This information is for all ministers and staff GCM is providing this information for all non-licensed counselors who do spiritual care as a part of their field ministry work with GCMReliant. These guidelines are being given in order to reduce the risk to GCM missionaries Reliant employees and GCM Reliant as an organization. GCM’s Reliant's ministry is not intended to help to train or develop counselors.1. 

Pastoral/Spiritual Care

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Guidelines

• Clarify that 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. or therapist unless licensed within the state where you work. 
• If you have a certification or credential but are not licensed, ensure that the individual you are providing care to understands the difference between the services you can offer and what a licensed counselor or therapist treats.
• Do not attempt to diagnose a Avoid giving a medical diagnosis of their physical or mental condition or giving provide medical advice about any medications they are taking.
• If asked what is your diagnosis on their for a diagnosis of a 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).”, direct the individual to a licensed counselor or a mental health professional.
• Avoid using the title It's best to avoid using the title of "counseling" if you're not licensed or certified. For example, avoid the title label "Pre-Marriage Counseling" if the pastor or missionary doing staff member doing the sessions is not licensed or credentialed.

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

     For example:

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

3.  When meeting with non-members who are outside of your local church, more caution is advised.

4.  Avoid any improper physical contact.

5.  Be very conscience of setting realistic expectations. In general, you should avoid promising unconditional confidentiality because you may not be able to guarantee it. If you have any questions regarding this, it may be good to consult your local pastor.     

6.  GCM discourages opposite gender ongoing spiritual care relationships.

7.    Avoid spiritual care sessions with minors out of sight and alone. It is best to conduct the session in a public setting (like a coffee shop), a place with a window that looks into the room, or on a pew/seat in the church out of the hearing of anyone else, or maybe even require the presence of another staff person or trusted church member during the session. Being in an open venue will help to protect against any allegations of sexual misconduct.

8.   Have a referral network of licensed professional counselors.

• Consider providing in writing to the counselee an overview of the type of care you are able to offer and what you are not able to provide.

Duty to Report

All Reliant staff are expected to understand the duty to report requirements within their state and must comply with them9. Please make sure you are aware of the Duty To Report requirements in your particular state. For example, if a person intends to hurt themselves or someone else or if there are elderly or children in danger - , there could be is likely a responsibility of the missionary to staff member to report this to an appropriate agency.

10. Here are some examples of dealing with someone with conditions where caution is recommended. (NOTE: This list is not meant to be exhaustive).

• Minors (< age 18)
• Very easily pressured by others
• Hypochondriac
• Very narcissistic
• Borderline Personality Disorder – inability to control one’s own emotions
• Repressed memories
• Dissociative disorders
• Suicidal
• History of abuse
• Custody battles and contested divorce
• Prior litigation or lawsuit history
• Break or disregard laws with impunity

You should not assume a church or clergy exception without prior written verification. 

See: Child welfare policies by state

Standards of Conduct pages