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The Graduate Certificate in Mental Health and Wellness with an Emphasis in Christian Ministry at Grand Canyon University can prepare those with a servant’s heart and passion for helping others to pursue a career in mental health ministry. In this graduate certificate program, you will be guided to develop a foundation in biblical knowledge and theological wisdom within the context of mental health and wellness.
This experience introduces concepts of human nature from a Christian perspective with a focus on cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, mental, social and spiritual motivations. You can become familiar with research and best practices in mental health and wellness as they relate to human resilience, recovery and functioning.
GCU’s interactive digital learning platform can serve as a supportive community where you can collaborate with peers and interact with faculty. Online learning allows you to study at times and locations that are convenient for you.
With an emphasis on Christian ministry, this online graduate certificate in mental health and wellness introduces you to the relationship between Christian theology and psychological theories.
You can experience courses that allow you to gain competencies in these areas of focus from a Christian perspective:
As a Christ-centered university, GCU integrates faith into coursework, learning experiences and academic settings. Therefore, you will be taught from a biblically rooted curriculum based on GCU’s Christian worldview, which can enhance the study of psychology and its connection to theology in this program.
This graduate certificate in mental health and wellness with an emphasis in Christian ministry begins with the topic of mental health and Christian theology. You will examine a theology of suffering from a biblical perspective, along with social issues within a ministry setting.
The online certificate courses in mental health conclude with an examination of how to develop a practical ministry plan that addresses the needs of those seeking help to cope with life stressors.
Progressing through the Christian ministry courses, you will explore:
Intersecting Perspectives
The historical intersection of faith and science and the application to a contemporary setting
Health in Service
The physical, emotional and spiritual health of the Christian helper
Ministry and Balance
How self-care is an important aspect of maintaining a balanced approach to ministry
Maintaining Vitality
How to maintain vitality through healthy practices (examine concepts of burnout, compassion fatigue and vicarious traumatization)
No program of study can guarantee a specific career outcome, and some careers may require additional academic credentials or licensure. However, potential career opportunities for those who complete this certificate in mental health online may be available in various fields.
These fields include:
Human services
Community mental health
Health and wellness
Ministry
While this certificate does not lead to licensure, you may choose to apply your knowledge to a master’s program in Christian counseling, clinical mental health counseling, mental health and wellness, or psychology to help position yourself for possible career advancement within a Christian helping profession.
Before enrolling in a graduate certificate in mental health online, it’s important to ensure that the school you choose is accredited. GCU proudly maintains our institutional accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission, prioritizing our commitment to quality education.
As you plan your career pathway, you should take some time to do some research so you can make informed decisions. Use the following frequently asked questions and answers to guide your research.
The Christian faith teaches that followers were made in God’s image, and yet humans are, by nature, imperfect. The Bible does not condemn those who struggle with anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. Rather, it often calls for compassion. Consider these verses:1
Licensure requirements for mental health counselors vary from state to state. You should research the requirements for the state in which you plan to work before enrolling in an educational program. In general, all mental health counselors who work in private practice or agency settings must be licensed. An aspiring counselor pursuing licensure must obtain a master’s degree and complete supervised clinical experience hours. You would also need to pass a state-approved licensure exam and maintain your license by completing annual continuing education courses.2
These online certificate courses in mental health do not lead to licensure as a mental health counselor. However, you may decide to earn a graduate certificate in mental health if you would like to pursue non-licensure positions or if you would like to add to your existing credentials if you’re already a licensed counselor. The curriculum is designed to teach you to bring the compassion of the Christian faith and a biblical perspective to your work.
Recovering from mental health challenges from a biblical perspective can be about pursuing the wholeness of self and self-acceptance, rather than trying to “fix” oneself. It could be argued that attempting to create a “better version” of oneself is born of external motivators and can even serve to reinforce negative self-talk. Remember that Jesus accepted sinners as they were.3
Additional Christian principles that pertain to mental health recovery include:4
Examine mental health and wellness from a Christian perspective. Apply today for enrollment in GCU’s graduate certificate in mental health, available via online courses.
Visit the "State Disclosures" section on the page of the program you’re interested in at gcu.edu for details on state restrictions.
1 Bricker, V. (2021, July 28). What Does the Bible Say About Struggling with Mental Health? Christianity.com. Retrieved Sept. 1, 2023.
2 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2022, Oct. 24). How to Become a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, or Mental Health Counselor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved Sept. 1, 2023.
3 Mental Health Grace Alliance. (n.d.). Frequently Asked Questions. Mental Health Grace Alliance. Retrieved Sept. 1, 2023.
4 Dr. Bisignano, A. (2015, April 9). 5 Biblical Principles for Better Mental Health. Angela Bisignano, PhD. Retrieved Sept. 1, 2023.
Online: $600 per credit [More Info]
The University will accept one course of the total certificate requirements in transfer.
Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer
Admission Requirements (Master's)
OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and
Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
* Degree must be from an accredited college or program that has been approved by GCU.
** Combined verbal/quantitative, after August 2011 (1,000 combined verbal and quantitative, prior to August 2011).
