Where to Find Faith-Based Counseling in Orlando: 9 Top Christian Counselors
Orlando offers a diverse range of Christian counseling services that integrate professional clinical psychology with biblical principles. Leading providers include First Orlando Counseling for comprehensive family care, Redeemer Counseling for marriage intensives, and Total Life Counseling for youth social coaching. When choosing, prioritize providers who are Florida-licensed (LMHC, LMFT, or LCSW) to ensure professional and ethical standards.
The Intersection of Mental Health and Faith
For many families in Central Florida, emotional healing is inseparable from spiritual growth. Faith-based counseling in Orlando isn't just prayer therapy, it is the practice of utilizing evidence-based psychological techniques (such as CBT or EMDR) through the lens of a Christian worldview.
Whether you are navigating a marriage crisis, childhood anxiety, or personal grief, finding a counselor who shares your values provides a foundation of safety and mutual understanding.
1. First Orlando Counseling Center | Located near the heart of the city, this center provides a multi-disciplinary approach. They are particularly known for their robust team that can handle complex family dynamics and psychological testing.
Specialty: Psychological assessments, learning disability testing, and grief support.Why it ranks: High authority due to its long-standing presence in the Orlando community.
WHERE: 3125 Bruton Boulevard, Orlando, FL, 32805 | WHO: 407-514-4470
2. Redeemer Counseling Center | Redeemer stands out for its Intensive model. Rather than months of weekly sessions, they offer concentrated blocks of time to help couples or individuals break through long-standing barriers.
Specialty: Marriage intensives and trauma-informed care (EMDR).Pro Tip: Best for those seeking rapid, deep-dive emotional work.
WHERE: 10421 Moss Park Road, Orlando, FL 32832 | WHO: 407-405-7677
3. Open Doors Counseling Center | If you are looking for support for young children, Open Doors is a leader in Play Therapy. They create a space where children can communicate their feelings through play, a child’s first language.
Specialty: Pediatric counseling and family systemic therapy.
WHERE: 3586 Aloma Ave #11, Winter Park, FL 32792 | WHO: 407-900-3218
4. Total Life Counseling Center | This group is highly regarded for their work with adolescents. They go beyond the couch by using social coaching and recreation therapy to reach kids who might be resistant to traditional talk therapy.
Specialty: ADHD, social skills, and Action Therapy for teens.
WHERE: 1507 S Hiawassee Rd STE 101, Orlando, FL 32835 | WHO: 407-248-0030
5. Grace Clinic Christian Counseling | Grace Clinic focuses on the relational aspect of faith. Their practitioners help clients identify where their current coping mechanisms may be hindering their relationship with God and others. This practice excels in supporting families through major life transitions. From the joy and stress of adoption to the difficulties of postpartum anxiety, they offer a compassionate, faith-centered approach.
Specialty: Individual spiritual growth and relational wholeness, blended families, adoption support, and maternal mental health.
WHERE: 505 N Park Ave UNIT 212, Winter Park, FL 32789 | WHO: (407) 539-0047
6. Charis Counseling Center | Charis (Grace) focuses heavily on pre-marital and marital health. They utilize the PREPARE/ENRICH assessment, a gold standard for helping couples identify growth areas before or during marriage.
Specialty: Engagement and marriage enrichment.
WHERE: 4776 New Broad Street, Suite 195, Orlando FL 32814 | WHO: (407) 894-5202
7. Family Life Counseling Center | With a vast network across Lake and Orange Counties, this center is highly accessible. They are known for Brainspotting, a cutting-edge tool for processing deep-seated trauma.
Specialty: Trauma recovery and school-age interventions.
WHERE: 210 N Hwy 27 #4, Clermont, FL 34711 | WHO: 352-708-6283
8. CityLight Counseling | CityLight is designed for the individual or couple who feels stuck. Their approach is highly practical, focusing on building immediate skills to improve communication and hope.
Specialty: High-conflict couples and personal stagnation.WHERE: 3208 Hillsdale Ln, Kissimmee, FL 34741 | WHO: 407-450-3722
9. Simmons Counseling Services | Serving Maitland and the surrounding areas, Simmons focuses on the narrative of the client. They help individuals reconcile their personal stories with God’s larger story of redemption.
Specialty: Identity work and restorative family counseling.
WHERE: 206 W. Sybelia Ave Maitland, FL 32751 | WHO: 407-865-0495
How to Choose the Right Counselor: A 3-Step Checklist
- Verify the License: Ensure the therapist is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), or Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).
- Inquire About Integration: Every Christian counselor is different. Ask: "How do you integrate Scripture into your sessions? Is it the primary framework, or is it used as a supplementary resource?"
- The "Vibe" Check: Research shows the therapeutic alliance (the bond between you and the therapist) is the best predictor of success. Most offices offer a 15-minute consultation to see if you "click."
Checking Credentials and Licensing
Verify Orlando providers are properly licensed:
Florida Department of Health License Verification:
- Visit: www.flhealthsource.gov/licensure
- Search by name or license number
- Confirm active, unrestricted license
- Check for disciplinary actions
Recognized Licenses in Florida:
- LMHC: Licensed Mental Health Counselor (master's degree)
- LMFT: Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (master's degree)
- LCSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (master's degree)
- Psychologist: Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)
- Psychiatrist: Medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.) specializing in mental health
Next Steps
- Review the 10 counselors listed and identify 2-3 matching your needs
- Call for consultations most offer brief initial phone calls
- Verify credentials through Florida Department of Health
- Check costs and health sharing eligibility if applicable
- Schedule first appointment within two weeks if possible
Frequently Asked Questions About Christian Counseling in Orlando
1. Where can I find faith-based counseling in Orlando?
You can find faith-based counseling in Orlando through nine top providers: First Orlando Counseling Center (comprehensive family care and psychological testing), Redeemer Counseling Center (marriage intensives and EMDR), Open Doors Counseling Center (play therapy for children), Total Life Counseling Center (teen ADHD and social coaching), Grace Clinic Christian Counseling (adoption and maternal mental health), Charis Counseling Center (premarital assessments), Family Life Counseling Center (trauma recovery via Brainspotting), CityLight Counseling (high-conflict couples), and Simmons Counseling Services (identity and restorative family work).
2. What credentials should I look for in a Christian counselor in Orlando?
Look for faith-based counseling in Orlando providers with Florida state licensure: LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor), LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist), LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), or psychologists with doctoral degrees (Ph.D. or Psy.D.). Verify licenses through the Florida Department of Health website at flhealthsource.gov/licensure. Licensed professionals ensure clinical competence and ethical accountability.
4. What's the difference between Christian counseling and biblical counseling?
Christian counseling integrates evidence-based therapy techniques (CBT, EMDR, family systems therapy) with biblical principles, provided by licensed mental health professionals. Biblical counseling focuses primarily on Scripture as the main or sole resource, often provided by pastors or lay counselors. For clinical mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or trauma, choose licensed faith-based counseling providers.
5. What issues can faith-based counseling in Orlando address?
Faith-based counseling addresses marriage conflicts, childhood anxiety, teen behavioral issues (ADHD, social skills), trauma and PTSD (through EMDR or Brainspotting), grief and loss, adoption challenges, postpartum anxiety, blended family dynamics, premarital preparation, identity struggles, and personal spiritual growth. Providers use evidence-based psychological techniques through a Christian worldview.
6. How do I know if a Christian counselor is right for me?
Ask potential faith-based counselors: "How do you integrate Scripture into sessions as the primary framework or supplementary resource?" Most offer 15-minute consultation calls to assess fit. Research shows the therapeutic alliance (your bond with the therapist) is the best predictor of counseling success. Trust your instincts about whether you feel heard and understood.
7. Does Medi-Share cover faith-based counseling in Orlando?
Medi-Share may help with counseling costs under certain programs typically requiring licensed providers (LMHC, LMFT, LCSW) and medical necessity (clinical diagnosis). Contact your Medi-Share representative to verify sharing eligibility before beginning counseling. Some church-based or pastoral counseling may not qualify, so confirm details with both your sharing program and counselor.
8. Which Orlando Christian counselor is best for marriage problems?
Do your research to identify the best counselor for your need. Redeemer Counseling Center is known for marriage intensives for rapid breakthrough, Charis Counseling Center is known for PREPARE/ENRICH assessments for premarital and marital enrichment, CityLight Counseling is known for high-conflict couples. This article list is not exhaustive to be sure to dig deeper to find your ideal fit.
9. What Christian counseling options exist for children and teens in Orlando?
For children, Open Doors Counseling Center specializes in play therapy (ages 3-12). For teens, Total Life Counseling Center offers ADHD support, social skills coaching, and action therapy for adolescents resistant to traditional talk therapy. Grace Clinic Christian Counseling provides maternal mental health and adoption support. Family Life Counseling Center serves school-age children with trauma recovery. This article list is not exhaustive to be sure to dig deeper to find your ideal fit.
10. How quickly can I get an appointment with faith-based counseling in Orlando?
Appointment availability varies by provider. Most faith-based counseling in Orlando centers offer initial consultations within 1-2 weeks. For urgent needs, call multiple providers to find earliest availability.
Final Thoughts About Faith Based Counselors in Orlando
Biblical counselors without professional licensure can offer spiritual guidance but shouldn't treat clinical mental health conditions. For serious issues (depression, anxiety disorders, trauma, eating disorders, addiction), choose licensed counselor in Orlando.
Looking for spiritual support? You’re not meant to walk alone. Stay connected with the Medi-Share blog for uplifting articles, useful tips, inspirational stories and helpful resources to support you on your journey with God.
