The following questions are suggested as a guide for determining if a counselor is supportive of your Christian faith and values, and if they have the expertise to help you. Not every question will apply to your situation, so please use the list at your discretion. (Lutheran Mental Health Initiative – March 2008)
- Do you use Scriptures/the Word of God in your counseling?
- Do the concepts of sin and grace influence your counseling approach? If so, how?
- What role does forgiveness have in your counseling?
- What value do you place on traditional marriage?
- How do you deal with issues related to homosexuality?
- How would you proceed with counseling when divorce is the issue?
- What are your views on the value of human life?
- Unborn children
- End of life issues
- Euthanasia
- What process do you use when dealing with addictions?
- What style of counseling do you use?
- Roles: What kind of partnership do you see occurring between yourself, as you provide emotional counsel, and a pastor who provides spiritual counsel?
- Confidentiality: What is your policy on confidentiality?
- Expertise: What areas of expertise or special training do you have? For example, marriage and family therapy, addictions/substance abuse; grief.
- Medications: Do you prescribe medications? Do you help people manage their medications?
- Community Mental Health Resources: Do you network with mental health supports and resources in the community? Do you refer clients to these resources?
- Payment: What are your fees? Do you accept third party payment or do you have a sliding fee scale? What insurance do you accept?
- Hours: When are you available for counseling? What about after office hours or in cases of emergencies?