Presbyterian Samaritan Counseling Center was established in 1973 by the congregations of Covenant Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church, Myers Park Presbyterian Church, and Sardis Presbyterian Church, in response to the growing need of the pastors to respond to families and individuals in need being able to refer them to pastoral counselors ordained clergy, who have also had extensive training in the area of psychology, marital and family counseling and psychotherapy. Since 1973, in addition to the original group of four churches, thirteen other PC ( USA ) congregations and the Presbytery of Charlotte have supported PSCC's ministry financially, through the use of space for Satellite Offices, and by serving on our Board of Directors. Our services broadened in the mid-eighties to providing a Training Program component for those interested in becoming pastoral counselors, and in 2009 PSCC welcomed the former Career and Personal Counseling Services, now called the Ministry Development Services. PSCC's Basic Services include: Pastoral counseling and psychotherapy, premarital, couple and family counseling, group counseling, psychological assessment services, and vocational counseling. A variety of congregational and community programs such as premarital seminars, marriage enrichment programs and workshops, parenting, family systems, mental health issues, the integration of faith and psychology, spiritual and emotional development, spiritual formation, and stress reduction. Programs can be customized according the group's needs. Specific programs, retreats, and consultation for Stephen Ministry and Congregational Care groups lead by staff who are trained Stephen Ministers. An ecumenical group of ordained clergy who are available to preach and assist in worship upon request Confidentiality between therapist and client is absolute, to the extent allowed by law and a concern for safety. The trust relationship between therapist and client is an essential part of the healing process. The Ministry Development Services of PSCC provides pre-ministerial candidate and clergy vocational assessments, counseling services for clergy and their families, consultation and coaching for congregations and church professionals dealing with conflict, transition, or exploration of their mission and purpose, and educational programs geared especially for church professional leadership development and enrichment. PSCC jointly sponsors with the Methodist Counseling and Consultation Services the Carolina Institute of Clinical Pastoral Training ( CICPT ), an AAPC accredited program which provides a variety of training opportunities for clergy interested in strengthening their pastoral care skills or in becoming pastoral counselors. CICPT is now also offering a variety of interdisciplinary continuing education programs and events, developed to benefit clergy, pastoral counselors, and members of the larger mental health community. These include: e ducational programs, consultation and training. Presbyterian Samaritan Counseling Center is jointly accredited by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors ( AAPC ) and Samaritan Institute. AAPC represents and sets standards for over 3, 000 Pastoral Counselors and 100 pastoral counseling centers in North America and around the world. It is non-sectarian and respects the spiritual commitments and religious traditions of those who seek assistance without imposing counselor beliefs on the client. SAMARITAN INSTITUTE is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Denver, is the international office for a network of counseling Centers. PSCC, accredited by Samaritan Institute, is a member of this network called The Samaritan Ministry ; it is one of the largest providers of professional counseling in the United States. Samaritan Institute is an umbrella agency for pastoral counseling centers nationwide. Accreditation by Samaritan Institute provides assurance that the highest professional standards are ma