Our History

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. - Matthew 11:28

The Center was originally named "The Pastoral Counseling Center," founded as part of Baptist Health System in 1979 to provide counseling services for clergy, their congregations and the community. In 1993, the Center affiliated with the Samaritan Institute; an international network of pastoral counseling centers.

Samaritan Counseling Centers of Birmingham offers help, hope and healing through Christ-centered, team-oriented counseling. We believe that people were created - mind, body & soul - in the image of God. And, we integrate that fundamental belief in our counseling approach.

Our Mission

'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' - Mark 12:30-32

Our mission is to answer the call of Christ set before us in Mark 12:30-32 through our God-given gifts of counseling and discernment. Our prayer is to ignite a revolution in relationships, and to help individuals find a new way to live.

Our approach is to walk alongside our clients offering them the opportunity to explore life's battles - body, soul and mind - and find healing, wholeness, and personal growth through quality Christian Pastoral Counseling. Our approach frees individuals to seek intimacy with God, and become the person they were created to be.

Testimonials

"I commend the Samaritan Ministry for the vital role it plays in the communities served by its many Centers, and for its generosity in making these services available to those who cannot otherwise afford them. My prayers and best wishes are with you."

Barbara Bush, Former First Lady

"I have long felt a deep appreciation for the vital ministry carried out by the professional counselors at Samaritan Centers. They provide an essential complement to the caring ministry of lay Stephen Ministers. We meet different levels of needs in a mutual mission to bring hope and wholeness to broken people everywhere."

Rev. Kenneth C. Haugk, Ph.D., Founder of Stephen Ministries

"I encourage all of you as pastors, staff members and lay people to call on the center with your counseling needs. [They] have a strong commitment to the Word of God and biblical counseling."

Dr. Mike McLemore, Executive Director of Birmingham Baptist Association