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All accreditation
Denomination accreditation

Pacific Coast Presbytery

Presbyterian · Southern California

Accredits counselors serving any of its member churches, using one shared standard.

Presbytery Commissioned Counselor

Requirements

Training

  • Presbytery lay counseling certificate (60 hours), or a professional license
  • Specialist training for the area served, e.g. biblical financial counseling

Classes

  • Reformed theology and pastoral care (12 weeks)
  • Polity and ethics class for commissioned leaders

Ministry service

  • Two years serving as a deacon, elder or care team member
  • Lead a ministry in your church, such as a Bible study or budgeting class

Supervision

  • Assigned mentor from the presbytery’s care committee for one year

Character and faith

  • Commissioned by the session of a member church
  • Affirms the denomination’s confessional standards

Safeguarding

  • Background check
  • Presbytery safeguarding training every three years

Set by Pacific Coast Presbytery. FaithWellness publishes these as provided. Last updated May 11, 2026.

Renewal

Every three years, approved by the care committee.

How counselors apply

Your church’s session nominates you to the presbytery care committee.

Accredited counselors on FaithWellness