Why the Church Needs Therapists

The Impossible Expectation on Pastors

Pastors are in an impossible situation. We’re called to care for people with unique struggles and deep wounds, and often, we’re expected to be counselors, trauma specialists, addiction experts, and spiritual directors all at once.

As a young pastor, I was pulled into situations that broke my heart: a couple on the brink of collapse, a young adult wrestling with lifelong addiction, a woman burdened by deep abuse and emotional pain. I wanted to help, but I began to wonder—can I truly be an expert in every area of the human soul?

The Limits of Being a General Practitioner

In these situations, I felt like being a general practitioner, but who was facing illnesses that required a specialized surgeon, or a unique cancer treatment. I needed more training. I needed to become a more skilled helper. But I also needed to find those helpers who were already skilled —trusted therapists who could come alongside the church in caring for people.

The truth is, most pastors and churches want excellent care for their people, but lack the time, training, or personnel to provide it. Too often, we send someone to “just Google a therapist,” not knowing who they’ll find or what kind of counsel they’ll receive. For many pastors, they are wondering: Can I trust this counselor to share our values, to care for my people in a way that reflects what we believe about God and the human soul? Will they mirror at al what we believe about change? Will Jesus have anything to do with this?

New Ground Began in a Church

That’s why we started New Ground Counseling inside a church. From the beginning, we’ve been a team of pastors who are also licensed therapists—combining theological grounding with professional counseling skill. Our mission is to partner with churches to provide excellent mental health care from a Christian perspective.

We work with more than ten congregations in the Seattle area, offering discounted counseling groups and free trainings—often hosted right in the church building. We carefully match counseling requests with therapists who are skilled in specific areas of need and who love Jesus, love the local church, and are passionate about walking with people toward healing.

A Trusted Network for Pastors

Now, when someone in my congregation needs help, I no longer feel the pressure to do it all myself—or to send them into the unknown. I have a trusted network of counselors I can confidently recommend, knowing they will care for the person in ways that honor both their mental health needs and their faith.

The Body of Christ Working Together

The church needs therapists. Not because pastors are failing, but because the body of Christ is stronger when we work together—each member bringing their unique gifts to serve and heal. At New Ground Counseling, we’re here to be that trusted resource for your church, so no pastor has to carry the weight alone.

If you’re a church leader looking for a reliable partner in mental health care, we’d love to connect. Together, we can ensure that when someone asks for help, they receive care that is both clinically excellent and deeply rooted in the hope of Christ.