EAST BAY CHRISTIAN COUNSELING
RESOURCE LIST
For those seeking professional counseling, we have compiled a referral list of trusted Christian clinical counselors based in the East Bay and surrounding areas.
These counselors have been found to hold similar values as Bay Hills and thoughtfully integrate Christian principles with evidence-based clinical counseling methods and practices. Bay Hills provides this information in good faith, but does not guarantee or take responsibility for the independent work of any counselor or counseling practice.
Please note: Only the individual counselor names listed have been vetted by Bay Hills. If you contact a counseling practice and are placed with a counselor not named in our referral list, they may not be aligned with our church’s values. Bay Hills does not offer financial assistance for clinical counseling. Fees vary among practices and even among counselors within the same practice. When scheduling an appointment, let them know you were referred by Bay Hills Church, as some may offer discounted rates.
QUALITIES OF A GOOD CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR
A good Christian counselor is someone who:
QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CHOOSING A COUNSELOR
It’s important to ask prospective counselors about their approach to counseling, their use of the Bible, and how Jesus influences their practice. These questions can help you better understand the counselor’s perspective:
Counseling is a deeply personal and interactive process. It must be built on trust. If you’re not confident early on that your counselor will be wise, biblical, loving, and faithful, it’s okay to look elsewhere. But if you find a counselor who faithfully uses God’s Word to help you grow in your walk with Jesus, your marriage, and your family, the Bible says you will be blessed!
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Seeking counseling is a courageous step. Whether you’re pursuing healing, clarity, or simply needing someone to walk with you through a hard season, we want to support you in making a wise, Christ-centered decision. Here are three essential steps to help guide you:
1. Pray.
Ask God for wisdom as you seek a Christian counselor. He promises to give wisdom generously to those who ask in faith (James 1:5–8). Trust that as you step forward, He will lead you to the right person at the right time. Let passages like Psalm 23, Proverbs 16:3, and Philippians 4:6–9 ground you in confidence and peace as you make your decision.
2. Seek Counsel from Your Church.
There is safety and clarity in community. The Bible tells us there is wisdom in a multitude of counselors (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22; 24:6). If you belong to Bay Hills—or another church —reach out to a pastor (Hebrews 13:17) or trusted leader. They can help you discern what type of counseling might benefit you most and walk with you through the process.
3. Ask Good Questions.
Especially when pursuing a professional, paid counselor, we encourage you to ask intentional questions. The right questions will give you insight into what a counselor believes and how they operate. If possible, ask these questions over the phone before scheduling an appointment. If not, bring them to your first session. Take notes during your conversation, and kindly let the counselor know you’d like time to reflect before moving forward. Then, talk through their answers with a pastor, elder, or wise Christian friend in light of Scripture.
Remember: choosing a counselor is not just about credentials—it’s about trust, wisdom, and spiritual alignment. Don’t rush the process. Trust God’s timing, stay grounded in His Word, and seek the support of the community around you. You’re not alone—and we’re praying that this season becomes a turning point toward healing, hope, and more Life.
BAY HILLS RECOMMENDED COUNSELORS
Professional Counselors
Bay Hills Church Pastoral Counselors
To connect with Pastor Allen Coleman, Pastor Anthony Favors, Pastor Terrence Green, or Pastor Wesley Santiago, please contact info@bayhills.church
Other Bay Hills Church Counselors
For marriage counseling, please contact Manny and Paula Martinez at manny@bayhills.church
These counselors have been found to hold similar values as Bay Hills and thoughtfully integrate Christian principles with evidence-based clinical counseling methods and practices. Bay Hills provides this information in good faith, but does not guarantee or take responsibility for the independent work of any counselor or counseling practice.
Please note: Only the individual counselor names listed have been vetted by Bay Hills. If you contact a counseling practice and are placed with a counselor not named in our referral list, they may not be aligned with our church’s values. Bay Hills does not offer financial assistance for clinical counseling. Fees vary among practices and even among counselors within the same practice. When scheduling an appointment, let them know you were referred by Bay Hills Church, as some may offer discounted rates.
QUALITIES OF A GOOD CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR
A good Christian counselor is someone who:
- Loves people, perseveres through tough times, and is confident that Jesus works redemptively through suffering and struggle.
- Believes that God’s Word is sufficient to counsel for all of life’s issues (2 Pet. 1:2–4; Heb. 4:12; 2 Tim. 3:16–17).
- Gives clear evidence of a vital personal relationship with Jesus.
- Is trusted by your pastor, elder, or a wise Christian friend to provide wise, biblical, loving, and faithful counsel.
QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CHOOSING A COUNSELOR
It’s important to ask prospective counselors about their approach to counseling, their use of the Bible, and how Jesus influences their practice. These questions can help you better understand the counselor’s perspective:
- How would you describe your approach to counseling? How do you understand people’s problems? How do you help them grow and change through counseling?
- What books or resources do you regularly recommend? Which have most shaped your approach to counseling?
- Are you a Christian? How does your faith influence your practice?
- Do you integrate Christian truth into your counseling? What role does Scripture play?
- Do you pray with those you counsel?
- Do you attend church? If so, where, and how long have you been connected there?
- What is your educational and professional background? How does that shape your counseling?
- Are you married? Do you have children? Have you experienced divorce? How do these experiences shape your counseling approach?
Counseling is a deeply personal and interactive process. It must be built on trust. If you’re not confident early on that your counselor will be wise, biblical, loving, and faithful, it’s okay to look elsewhere. But if you find a counselor who faithfully uses God’s Word to help you grow in your walk with Jesus, your marriage, and your family, the Bible says you will be blessed!
PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER
Seeking counseling is a courageous step. Whether you’re pursuing healing, clarity, or simply needing someone to walk with you through a hard season, we want to support you in making a wise, Christ-centered decision. Here are three essential steps to help guide you:
1. Pray.
Ask God for wisdom as you seek a Christian counselor. He promises to give wisdom generously to those who ask in faith (James 1:5–8). Trust that as you step forward, He will lead you to the right person at the right time. Let passages like Psalm 23, Proverbs 16:3, and Philippians 4:6–9 ground you in confidence and peace as you make your decision.
2. Seek Counsel from Your Church.
There is safety and clarity in community. The Bible tells us there is wisdom in a multitude of counselors (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22; 24:6). If you belong to Bay Hills—or another church —reach out to a pastor (Hebrews 13:17) or trusted leader. They can help you discern what type of counseling might benefit you most and walk with you through the process.
3. Ask Good Questions.
Especially when pursuing a professional, paid counselor, we encourage you to ask intentional questions. The right questions will give you insight into what a counselor believes and how they operate. If possible, ask these questions over the phone before scheduling an appointment. If not, bring them to your first session. Take notes during your conversation, and kindly let the counselor know you’d like time to reflect before moving forward. Then, talk through their answers with a pastor, elder, or wise Christian friend in light of Scripture.
Remember: choosing a counselor is not just about credentials—it’s about trust, wisdom, and spiritual alignment. Don’t rush the process. Trust God’s timing, stay grounded in His Word, and seek the support of the community around you. You’re not alone—and we’re praying that this season becomes a turning point toward healing, hope, and more Life.
BAY HILLS RECOMMENDED COUNSELORS
Professional Counselors
- Valley Psychological Center
- Susan Reynolds - sreynolds@valleypsych.com
- Berkeley Christian Counselors
- Scott Leiker - scott.l@berkeleychristiancounselors.org
- Association of Certified Biblical Counselors
- Christian Counseling and Education Foundation
Bay Hills Church Pastoral Counselors
To connect with Pastor Allen Coleman, Pastor Anthony Favors, Pastor Terrence Green, or Pastor Wesley Santiago, please contact info@bayhills.church
Other Bay Hills Church Counselors
For marriage counseling, please contact Manny and Paula Martinez at manny@bayhills.church