ACPE Spiritual Care Specialist Program
Enrolling Now for Spring 2026 (March 10th — May 5th, 2026)
The Spiritual Care Specialist program is a 48-hour spiritually-integrated mental health training. Previously known as the Pastoral Care Specialist program, this course is designed for pastors, community leaders, and caregivers of all types to equip them with the knowledge and skills to help others effectively, ethically, and safely.
This program explores complex topics such as addiction, grief, domestic violence, spiritual struggles, and mental illness. It offers practical tools for providing trauma-informed spiritual care, addressing harmful spirituality, and fostering resilience in those navigating mental health challenges and spiritual struggles. Incorporating a person’s beliefs into care can be a powerful source of healing. Ideal for a diverse range of caregivers, including pastors, community leaders, healthcare workers, volunteers, and anyone serving in care-focused roles within their communities. 
Modules and Topics Covered
Course OutcomesAfter taking this program, you will be able to:
Course FormatThis intensive format offering of the program consists of two phases: the 1st Phase consists of pre-recorded self-paced modules with assigned homework (28 hours). The 2nd Phase consists of scheduled live group sessions consisting of 20 hours. Phase 1 can be started anytime before the live sessions begin.
Phase 1: Self-Paced Material (28 hours) In addition to the live sessions, students will be required to watch pre-recorded lectures (16 hours total) at a time that is convenient for them, but encouraged to keep pace with the corresponding material of the live sessions. The final 12 hours consist of homework assignments and personal reflection exercises that are also self-paced. No additional books are required and all materials will be provided. Newly enrolled students are able to access the self-paced material immediately in advance if they sign up early before the live sessions. Phase 2: Live Sessions (20 hours) Sessions will be conducted by Zoom. Students must have access to a computer with an internet connection in order to participate. Students must attend all sessions in order to finish the program requirements. Upcoming CohortWe are currently enrolling for Spring 2026. Live sessions will take place Tuesdays, March 10th—May 5th, 2026 (not meeting April 7th):
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)Who is this training for?
This program is designed for pastors, faith leaders, as well as anyone in a caregiving role, including counselors, chaplains, spiritual directors, nurses, social workers, healthcare professionals, and community volunteers. It is applicable for those working in local churches and faith communities, as well as community organizations, hospitals, and nonprofit sectors
Is this a Christian-based training?
This training is not based on any specific religion; it is open to individuals of all faiths, belief systems, or worldviews. ACPE provides interfaith professional education for spiritual caregivers and students from diverse traditions, including pastors, priests, rabbis, imams, and others. Students will have the opportunity to apply the skills they learn in this course to their own theological and spiritual formation, and are encouraged to share this process with other students insofar as they are respectful of any varying viewpoints of their fellow students.
Do I have to do the live sessions?
The Spiritual Care Specialist program was specifically designed to be a training where concepts are unpacked and explored through group interaction and participation. Since the material consists of concepts that need to be applied practically in person, the group sessions allow for students to dive deeper, ask questions, practice skills, and learn directly from the instructor and from one another. Students must attend all live group sessions in addition to finishing the self-paced curriculum to earn the Certificate of Completion. If you would like to only audit the course and simply have access to the self-paced video lectures, you can do so for a reduced enrollment fee but will not be eligible to earn the Certificate of Completion.
Is this the same as CPE?
No, this is not the same as CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education), which is the educational program for professional chaplains. While chaplains may find this program valuable, it is a continuing education program specifically designed to expand access to training for all caregivers, including those in professional and volunteer roles across various contexts. If you are looking to enroll in a unit of CPE, you can find an ACPE-accredited CPE center near you at: acpe.edu. If you are looking for a program that is online, check out Buen Vivir Online CPE, which is an an ACPE-accredited online CPE program.
Will this certify me to be a counselor?
No. ACPE does not certify counselors. Providing professional counseling or psychotherapy requires a state license. The practice of pastoral counseling varies by state; some require licensure, while others, like Arizona, require ordination from a legally recognized church but not a license. This program does not train counselors but equips participants with skills for mental health first aid and supportive care. These skills are meant to enhance your work, ministry, or volunteer service. It offers a certificate of completion for continuing education hours but does not certify or license any profession.
What is The Cost?
The training costs $600, reflecting the depth and quality of this 48-hour program. Written by experienced therapists and taught by seasoned counselors specializing in pastoral counseling and spiritually-integrated psychotherapy, this course equips participants with advanced skills in spiritual care. We also have a payment plan where you can pay for the program with four monthly payments of $150.
About the Instructor Rev. Tres Adames, MDiv, BCPC
Hi! My name is Tres Adames, and I’m excited to be your trainer for the Spiritual Care Specialist program. I have been a pastoral counselor and educator for over 13 years. I hold a Master of Divinity, which laid the foundation for my work in pastoral ministry, and a Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication, including studies in art, theatre, radio, television, and film production. Both fields inform my creative and practical approach to teaching, allowing me to present complex topics in engaging and accessible ways.
In this program, we’ll explore spiritually-integrated caregiving through creative tools like film reflections and an innovative practicum simulation where you will have the chance to roleplay caregiving scenarios with professional actors. This hands-on approach bridges theoretical insights with real-world practice, empowering you to provide effective, compassionate care. I’ve been involved with ACPE since this program’s inception, serving on the Spiritual Care Specialist Task Force and the Psychotherapy Commission. I’m passionate about expanding access to inclusive mental health care and look forward to guiding you through this transformative journey. 
|
The Spiritual Care Specialist program is a continuing education offering from ACPE: The Standard for Spiritual Care & Education, also known as the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education. This program is developed by the ACPE Psychotherapy Commission, which continues the legacy of the former American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC), which is now consolidated into ACPE.
ACPE is the nation’s leading organization for spiritual care education, setting the highest standards for chaplaincy training in hospitals and clinical settings. For decades, it stood as the only U.S. Department of Education-recognized accreditor for Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), cementing its reputation as the gold standard in spiritual care training. This program is not Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), but reflects ACPE’s commitment to providing high-quality, spiritual care training. It equips providers to integrate spirituality into mental health care effectively and ethically, honoring the beliefs of those they serve. Listen to Learn More
The Spiritual Care Specialist Training Program was featured on Spiritual Care Today, the official podcast of the Journal of Pastoral Care Publications, in a discussion between Aaron Pawelek and Tres Adames, developers of the program. Listen now:
Student Reviews"Probably the best pastoral care program I've completed. I was able to implement what I learned immediately into my local community. I would recommend this program to anyone who wants to grow stronger in service and devotion." —Frankie J.
"This is one of the best courses I have ever taken. Tres is knowledgeable and articulate. I plan to use the material in my counseling practice and also in my job as a crisis intervention specialist. Even though I have had classes before regarding pastoral care, there is always something new to learn. The group sessions helped everyone learn from each other as well. I have worked in the mental health field for some years now and can truthfully say this is some of the best training I have had. You can never learn too much." --Allison H. "This course I found to be very challenging as well as very rewarding to me in my personal pursuit of becoming a more effective and resourceful pastor, spiritual leader, and counselor. I would highly recommend this course of study to other clergy, as well as lay members." --Lawrence S. "The modules included opportunities to interact with other class members to put into practice what was learned." --H.H. "The Pastoral Care Specialist class was invaluable in getting me beyond my church-centered assumptions and more keenly equipped to help in the healing process of the 'whole person'—no matter who they are. Renewing my paradigm of my role as caregiver and the role of the faith community will help me be a more effective caregiver and better equip our church to love one another and welcome those in need of grace, love, and hope." --Scott F. "Great course, a wealth of knowledge. I recommend this course to everyone that has a desire and a heart to see others change in their lives spiritually, emotionally, and physically. You’ll be given great tools to help facilitate change in the lives of people that need it the most." --Anthony B. "This program was so helpful, in that it prepared me with the skills I needed to assist in pastoral counseling in my teaching ministry. I enjoyed the interactions with my fellow colleagues, especially when we were assigned to different rooms to work in group discussions. Instructor Tres was very engaging and made the course enjoyable. If you are debating on enrolling in this Pastoral Care Specialist program, just do so—it will provide the appropriate skills needed to help others effectively, ethically, and with loving care." --Grace S. "I took this course to have a better professional understanding and to have some tools at hand for my role as our pastor's wife. This course was a stepping stone toward further studies in this field. I was inspired, encouraged, and confirmed in my ministry. Thanks to all the participants for being open and vulnerable in sharing during group discussions—it was real and very encouraging." --Olga W. "This class was so beneficial and rewarding to me as a servant of God. The instructor was amazing, explaining the lessons thoroughly and helping me see things from a new perspective. I plan to use all the material and resources as a pastor and counselor. I encourage you to take this class to empower yourself as a pastoral care specialist. You will not regret a moment of learning." --Sweetie S." |
Now Enrolling and Accepting Applications
Ready to get started? Click the link below to start your application.