure, a second master's degree or doctorate in the counseling field.
  • Membership in good standing with a local faith group or church.
  • Ecclesiastical endorsement or ordination attained or in progress (for pastoral counselors).
  • Enough experience as a client in personal psychotherapy to understand one's own personal processes, growth issues and a beginning experiential understanding of psycho-therapeutic change.
  • Demonstration of a clear religious identity and commitment to family therapy or pastoral counseling through letters of recommendation and Statement of Purpose (contained in application materials).
  • Completion of application forms for residency, including submission of the application fee.
Admission to training fellowship in pastoral counseling requires:
  • Completion of a two-year residency in family or pastoral counseling or its equivalent.
  • AAMFT or AAPC certification or current preparation for licensure in another track.
  • A clear Statement of Purpose for a fellowship program.
  • A clear pastoral identity and proven ability to work with the integrative method.
  • Completion of application forms for fellowship in pastoral counseling, including submission of the application fee.
Admission as an intern or practicum student requires:
  • Applicant to be associated with immediate work and enrollment in master’s, Ph.D. or D.Min program in an institution of higher learning.
  • Good academic standing
  • A commitment to the program for one year.
  • A commitment to integration of faith and mental health.
  • The ability to arrange schedules to include training, learning and case review activities with other trainees.
  • Proof of current professional liability through an academic institution.
  • Academic supervisors willing to work cooperatively with the director of training.
If you have questions, please contact us at training@pilink.org.