Best Master’s in Christian Counseling Programs Near Dallas, TX
Earning a Master's in Christian or Biblical Counseling allows you to combine clinical mental health expertise with biblically grounded care, serving individuals, couples, and families through both evidence-based and faith-centered approaches. For students in Dallas–Fort Worth (DFW), the area offers several accredited graduate programs, rich practicum opportunities, and thriving ministries that integrate psychology, theology, and spiritual formation.
In this article, you'll learn:
- What to expect from Christian and biblical counseling master's curricula.
- Key admission requirements for Dallas-area universities and seminaries.
- Local examples of clinical sites, ministries, and counseling centers.
- Career paths for Christian counselors across DFW hospitals, churches, and nonprofits.
- Practical comparisons of tuition, delivery formats, and licensure options.
2026 Best Master's in Christian Counseling Programs Near Dallas, TX
Dallas Baptist University
Dallas, TX - Private 4-year - dbu.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Christian Counseling
Online & Campus Based - Visit Website
Dallas Baptist University's Master of Arts in Christian Counseling is a 36-hour hybrid program that combines online and in-person learning, ideal for working professionals. It integrates biblical principles with psychological theory to prepare graduates for ministry-based counseling roles in churches and Christian organizations. This non-licensure track focuses on Christ-centered care and is taught by experienced faculty with real-world ministry insights. The program does not require an entrance exam, offering flexible scheduling for those balancing career and family commitments.
- 36-hour graduate program
- Non-licensure track
- Hybrid learning options
- Christ-centered curriculum
- Experienced faculty
- Flexible scheduling
- Focus on biblical principles
- Prepares for ministry roles
- Integration of theology and psychology
- Designed for working professionals
Dallas Theological Seminary
Dallas, TX - Private 4-year - dts.edu
Master's - Master of Arts in Counseling Ministries
Campus Based - Visit Website
Dallas Theological Seminary's Master of Arts in Counseling Ministries is a 66-hour campus program that integrates psychology best practices with biblical training for nonclinical roles in churches and ministries. Courses cover Bible exposition, systematic theology, and counseling ministries, emphasizing ethical standards, cultural competency, and recovery strategies. Available in Dallas, Houston, DC, Atlanta, and online, it provides financial aid and requires no entrance exam.
- 66 program hours
- Distance option available
- Dallas, Houston, DC, Atlanta, Online locations
- Integrates psychology and biblical training
- Nonclinical counseling focus
- 22 hours Bible Exposition
- 18 hours Systematic Theology
- 14 hours Counseling Ministries
- 12 hours electives
- Financial aid available
Master's - Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling
Campus Based - Visit Website
Dallas Theological Seminary's Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling is a campus-based program in Texas that blends deep theological understanding with practical skills for faith-based counseling. It prepares students to apply Scripture to contemporary challenges in churches, ministries, and counseling centers, requiring a bachelor's degree for admission and no entrance exam.
- Campus-based program.
- Focuses on biblical counseling.
- Requires bachelor's degree.
- Prepares for faith-based careers.
- Integrates theology and counseling.
Amberton University
Garland, TX - Private 4-year - amberton.edu
Master's - MS Family Studies | Christian Counseling Specialization
Concentration: Christian Counseling - Online Learning - Visit Website
Amberton University's MS in Family Studies with a Christian Counseling Specialization provides a 36-credit curriculum at $325 per credit, available fully online or in hybrid formats for flexibility. This program integrates counseling, human behavior, and development with a strong emphasis on Christian principles, preparing graduates for roles in social services, religious settings, and family education. It includes training in ethics, research, and interdisciplinary skills without requiring an entrance exam, making it accessible for working adults seeking an affordable, faith-based education.
- 36 credit hours.
- $325 per credit.
- 100% online or hybrid.
- Christian Counseling focus.
- Flexible for working adults.
- Interdisciplinary curriculum.
- Prepares for diverse careers.
- Ethics and research included.
- Family life education emphasis.
- Affordable tuition rates.
Why Dallas Is a Center for Christian Counseling Education
The Dallas metroplex is one of the most influential Christian education hubs in the country. Home to Dallas Theological Seminary (DTS), Dallas Baptist University (DBU), and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (SWBTS), the region attracts students from across the U.S. seeking faith-integrated graduate training.
Beyond academics, DFW hosts hundreds of counseling ministries, nonprofit service organizations, and healthcare networks that welcome Christian counselors. Students gain supervised field experience in environments that value spiritual as well as psychological healing, preparing them for both state licensure and ministry-based roles.
Notable local organizations that employ or host counseling interns include:
- Christian Works for Children (Dallas) – family, marriage, and grief counseling.
- The Hope Center (Plano) – multi-ministry campus with Christian counseling practices.
- Watermark Community Church (Dallas) – faith-based recovery and marriage programs.
- The Meadows Foundation and Momentous Institute – integration of psychology and community wellness.
- Texas Health Resources Behavioral Health and Baylor Scott & White Health – clinical mental health sites with spiritual care collaboration.
Explore counseling schools in Texas.
Admissions Overview
While admissions vary by institution, Dallas-area Christian counseling programs share several core expectations:
- Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university (psychology, theology, or social sciences preferred).
- Minimum GPA around 2.75–3.0.
- Statement of purpose or spiritual autobiography reflecting your call to counseling ministry.
- Letters of recommendation, often including one from a pastor or ministry leader.
- Interview or spiritual formation assessment to evaluate readiness for emotionally and spiritually demanding work.
- Some programs expect a clear testimony of faith in Christ and familiarity with Scripture.
Many students in the region are working professionals or ministry leaders, so programs often offer flexible evening, hybrid, or fully online options.
Curriculum and Coursework
Dallas-area master's in Christian counseling programs emphasize the integration of psychology and theology. Students learn to address mental health challenges with sensitivity to spiritual dimensions of healing.
Typical Core Coursework:
- Human Growth and Development
- Counseling Theories and Techniques (secular and biblical models)
- Marriage and Family Therapy
- Group Counseling
- Ethics and Legal Issues in Counseling
- Assessment and Diagnosis (DSM-5 and spiritually informed evaluation)
- Crisis and Trauma Counseling
- Integration of Theology and Psychology
- Faith and Human Suffering
- Counseling Practicum and Internship
Biblical Counseling Tracks
Some schools, especially seminaries, offer specializations in Biblical Counseling — focusing less on state licensure and more on Scripture-based pastoral care. These degrees prepare students for ministry counseling roles within churches, missionary organizations, or Christian nonprofits.
Clinical Mental Health or Licensure Tracks
For those pursuing Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) status in Texas, programs accredited by CACREP or equivalent provide the supervised clinical hours and academic content required by the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC).
Clinical and Practicum Experiences
Hands-on experience is vital in both clinical and biblical counseling tracks. Dallas offers an array of practicum and internship settings that bridge psychology and ministry:
- The Center for Integrative Counseling and Psychology (Dallas): Provides professional counseling informed by Christian values, serving children, families, and couples.
- Christian Counseling Associates of North Texas (Plano): Private practice placements focusing on trauma, marriage counseling, and spiritual growth.
- Watermark Community Church Counseling Ministry: Faith-based support groups, pre-marital counseling, and pastoral care internships.
- Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas: Integrated behavioral health units offering supervised clinical experience in medical and psychiatric settings.
- The Hope Center (Plano): Collaborative environment hosting several Christian counseling and family services nonprofits.
These sites allow students to build skills in assessment, treatment planning, and faith-sensitive interventions under licensed supervision.
What to Look For in a Master’s in Christian Counseling Program
| Factor | What to Consider | Dallas-Specific Insight |
| Program Focus | Clinical mental health vs. biblical/pastoral emphasis | DTS leans theological; DBU balances academic and spiritual; TWU and UNT emphasize licensure. |
| Accreditation | CACREP or SACSCOC | Needed for LPC eligibility in Texas. |
| Delivery Format | On-campus, hybrid, or online | Hybrid formats accommodate DFW commuters. |
| Field Placements | Partnerships with local clinics, ministries, or hospitals | Sites like Christian Works, Texas Health, and Watermark frequently host interns. |
| Cost & Financial Aid | Tuition, church scholarships, military benefits | DBU and SWBTS offer ministry grants and church partnerships. |
| Integration Approach | Biblical counseling, integrationist, or faith-friendly clinical model | Choose programs that align with your theology and counseling philosophy. |
Faith Integration in the Classroom
One hallmark of Christian counseling education in Dallas is how faith shapes not only content but community. Professors at institutions like Dallas Theological Seminary and Dallas Baptist University are often practicing Christian counselors themselves, helping students reflect Christ's compassion while maintaining professional clinical standards.
Students engage in Scripture-based discussions, case studies involving spiritual crises, and supervised prayerful reflection alongside coursework in clinical assessment and diagnosis. This blend helps future counselors serve clients holistically, addressing mind, body, and spirit.
Career Pathways for Graduates
Graduates from Christian counseling programs in Dallas pursue diverse career paths, depending on whether their degree is clinically or biblically oriented.
Common Roles:
- Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in Texas.
- Pastoral or Church Counselor in local congregations.
- Faith-Based Private Practitioner integrating Christian worldview with clinical methods.
- Nonprofit or Ministry Counselor addressing trauma, grief, addiction, or family crises.
- Academic or Seminary Faculty teaching pastoral care, psychology, or counseling.
Example Employers Across DFW
| Employer Type | Examples | Role Focus |
| Faith-Based Counseling Centers | The Center for Integrative Counseling, Christian Counseling Associates | Marriage, family, and trauma counseling |
| Hospitals/Behavioral Health Systems | Baylor Scott & White, Texas Health Resources | Integrated mental health and spiritual care |
| Church Ministries | Watermark Community Church, Prestonwood Baptist, Fellowship Church | Pastoral and small group counseling |
| Nonprofits & Missions | Christian Works for Children, Buckner International | Family restoration, grief support, crisis response |
| Universities & Seminaries | DBU, DTS, SWBTS | Faculty, mentor, or practicum supervisor roles |
Tuition, Financial Aid, and Flexible Scheduling
Graduate study can be expensive, but DFW institutions provide multiple pathways for affordability:
- Faith-Based Scholarships: DBU and SWBTS offer discounts for ministry workers, pastors, and missionary dependents.
- Employer Tuition Reimbursement: Many Christian schools partner with churches for partial tuition coverage.
- Veterans & Military Benefits: Dallas-area schools actively serve veterans through Yellow Ribbon participation.
- Flexible Schedules: Hybrid formats and evening classes at DBU or DTS allow students to maintain full-time work or ministry.
Approximate tuition across local Christian counseling programs ranges between $600 and $1,000 per credit hour, depending on institution and delivery format.
Licensure & Certification in Texas
To become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas:
- Complete a CACREP-accredited or equivalent 60-credit master's degree in counseling.
- Accumulate 300 practicum hours (100 direct client contact).
- Pass the National Counselor Examination (NCE).
- Fulfill 3,000 supervised post-graduate hours under an LPC-S.
- Apply through the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC).
Faith-based graduates pursuing non-licensure biblical counseling roles often seek certification through organizations such as:
- Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC)
- International Association of Biblical Counselors (IABC)
- American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC)
These pathways prepare students for service in churches, parachurch organizations, and missionary counseling contexts.
Application Tips for Prospective Students
To strengthen your application to a Dallas-area Christian counseling program:
- Share how your faith journey influences your call to counseling.
- Highlight volunteer or ministry experience (youth ministry, grief support, small group leadership).
- Discuss local connections (e.g., current service at a DFW church or nonprofit).
- If seeking LPC licensure, confirm your program's CACREP or BHEC approval.
- Attend information sessions at Dallas institutions to meet faculty and clarify your vocational goals.
Example Christian Counseling Internship Sites in the DFW Region
| Type of Setting | Site Example | Key Experience |
| Church-Based Counseling Ministry | Watermark Community Church | Biblical counseling, small group facilitation, pastoral mentorship |
| Private Faith-Based Practice | Christian Counseling Associates of North Texas | Clinical therapy with Christian integration |
| Hospital / Healthcare System | Texas Health Resources Behavioral Health | Mental health treatment, chaplain collaboration |
| Community Counseling Center | The Center for Integrative Counseling & Psychology | Individual, couples, and trauma counseling |
| Nonprofit / Family Services | Christian Works for Children | Child & family counseling, grief support |
FAQs
Q: Can I become a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) through a Christian counseling program?
A: Yes, if the program is CACREP-accredited or meets Texas BHEC standards. For instance, Dallas Baptist University's M.A. in Counseling program fulfills LPC academic requirements, while also offering courses in Christian worldview integration.
Q: Are there internship sites that combine faith and mental health care?
A: Absolutely. The Hope Center (Plano) hosts multiple Christian counseling ministries under one roof, including grief recovery and marriage programs. Similarly, Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital integrates spiritual care into its behavioral health units, allowing LPC-track students to collaborate with chaplains.
Q: Can I specialize in marriage and family therapy from a Christian perspective?
A: Yes. Programs at DBU and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary offer concentrations in marriage, family, and premarital counseling, blending systemic theory with biblical principles.
Q: What's the difference between "Christian Counseling" and "Biblical Counseling"?
A: Christian Counseling typically integrates faith with modern psychological science and often leads to state licensure. Biblical Counseling is ministry-based, relying solely on Scripture as the foundation for care, and usually does not pursue clinical licensure.
