ACPE Spiritual Care Specialist Program
*Previously named the Pastoral Care Specialist Program*
Next Live Sessions: March 18th to May 13th, 2025
The Spiritual Care Specialist (previously named the Pastoral Care Specialist) program is a 48-hour spiritually-integrated mental health training that provides the knowledge and skills that churches and communities need to help others effectively, ethically, and safely. The content of this course is applicable to spiritual caregivers as well as healthcare workers and healers in a variety of settings. It is also valuable for lay leaders, volunteers, or anyone else who wants to help others more effectively.
Issues and Topics Covered
Course Outcomes
After taking this program, you will be able to:
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About ACPE
The Spiritual Care Specialist program is a new curriculum developed by the Psychotherapy Commission of the Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) and the former American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC), which consolidated with ACPE in 2019. Prism Counseling has piloted seven offerings of the program so far.
Learn More About the SCS Program
The Spiritual Care Specialist Training Program was featured on Spiritual Care Today, the official podcast of the Journal of Pastoral Care & Counseling in an interview with Aaron Pawelek, co-chair of the program.
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Course Format
This offering of the program consists of two phases: the 1st Phase consists of pre-recorded self-paced modules (12 hours) with assigned homework (12 hours). The 2nd Phase consists of live groups sessions scheduled throughout the year and consisting of 24 hours. Phase 1 can be started 4 weeks before the live sessions begin.
This offering of the program consists of two phases: the 1st Phase consists of pre-recorded self-paced modules (12 hours) with assigned homework (12 hours). The 2nd Phase consists of live groups sessions scheduled throughout the year and consisting of 24 hours. Phase 1 can be started 4 weeks before the live sessions begin.
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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) There will be 8 weekly live sessions (totaling 20 hours) over the course of 9 weeks. Sessions will be conducted by Zoom. Students must have access to a computer with an internet connection in order to participate. All students must attend all live sessions in order to complete the program. Sessions will take place on the following dates and times:
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Course Cost
The entire training costs $600 which can either be paid upfront or paid in 4 monthly installments of $150 over the course of the program. Students can apply any time of the year and a $50 discount can be applied if the course is paid upfront in full. Course Completion Students must attend all live group trainings and finish all of the self-paced curriculum in order to complete the program and earn a Certificate of Completion. At the end of the course, students will receive a Certificate of Completion. For more information, read the course overview (syllabus) here: Read Course Overview (PDF) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is this course for?
This program is primarily for spiritual and pastoral caregivers in churches and faith communities. The training is also applicable to pastoral and faith-based counselors, spiritual directors, chaplains, and other healthcare workers and caregivers who work in community health and private practice settings.
2. Is this the same as CPE (Clinical Pastoral Education)?
No. This is a new continuing education that provides essential skills in spiritual care and mental health first aid for those working in parish and community settings. If you are looking to enroll in a unit of CPE, you can find an ACPE accredited CPE Center here.
3. Will this PROGRAM certify me to become a counselor?
No. ACPE does not certify counselors. You must hold a state-license in order to offer professional counseling and psychotherapy. A Certificate of Completion is offered to those who complete the course but only confirms the number of continuing education hours completed — it does not certify any profession itself. Any skills covered are meant to expand your existing expertise in pastoral care within your current context of work or ministry.
4. Is this is a christian-based training?
This is not specifically a Christian-based training, but is open to those of all faiths. ACPE provides interfaith professional education for theological students and ministers of all faiths (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.
5. Is the Class Online or in-Person?
The class is fully online and sessions will be conducted via Zoom. Students will also be able to access the self-paced material online.
6. DO I HAVE TO JOIN THE LIVE SESSIONS? CAN I JUST DO THE SELF-PACED MODULES?
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 in order 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.
7. HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The entire training costs $600, which can be paid in full (via Paypal) before the course begins, or paid in 4 monthly installments of $150 throughout the program. A $50 discount is available for those who choose to pay the full amount upfront.
8. Do I HAVE TO BE A PASTOR TO TAKE THIS COURSE?
Though this course was originally designed for clergy, churches, and faith communities, we have had healthcare workers, therapists, social workers, volunteers, community leaders and healers in a variety of settings also take the program and report on how much it helped them both professionally and personally in their work and care with other people.
Note from the Instructor
Rev. Tres Adames, MDiv, BCPC
Hi! My name is Tres Adames, and I have the pleasure of being your trainer for the Spiritual Care Specialist program. I am a Board Certified Pastoral Counselor and hold a Master of Divinity from Wesley Biblical Seminary, which laid the theological and pastoral foundation for my career. I also have a Bachelor of Arts in Media Communication from Asbury University where I studied art, theatre, radio, television, and film production. This unique blend of artistic and theological education has profoundly shaped my approach to teaching, counseling, and ministry.
As a result, I've always believed in the power of creativity as a tool for grasping complex concepts like spirituality and mental health. In this program, I integrate creative forms of teaching to make the learning experience both engaging and impactful. For example, I assign the viewing of certain movies that speak directly to core concepts we explore around spirituality and mental health. This method helps bridge theoretical knowledge with the emotional and empathetic understanding necessary for effective spiritual care.
Recognizing the importance of practical, hands-on experience, I've incorporated an innovative approach to helping students practice their new skills. Our program includes a live session we call our "practicum simulation" where we utilize professional actors to simulate authentic scenarios in real time. This provides students the opportunity to hone their newly acquired skills in an environment that mirrors real-life situations while ensuring a comfortable and secure setting for learning.
Before stepping into the role of your instructor, I served on faculty at Grand Canyon University in the College of Theology. I am a member of the ACPE Spiritual Care Specialist Task Force and have previously served on the ACPE Psychotherapy Commission in 2020 and 2021. I have been actively involved as a contributing writer, developer, and trainer for the ACPE Spiritual Care Specialist program since its very beginning. Currently, I am a pastoral counselor with Prism Counseling & Coaching in Phoenix, Arizona with 12 years of pastoral counseling experience working with clients of all ages dealing with various issues and life problems.
As a result, I've always believed in the power of creativity as a tool for grasping complex concepts like spirituality and mental health. In this program, I integrate creative forms of teaching to make the learning experience both engaging and impactful. For example, I assign the viewing of certain movies that speak directly to core concepts we explore around spirituality and mental health. This method helps bridge theoretical knowledge with the emotional and empathetic understanding necessary for effective spiritual care.
Recognizing the importance of practical, hands-on experience, I've incorporated an innovative approach to helping students practice their new skills. Our program includes a live session we call our "practicum simulation" where we utilize professional actors to simulate authentic scenarios in real time. This provides students the opportunity to hone their newly acquired skills in an environment that mirrors real-life situations while ensuring a comfortable and secure setting for learning.
Before stepping into the role of your instructor, I served on faculty at Grand Canyon University in the College of Theology. I am a member of the ACPE Spiritual Care Specialist Task Force and have previously served on the ACPE Psychotherapy Commission in 2020 and 2021. I have been actively involved as a contributing writer, developer, and trainer for the ACPE Spiritual Care Specialist program since its very beginning. Currently, I am a pastoral counselor with Prism Counseling & Coaching in Phoenix, Arizona with 12 years of pastoral counseling experience working with clients of all ages dealing with various issues and life problems.
Feedback from Previous Students
Here is what some of our actual students who have taken the course have to say about the program:
Frankie J.
“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.” 
Allison H.
“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.” 
Lawrence S.
“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 as well as a more proficient pastor, spiritual leader and counselor to various victims as well as my church members I encounter over the course of time. I would highly recommend this course of study to other clergy, as well as lay members.” 
H.H.
“The modules included opportunities to interact with other class members to put into practice what was learned.” 
Scott F.
“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 to better equip our church to love one another and welcome those in need of grace, love, and hope.” |
Anthony B.
“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, physically. You’ll be given great tools to help facilitate change in the lives of people that need it the most.” 
Grace S.
“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.” 
Olga W.
“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, where I am intentionally (or just as a listener) involved in pastoral care. This course was a stepping stone to go toward further studies in this field. I was inspired, encouraged, and confirmed in my ministry and want to use it with more effectiveness now. Thanks to all the the participants for being open and vulnerable in sharing at the group discussions, it was real and very encouraging.” 
Sweetie S.
“This class was so beneficial and rewarding to me as a servant of God. The instructor was so amazing. The way he taught the class, he explains the lessons thoroughly. It allowed me to learn and see things in a different perspective that I didn't know before. It enlightened my horizon and my thought process of how I will now analyze things as a pastoral counselor. I plan to use all of the material and resources that was given to me as a pastor and to better myself as a counselor. I would encourage you to take this class to empower yourself as a pastoral care specialist. You will not regret a moment of learning.” |