Christian counseling

Christian counseling represents a form of faith-based therapy integrating psychological principles and Christian beliefs. Health insurance providers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare, may cover licensed Christian counselors if the service meets their clinical and credential requirements.

Many insurance policies exclude coverage for pastoral counseling not provided by licensed mental health professionals. Anthem and Aetna consider coverage only if the provider holds state licensure as an LPC or LMFT, regardless of religious affiliation.

Providers verify benefits by checking CPT codes such as 90837 (individual psychotherapy) to determine eligibility under behavioral health provisions. Telehealth options for Christian counseling have become accessible via platforms like Amwell and BetterHelp, expanding in-network services since 2020, as explained by YourInsuranceInfo.

Out-of-pocket costs average $65–$150 per session without insurance reimbursement, according to the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC). EAPs (Employee Assistance Programs) sometimes include Christian counseling referrals for short-term support, documented in benefits handbooks.

Billing for couples or family sessions requires using correct diagnostic codes; most plans mandate documentation showing medical necessity for reimbursement. Credentialed Christian counselors often list accepted insurance on Psychology Today profiles, allowing consumers to compare covered services efficiently.

Several states require that insurance-eligible providers possess both clinical licenses and formal theological training before advertising Christian counseling services in directories.