The Pastoral Counselor as Mental Health Professional: A Comparison of the Training of AAPC Fellow Pastoral Counselors and Licensed Clinical Social Workers

Abstract

Compares the academic and clinical training requirements for Fellow level members of the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC) with those of Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs). Concludes from the empirical findings that AAPC Fellows receive more education, clinical training, and continued supervision than do Licensed Clinical Social Workers. Notes a need for additional and similar types research comparing education and clinical requirements of pastoral counselors with those of other mental health professionals.