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This information is for all non-licensed counselors who do spiritual care as a part of their field ministry work with Reliant. These guidelines are being given in order to reduce the risk to Reliant missionaries employees and Reliant as an organization. Reliant’s ministry is not intended to help to train or develop counselors.

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• The best thing you can do is make it very clear you are not a professional counselor of any kind unless you have a specific license.
• Avoid giving a medical diagnosis of their physical or mental condition or giving medical advice about any medications they are taking.
• If asked for a diagnosis on diagnosis of their mental state is, you can say, "Unfortunately, I am not a licensed counselor, so if you are concerned about your mental state, I can refer you to an area counselor (or I would encourage you to see a professional counselor).”
• Avoid using the title of "counseling" if you're not licensed. For example, avoid the title "Pre-Marriage Counseling" if the pastor or missionary doing the sessions is not licensed.

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• Avoid promising anything that you cannot commit to.
  Also, avoid committing Reliant or your local church resources to that which you may have no authority to do. 

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• “I will always be there for you.”
• “I will be like your…. (dad, mom, sister, etc…etc.).”
• “I’m totally certain that our pastors will meet with you.”
• “Our church will support you financially until you get back on your feet.”
  
  

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• Have a referral network of licensed professional counselors in our area.
   
• Know Duty-to-Report Laws
  All Reliant staff are expected to understand the duty to report requirements within their state and must comply with them. For example, if a person intends to hurt themselves or someone else or if there are elderly or children in danger, there could be a responsibility of the missionary to report this to an appropriate agency.  You should not assume a church or clergy exception without prior, written verification. 

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