Saint Vincent College and Seminary will inaugurate its new Mental Health and Pastoral Counseling Program this summer with the introduction of a Graduate Certificate in Pastoral Care, offered through the Seminary’s Institute for Ministry Formation (IMF).
The Certificate in Pastoral Care is designed to prepare students to serve as “first responders” in supporting clergy as they address the growing mental health needs within their communities. These needs include grief, anxiety, addiction, depression, and challenges in relationships, concerns that affect nearly one in four Americans. In addition to ecclesial settings, graduates will be equipped to serve in social service agencies and healthcare environments.
Grounded in the Church’s vision of the human person as created imago Dei and called to communion with God and others, the program reflects the principle that grace builds upon nature. Accordingly, the curriculum integrates psychological insight with pastoral theology. Coursework includes Christian anthropology, theology and practice of pastoral accompaniment, human development, foundations of counseling, legal and ethical responsibilities, trauma-informed care, addictions, family systems, and individual and group counseling. This comprehensive formation equips graduates to respond with both competence and compassion to the realities of human suffering.
Additionally, the 18 credit Certificate in Pastoral Care may be combined with a Certificate in Theology to earn a Master of Arts in Ministry.
Looking ahead, the Seminary plans to offer a Master of Arts in Mental Health and Pastoral Counseling, which will prepare students for licensure as professionals formed in both pastoral and clinical competencies. Students who complete the Certificate in Pastoral Care may apply up to twelve credits toward this future degree.
All courses are offered fully online in the evenings, making the program accessible to those engaged in active ministry and to working professionals. The program follows a clear and supportive rhythm across the Summer, Fall, and Spring semesters, enabling students to progress steadily while integrating learning with prayer, ministry, and daily responsibilities.
The initial summer course offerings will include Foundations of Counseling, taught by Dr. Bill Rullo, Trauma Informed Counseling, taught by Fr. Francois, Diouf, O.S.B., and Pastoral Care of the Sick, Dying, and Bereft taught by Dr. Helene Paharik.
Saint Vincent Seminary’s Institute for Ministry Formation (IMF) was founded in 2019 to offer academic and formative experiences for clergy and laity.
The new Mental Health and Pastoral Counseling Program has been funded by a grant of $1 million through Lilly Endowment’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative, which is intended to help theological schools across the United States and Canada strengthen their educational and financial capacities to prepare and support pastoral leaders for Christian congregations both now and into the future.
To register, or to view other IMF course offerings, visit imf.saintvincentseminary.edu.
