Dear prospective member,

Welcome to the A.A.C.T., the American Association of Christian Therapists. The A.A.C.T. is an inclusive organization of Christian counselors and therapists at various levels of expertise. We seek to offer an opportunity for membership, commensurate to each individual’s education, training, and experience. In the way the credentialing levels have been structured, we’ve sought to maintain quality and integrity regarding qualifications, while respecting and providing for those who are in the process of obtaining skills in the field of pastoral counseling or Christian counseling and therapy.

The A.A.C.T. is a conservative but multi-disciplinary group, with a firm belief that there can be “unity in diversity” within the body of Christ, and within the Christian counseling community. This diversity is reflected in our respect for differing models of Christian counseling and therapy, and in the unique manner God has gifted each of us as ministers. Our unity is represented in our end purpose and goals. These goals include offering a means for counseling training for pastors, and theological training for Christian therapists. This will better equip us to assist clients in their desire to experience the abundant life the Lord has offered them, and to facilitate the removal of the “roadblocks” that inhibit their ability to be all that God is calling them to be.

Whether you are a member of the body of Christ seeking training for lay counseling ministry, a student, a church pastor desiring to expand your counseling skills, a pastoral counselor, or a Christian who is a state licensed therapist, the A.A.C.T. has a place for you. In addition to the credentialing process, we offer an interactive e-mail group, a membership directory for referrals, training, fellowship, and information on beginning a counseling ministry. Our ties to the Institute of Theology and Christian Therapy (I.T.C.T.) provide you the opportunity for discounted continuing education, and our relationship with the Evangelical Christian Church (E.C.C.) offers qualified individuals the opportunity for ministerial licensing or ordination for pastoral counseling.

Please take the time to peruse our web site. We welcome you to join our growing group and look forward to the opportunity to get to know you. If you have any questions, or require information regarding how membership in our program relates to the regulations of the state in which you reside, I would be happy to help you obtain that information.

Blessings!

The AACT Staff

LEVELS AND FEES FLOW CHART

It is recommended that all persons who seek certification or license be ordained. This follows the governments guidelines for Faith Based Counseling and Therapy.

If you have more questions about the details of a certain level please write or call the AACT.

Membership and non degreed Registration Level - $89.00

This level does not require any special training, merely an interest in Christian or Pastoral Counseling.

PASTORAL OR CHRISTIAN MEMBER - (Membership Only)

If a person has received some college credit, some special training or experience in the counseling field he/she may apply here.

REGISTERED (PASTORAL) (CHRISTIAN) (BIBLICAL) COUNSELOR (Circle one)

(We register you in our data base - non certified level)

Special Trained non-degree and Bachelor’s Level Certification - $119.00

AACT now offers special training for those who do not have a degree. If you take special training through several of our AACT members who teach (Call or write AACT for details), or have special training through an approved teacher, or have a Bachelor’s degree in counseling you may apply for certification at this level.

CERTIFIED (PASTORAL) (CHRISTIAN) (BIBLICAL) COUNSELOR (Circle one)

(Requires AACT approved special training or Bachelor’s Degree)

Master’s Level Certification - $139.00

Master’s & Doctoral License - $159.00

(Diplomate on all Master’s & Doctoral Levels – Please add $25.00)

TRACK 1: PASTORAL & CHRISTIAN COUNSELING

We recommend the levels following for most Pastors and Christians doing counseling in their Church. This is also a good place for a Pastor who does counseling in a counseling center. Most states recognize that Pastors do counseling and the terminology here will best support your counseling ministry. Depending on the state in which you live, you may not be eligible for "license" unless you present a letter from you or a state agency, stating that private associations may grant license in your state. You, as a responsible Pastor and counselor are responsible for reporting this information to the AACT. If you have questions please write or call the AACT headquarters.

GRADUATE LEVEL if you hold a Master's Degree we will certify you at this level. This level is for Pastor’s and Christian members who work occasionally in the counseling field but have an equal load of other ministerial duties.

CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL (PASTORAL) (CHRISTIAN) (BIBLICAL) COUNSELOR (Circle one)

GRADUATE AND POST GRADUATE LEVEL If you have held your Master’s degree for 5 years or if you hold a Doctoral Degree we will certify/license you at this level.

LICENSED PROFESSIONAL (PASTORAL) (CHRISTIAN) (BIBLICAL) COUNSELOR (Circle one)

TRACK 2: PASTORAL & CHRISTIAN THERAPY

Track two will be mainly for those Pastors and Christian Counselors or Therapists that work solely in the counseling field. Track two is also for those in ministry who have current state certification. We will grant a license to you if you have received a license from a state approved issuing agency. We will also grant license to you if unless we know that your state does not recognize private licensing and that you may not use that term. Since you are responsible for your own actions please check on this before you apply.

Some states do not recognize pastoral “therapists,” only pastoral “counselors.” If we know that your state has this law you must submit a letter stating that it is legal for you to carry the title of “therapist” before we can issue your certification with that term.

GRADUATE LEVEL if you hold a Master's Degree we will certify you at this level. This level is for Pastors and other Christian workers who have counseling and therapy as their main ministry.

CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL (PASTORAL) (CHRISTIAN) (BIBLICAL) THERAPIST (Circle one)

GRADUATE AND POST GRADUATE LEVEL If you hold a Master’s degree with 5 years experience or a Doctoral Degree we will certify or license you as a:

LICENSED PROFESSIONAL (PASTORAL) (CHRISTIAN) (BIBLICAL) THERAPIST (Circle one)

GRADUATE AND POST GRADUATE LEVEL If you hold a Master's degree with special training, a Doctoral Degree and your work is clinical, we will certify you as a:

LICENSED CLINICAL (PASTORAL) (CHRISTIAN) THERAPIST (Circle one)

ALL Marriage & Family Levels: $149.00

The American Association of Christian Therapists announces certification and license for those involved in Marriage and family counseling and therapy. The AACT requires a test for this level. Please submit an application with the appropriate fee and the AACT will send you a test. If you have questions please call the Granbury offices of the AACT.

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY PASTORAL COUNSELOR (Bachelor’s & Master’s level)

MARRIAGE AND FAMILY PASTORAL THERAPIST (Master’s & Doctoral level)

Several AACT members are head of their own schools of special counseling training. If you will send your students to the AACT for certification, at least three a year, your school may become a "Certified Academic Institution." Please check below for details.

Make Your School A Certified Academic Institution With AACT