Biblical Counseling Certification Program
Sharing the Very Best in Faith-based Education
Biblical Counseling Certification Classes are open for Enrollment for the
2026 Spring Cohort & Classes
Use the Inquiry Form below to request an application packet.
The Biblical Counseling Certification program at Higher Hopes Institute is designed as a comprehensive, comprehension-based program, emphasizing a deep understanding of faith-based integration modalities based on Biblical principles and drawing upon psychological themes in addition to a nouthetic
Christ-centered approach.
Through our comprehensive approach, students develop theologically-centered critical thinking skills and apply Biblically-based psychological concepts and methods of care to real-world scenarios, fostering applicable Scriptural implementation, academic knowledge, and personal development while creating
Kingdom-building counseling ministries throughout the world.
Full Certification Program Classes:
All classes can be taken on demand;
As the HHI CBC program grows,
We will release the following classes:
Classes are 8-10 weeks of instruction, with 10-12 weeks to complete assignments and work
except for Bible Cache.**
Introduction to Counseling
Marriage, Betrayal, & Pre-Marital Counseling
Biblical Pastoral Counseling
Grief/Loss and Life Transitions
Adolescent/Child/Youth Issues
Anger/Abuse (incl. Spiritual)/Control Issues
Special Issues: Women's Issues/Men's Issues/Veterans/First Responders/Addiction/Suicide/Etc.
Bible Research Cache (** this class runs throughout program duration)
(scroll down for course summaries)
Class Structure:
Classes will be available on demand with a hybrid in-person option.
Only two classes plus Bible Cache are allowed at one time.
Full Load Program Length:
4 Semesters - 15-16 Months
Half Load Program Length:
8 Semesters 2+ years
Classes include:
Weekly Pre-recorded Lectures
Weekly Virtual Professor-Led Discussions
Essays/Discussion Posts/Peer Review
Application Principles/Case Studies
Supplemental Resources (Videos/Discussions/Tools)
Tuition:
$165 per class (textbooks not included)
Payment plan is allowed
$45 Registration & Matriculation Fees
$25 Technology Fee (one-time fee at the beginning of the program)
$45 Graduation/Certification Fee (not required until program completion)
Program Leadership & Faculty:
Erin Kincaid PhD, MA, BCBC
Jenna Meister, MS, LPC, CLC
If you are ready to proceed, please complete the Enrollment Inquiry Form below.
You will receive the application to enroll in your email account.
Biblical Counseling Class Summaries
Semester 1 - Introduction to Counseling: An Integrated Model (10 weeks)
Introduction to Psychology is a foundational class for beginners in the counseling world. In this class, students will explore behavioral science, neuropathology, and theoretical approaches to working with people in a counseling setting as well as gain an understanding of the history and development of this exciting field.
Semester 1 - Marriage, Betrayal & Pre-Marital Counseling (10 weeks)
Marriage, Betrayal & Pre-Marital Counseling explores the integration of theoretical approaches to working with couples. In this class, students will learn and discuss healthy/effective communication, conflict management, intergenerational patterns of trauma, emotional and sexual intimacy, and the process of grief and healing after betrayal. We will also evaluate societal and cultural norms that affect relationship behaviors.
Semester 2 - Biblical Pastoral Counseling (10 weeks)
The church has a bittersweet history of handling the counseling arena. The Bible continues to prove and support evidence-based theoretical approaches and research. This class will focus on what it means to counsel from a biblical, faith-based perspective while understanding how to handle the infallible Word of God correctly and accurately in the counseling office.
Semester 2 - Grief/Loss and Life Transitions (10 weeks)
Grief, loss, and life transitions are both beautiful and hard. While change is necessary, the process of grief is just as essential. This class will focus on how to counsel individuals through some of the hardest seasons of their lives while gently pointing back to our hope in Christ.
Semester 3 - Adolescent/Child/Youth Issues (10 weeks)
Adolescent/Child/Youth Issues offers a faith-based look at age-appropriate emotional, spiritual, mental, and physical development. Students will learn and discuss how to meet the needs of today's youth in their ever-changing culture of societal norms, technology, personal belief systems, education, and family dynamics.
Semester 3 - Anger/Abuse (incl. Spiritual)/Control Issues (10 weeks)
In this class, students will explore the roots of and the damage of anger and abuse in relationships, families, and the church. We will learn and discuss what it means to identify anger issues and how to lead individuals on the road to self-awareness, healing, and Christ-centered personal growth.
Semester 4 - Speciality Issues: Women's Issues/Men's Issues/Veterans/First Responders/Addiction/Suicide/Etc. (10 weeks)
This class will help expose students to various special topics and service populations, preparing them for scenarios they may encounter in their ministry.
Program Duration Class: Bible Research Cache (Class begins Semester 1 and runs through Semester 4)
A continual pursuit of greater biblical understanding is key to Biblically-based counseling. We take contextual knowledge seriously. Therefore, students are asked to gain a deeper understanding of the text. For this program, students are asked to read every Bible book once through, notating key Scriptures and passages that will assist them on a counseling platform.