While sensitive and trained lay-persons and pastors can do a high percentage of the counseling that needs to be done within a church, they can t do it all.
Some people have problems that require professional help.
Counselors can use the following criteria to determine whether or not they need to make a referral. These criteria help one assess the needs of the counselee and the limitations of the counselor in making this decision. Depth of disturbance . Sense of reality . If the counselee has serious problems with any of these four factors, he should be referred to professional counseling or therapy.