Clinical pastoral counseling, also known as patient counseling or healthcare counseling, is a specialized field that involves providing emotional and spiritual support to people dealing with illness, trauma, or other challenges related to their health. This type of counseling requires extensive training and expertise, so it’s important to find a college or university that offers a rigorous and comprehensive program in this field.

Here are some of the best colleges and universities in the world for clinical pastoral counseling/patient counseling:

1. Emory University – Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Emory University’s Candler School of Theology offers a Master of Theological Studies in Pastoral Counseling (MTSPC) program that focuses on bridging the gap between faith and healthcare. The program is designed to prepare students to provide compassionate and ethical care to patients and their families in a variety of healthcare settings.

2. Duke University – Duke University’s Divinity School in Durham, North Carolina offers a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) program in Health and Pastoral Counseling. The program is designed for healthcare professionals who want to deepen their understanding of the connection between faith and health and hone their skills in pastoral counseling. Students learn how to integrate psychological and spiritual approaches to counseling and how to work collaboratively with healthcare teams.

3. Boston University – Boston University’s School of Theology offers a Master of Sacred Theology (STM) in Pastoral Care and Counseling program that emphasizes the integration of psychological and theological perspectives. The program prepares students to work in a range of healthcare settings, including hospitals, hospices, and mental health clinics. Students complete a supervised clinical field education and a capstone project to demonstrate their mastery of the skills and knowledge required for clinical pastoral counseling.

4. Columbia University – Columbia University’s School of Social Work in New York City offers a Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program with a clinical concentration in health, mental health, and disabilities. The program prepares students to provide patient counseling and other support services to individuals and families impacted by health issues. Students learn how to assess clients’ needs, develop treatment plans, and collaborate with interdisciplinary healthcare teams.

5. University of Maryland – The University of Maryland’s School of Social Work in Baltimore offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) program with a specialization in Health and Aging. The program prepares students for careers in clinical social work, working with patients and families dealing with chronic illness, disability, and other health-related challenges. Students learn how to provide emotional support, connect clients with community resources, and advocate for social justice in healthcare.

Choosing a college or university for clinical pastoral counseling/patient counseling is an important decision that requires careful consideration of your career goals and educational needs. By exploring these top programs, you can find the one that best fits your interests and aspirations and prepare for a rewarding career in patient counseling.