Counseling
Training the saints to certification in biblical counselingBiblical Counseling
Rod and Staff Ministries provides counseling to those seeking to solve the problems of life in God’s way. We want to help you see God’s ever-present agenda to increase your conformity to Christ and your capacity to enjoy Him.
Please note: We currently have a 3-4 month waiting list for males and couples wanting biblical counseling.
Who We Counsel
We provide counseling for individuals, couples, families, and children older than six. If your child is younger than six, we would be happy to meet with you (the parents) and help you learn how to work with your child at home.
How to Receive Counseling
To begin the process, please complete and sign the intake form below. Each person receiving counseling must complete and sign his or her own form. (Children may be assisted by their parents.) If you are signing up for family or couples counseling, be sure to use our discount code found in our confirmation email so you will only be charged once. When your paperwork is received, your name will be placed on the waiting list. When a counselor becomes available, you will receive an email from office@rodandstaffministries.org letting you know the next steps.
While Waiting for Your Appointment
As you anticipate your appointment, please understand that at times we have more people seeking counseling than available counselors. We will do all we can to get you in as soon as possible; however, there can be long waits because we offer deeply discounted counseling and have a limited number of counselors. How soon you get in for counseling also depends on your availability. Someone who can come for counseling at any time on any day has a better chance of getting in sooner than someone who can only come in on Tuesday evenings.
What to Expect Once You Have a Counselor
Once you have been assigned to a counselor, you will typically meet every week on the same day at the same time for as long as the counselor determines. Many of our counselors are supervision students who are not local, so they prefer to counsel virtually. On average, counseling lasts 12 weeks, but some cases could be shorter or longer. Counselors will use God’s Word in every counseling session. Therefore, we encourage you to always bring your Bible. There will also be homework assigned weekly to reinforce the counseling principles. Babysitting is NOT provided. If you come to your session expecting your child(ren) to sit and wait in the lobby while you are in your session, your appointment may be canceled for that day. Please make childcare arrangements ahead of time.
Counseling Confidentiality
All cases are confidential. There are a few situation required by the Bible or law that are exempt of confidentiality. Such situations include:
- Possible harm or danger to person(s),
- A child being abused physically or sexually,
- Someone persistently refusing to stop a sinful pattern, and it is necessary to seek assistance from his or her church to encourage proper change (see Matthew 18:15-20; Romans 13:1-7), or
- When a pastor/elder inquires about his sheep
How Much it Costs
Sessions Fee
We do have a nominal charge of $20 per session. Upon being assigned a counselor, you will be directed to sign up for weekly recurring counseling payments. If you are coming for couples or family counseling, please note the charge is per session–not per person.*
When counseling has come to a close, contact our office right away by calling 317-859-6941 or emailing us at office@rodandstaffministries.org. At that time we will cancel your recurring payments.
If your financial information changes, contact our office right away by calling 317-859-6941 or emailing us at office@rodandstaffministries.org. At that time we will cancel your recurring payments then have you sign up again using your new financial information.
If you miss a counseling session, contact our office by calling 317-859-6941 or emailing us at office@rodandstaffministries.org. If you give your counselor more than 24 hours notice, missed sessions will be refunded to you.
Administrative Fee
There is a $25 non-refundable application fee required to help offset the costs of processing your application. This fee is non-refundable and applies to those who decide to be removed from the waiting list. If you are coming for couples or family counseling, you will only have to pay $25 per couple/family–not per person.*
Counseling Materials
Your counselor may suggest the purchase of counseling booklets or books to aid you in the counseling process. These prices vary but generally range from $5 – $25.
*Each person coming for counseling, however, will have to fill out his or her own counseling form. If somebody in your group has already paid, their confirmation email will contain a coupon code to enter on the online counseling form so that it can be submitted without having to pay again. Please contact our office to receive the code at office@rodandstaffministries.org.
We Need Your Help
Our ministry is supported by the prayers and financial help of people like you. If our ministry has helped you to see and savor the Savior, would you prayerfully consider supporting the ministry? We pray that God would use us for His glory and the good of the saints.
More Questions?
Our Counseling FAQ’s may provide answers to your remaining questions. We also would love to answer your questions. You can email office@rodandstaffministries.org. It’s our pleasure to serve you!