Sofia Christian University

Sofia Christian University (SCU) is proud to announce that its School of Psychology and Counseling has been officially licensed and recognized by the US Agency for Christian Counseling Credentials & Accreditation (USACCCA).

This recognition affirms SCU’s commitment to the highest standards of academic excellence, ethical integrity, and professional preparation for Christian counselors. Through this licensure, the School of Psychology and Counseling continues its mission of equipping students with both clinical competence and a Christ-centered worldview, preparing graduates to serve with distinction in counseling, ministry, and community leadership.

​LICENSING & CERTIFICATION APPLICATION

US Agency for Christian Counseling Credentials and Accreditation

LICENSED CHRISTIAN CLINICAL COUNSELOR
Upon verification of documentation and payment of a fee not to exceed $150, as set by board rule, plus the actual per applicant cost to the agency for the administration of the exam:
(a)  Has made application there for and paid the appropriate fee.
(b)1.  Has a minimum of an earned DOCTORATE'S DEGREE from a Christian Psychology or Christian Counseling accredited program.  Educational Programs that consist of at least 90 semester hours or 120 quarter hours of clinical and didactic instruction, including a course in human sexuality and a course in substance abuse. If the doctorate's degree is earned from a program related to the practice of mental health counseling that is not accredited 

Programs, then the coursework and practicum, internship, or fieldwork must consist of at least 90 semester hours or 120 quarter hours and meet the following requirements:
a.  Thirty-three semester hours or 44 quarter hours of graduate coursework, which must include a minimum of 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours of graduate-level coursework in each of the following 13 content areas: Christian counseling theories and practice; human growth and development; diagnosis and treatment of psychopathology; human sexuality; Christian group theories and practice; individual evaluation and assessment; career and lifestyle assessment; research and program evaluation; social and cultural foundations; counseling in community settings; substance abuse. Theological dimensions of Christian counseling; Christian thought and faith; Courses in research, thesis or dissertation work, practicum, internships, or fieldwork may not be applied toward this requirement.
b.  A minimum of 3 semester hours or 4 quarter hours of graduate-level coursework in legal, ethical, and professional standards issues in Christian clinical counseling practice, which includes goals, objectives, and practices of Christian  counseling organizations, codes of ethics, legal considerations, standards of preparation, certifications and licensing, and the role identity and professional obligations of Christian clinical counselors..
c.  The equivalent, as determined by the board, of at least 800 hours of university-sponsored supervised clinical practicum, internship, or field experience. This experience may not be used to satisfy the post-doctorate's clinical experience requirement.
2.  If the course title which appears on the applicant's transcript does not clearly identify the content of the coursework, the applicant shall be required to provide additional documentation, including, but not limited to, a syllabus or catalog description published for the course.                                       
Education and training in Christian counseling must have been received in an institution of higher education which at the time the applicant graduated was: fully accredited.
(c)  Has had not less than 2 years of clinical experience in Christian Counseling, which must be at the post-doctorate's level under the supervision of a licensed Christian Clinical counselor or the equivalent who is a qualified supervisor as determined by the board.
​

LICENSING & CERTIFICATION APPLICATION

The US Agency for Christian Counseling Credentials and Accreditation grants the following Christian Licenses and certifications based on the interested individual meeting the qualifications as set by the US Agency for Christian
Counseling Credentials and Accreditation Licensing & Certification’ Board.

Licensing & Certification Categories

Category	Degree Level	Fee	Notes
Licensed Christian Clinical Counselor	Doctoral, Master	$150.00	Must prove clinical hours under supervision
Licensed Christian Counselor	Master	$150.00	Must prove clinical hours under supervision
Licensed Christian Marriage and Families Counselor	Bachelor	$150.00	Must prove clinical hours under supervision
Licensed Pastoral Counselor	Bachelor	$100.00	Must prove clinical hours under supervision
Clinically Certified Domestic Violence Counselor	Bachelor	$150.00	Must prove clinical hours under supervision
Certified Christian Clinical Counselor	Associate	$75.00	Must prove clinical hours under supervision
Certified Christian Counselor	Associate	$75.00
Certified Christian Marriage and Families Counselor	Associate	$75.00
Certified Pastoral Counselor	Associate	$75.00
Certified Christian Temperament Counselor	Associate	$75.00
Certified Professional Life Coach	Associate	$75.00

US Agency for Christian Counseling Credential & Accreditation (USACCCA)

Vision

To Advance the Practice of Christian Counseling as an Effective Therapeutic Modality.

Mission

To utilize Christian Counseling as a modality to teach, restore, and preserve individuals and families in crisis.

---

About USACCCA

The US Agency for Christian Counseling Credential and Accreditation (USACCCA) is a no for Profit Organization established with the following purposes:

• To promote and provide Specialized Ministry Identified for Christian Counselors.
• To promote uniformed code of ethical standards of training and practice for Christian Counselors.
• To promote relevant education and effective prevention programs.
• Integrate the science of psychology and theology in a holistic approach for the emotional, psychological, and social problems of human being.
• To establish minimum qualifications to entering, into and remaining in the specialized ministry of Christian Counseling.
• To establish minimum educational requirements for Christian Counselors to entering into and remaining in the Specialized Ministry of Christian Counseling.

Florida Statute 491.014 — Exemptions

Legality of Our Titles

No provision of this chapter shall be construed to limit the performance of activities of a rabbi, priest, minister, or member of the clergy of any religious denomination or sect, or use of the terms “Christian counselor” or “Christian clinical counselor” when the activities are within the scope of the performance of his or her regular or specialized ministerial duties and no compensation is received by him or her, or when such activities are performed, with or without compensation, by a person for or under the auspices or sponsorship, individually or in conjunction with others, of an established and legally cognizable church, denomination, or sect, and when the person rendering service remains accountable to the established authority thereof.

This excerpt is provided for informational purposes to clarify title usage under Florida law. Organizations and practitioners should consult legal counsel for specific applications.

USACCCA Code of Ethics

Principle I – Prologue

The US Agency for Christian Counseling Credentials & Accreditation requires that any person seeking license or certification with this agency read this code of ethics and agree to be governed by it. The USACCCA is committed to the various theologies, traditions, and values of our faith communities and the dignity and worth of each. We are dedicated to advancing the welfare of those who seek our assistance and to the maintenance of high standards of professional conduct and competence. We are accountable for our specialized ministry whatever the setting. This accountability is expressed in relationships with clients, colleagues, students, our faith communities, and through the acceptance and practice of the principles and procedures of this Code of Ethics.

• To maintain in good standing our ministerial credential with the faith group in which we have ecclesiastical standing.
• To avoid discriminating against or refusing employment, educational opportunity, or professional assistance to anyone according to their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or national origin. To ensure that nothing herein shall limit a licensed Christian or Pastoral Counselor or a Christian Counseling Center from utilizing religious requirements or exercising a religious preference in employment decisions.
• To remain abreast of new developments in the field through both educational activities and clinical experience. We agree to participate in continuing education and to accumulate at least 40 continuing education units per year.
• To seek out and engage in collegial relationships, recognizing that isolation can lead to a loss of perspective and judgment.
• To manage our personal lives in a healthful fashion and to seek appropriate assistance for our personal problems or conflicts.
• To diagnose or provide treatment only for those problems or issues that are within the reasonable boundaries of our specialized ministry and competence.
• To establish and maintain appropriate professional relationship boundaries.

Principle II – Professional Practices

In all professional matters at The USACCCA, we are required to maintain practices that protect the public and advance the profession.

• We use our spiritual and professional knowledge for the benefit of the people we serve and not to secure an unfair personal advantage.
• Fees and financial arrangements, as with all contractual matters, are always discussed at the onset and are established in a Christian and professional manner.
• We are prepared to render service to individuals, families, groups, and communities in crisis without regard to financial remuneration when necessary.
• We neither receive nor pay a commission for referral of a client. Upon transfer or sale of a counseling practice or its assets, the privacy and well-being of the client shall be of primary concern.
• We represent facts truthfully to clients, referral sources, and third parties regarding credentials and services rendered, and correct any misrepresentation.
• We do not malign colleagues or other professionals.

Principle III – Client Relationships

The USACCCA requires that Christian and Pastoral Counselors maintain relationships with clients in a Christian, ethical, and professional manner.

• We do not abandon or neglect clients. If unable or unwilling to continue, reasonable efforts are made to arrange continuation of treatment.
• We make only realistic statements regarding the counseling process and its outcome.
• We respect the moral, social, and religious standards of clients, avoiding imposing our beliefs though expressing them when appropriate.
• Counseling relationships are continued only as long as clients are benefiting.
• We avoid exploiting the trust and dependency of clients and avoid dual relationships (business, close personal) that could impair judgment.
• We do not engage in harassment, abuse, coercion, or exploitative behavior with clients or former clients.
• All forms of sexual behavior or harassment with clients are unethical, even when invited or consented.
• Sexual behavior or harassment with former clients is also unethical due to power imbalance.

Principle IV – Confidentiality

As members of USACCCA, we respect the integrity and protect the welfare of all persons with whom we are working and have an obligation to safeguard information obtained in counseling.

• All client records are stored or disposed of securely.
• We treat all communications from clients with professional confidence.
• We use only case numbers in supervision or consultation unless identity is essential.
• We do not disclose client information except as mandated by law, in emergencies, for supervision, or with written consent.
• Written permission must be obtained from all parties present in multi-person counseling before disclosure.
• We obtain written consent before recording or allowing third-party observation of sessions.
• We intervene when necessary (e.g., in cases of abuse of minors, elderly, disabled, or incompetent).

Principle V – Public Statements

USACCCA does not make public statements which contain any of the following:

• False, fraudulent, misleading, deceptive, or unfair statements.
• Misrepresentation of fact or partial disclosure of relevant facts.
• Client testimonials regarding services or products.
• Statements creating unjustified expectations of favorable results.
• Sensational, exaggerated, or misleading claims of unique abilities.
• Exploitation of a client’s fears, anxieties, or emotions.
• Comparisons of desirability of services.
• Direct solicitation of individual clients.

We do not compensate representatives of media for publicity. Paid advertisements must be identified as such. Advertisements must be pre-recorded and approved, and their recordings retained.

Announcements of workshops, seminars, or groups must clearly state their purpose, describe experiences to be provided, and specify the qualifications of providers. Research solicitations must disclose nature, costs, obligations, and risks to participants.