
Prerequisite: Completion of a YWAM DTS
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Prerequisite: Completion of a YWAM DTS
The ATCM is designed for those who want to increase their understanding of various models of biblical counseling. It is a intermediate course with advanced biblically rooted holistic care. The program presents a whole person care approach, seeking to integrate spirit, soul, and body in the processes of restoration and development. Particular emphasis is placed on identifying inappropriate beliefs and feelings that keep an individual from developing a healthy Christian identity.
Inquire ApplyThe Advanced Training for Counseling Ministry (ATCM) school is third level course, focusing on a deeper understanding of relationships and looking at how to strengthen our true self and eliminating what blocks us from developing a healthy Christian identity. It introduces different counseling models and tools to fight dysfunctional lifestyles and false beliefs. In addition, new goals are set in areas of personal development, skill development, and cognitive development, including evaluation and integration of various counseling models. The program emphasizes understanding sexual identity issues and dysfunctional lifestyles, with the goal of healing at root levels. This school will challenge you in how you see God, yourself and others and equip you with tools and insights of how to develop the full potential of what God has put in each one of us. You will be challenged to develop and practice your personal integrated counseling approach.
The ATCM is designed in two 12 week training phases:
Phase one involves lectures, small groups, one on ones and practicing counseling skills. At the end of this phase the students will develop their personal integrated counseling approach.
Phase two is the subsequent 12 week field assignment. It is designed to offer a practical experience where the students will further develop the skills learned in the lecture phase. It will focus on teaching individuals and groups the biblical basis for maturity, and on training others in the use of helping skills. There also may be a focus on counseling in a clinical setting and on developing models for counseling teams whose skills will enable them to be involved among unreached people groups of the world. Target groups for this field assignment includes families with relationship breakdowns, people with personal identity issues, victims of sexual brokenness, and people struggling with stress and burnout.
*The field assignment required for all students working toward a degree in the College of Whole Person Care & Development.
Right after lecture is completed, you'll have the opportunity to use the new skills you've learned (CNH 315). This can be either a team outreach or an internship under supervision. Outreach will need to include most of the following: team teaching in churches, local ministries or rehabilitation programs. In this phase, emphasis is placed on teaching individuals and groups the biblical basis for maturity, and on training others in the use of helping skills. There also may be a focus on counseling in a clinical setting and on developing models for counseling teams whose skills will enable them to be involved among unreached people groups of the world.
*The outreach is typically $2500 plus airfare.
Arrival: September 21st, 2025
Tentative Outreach dates: December 14th, 2025 - March 8th, 2026
Lecture phase is 12 weeks, followed by 12 weeks of outreach.
The cost of lecture phase is $3495. which includes all lodging, meals, and school materials. Outreach will be an additional cost.
Discipleship Training School and outreach; Foundations for Counseling Ministry and Outreach (CNH 211 & 212)
You will be staying in dorm style housing on our lovely rural campus of 35 acres. We’re only 15 minutes from downtown Salem and 1 hour from Portland, the coast, and the Cascade mountain range.
"The ATCM was a transformative experience that shaped both my personal healing and my approach to ministry. It helped me reflect on counseling tools and approaches, allowing me to tailor them to my calling and integrate what worked in my own journey. The teaching on the Plumbline Plus deepened my understanding of God’s design for emotional and spiritual wholeness, and also leading me into His rest. This training equipped me to serve others with more confidence, and acquire more revelation in God’s redeeming love."
Gabriel Alvim
"The ATCM for me was a school that gave me practical tools to become a more effective counselor, but even more important, it is a school that brings much revelation and a greater depth into inner healing. This school opened a door to a huge ministry opportunity in my life."
Angelica Hernandez
"For me, the ATCM, was a school that equipped me with counseling tools that I could use in ministry for others as well as for myself. It also was a place where I could develop and integrate the counseling tools into a personal approach that works well with my gifting and vision!"
Sharon Miner
What kinds of activities will your week be filled with? Each of these elements work together to enable you to achieve the course objectives.
You'll have the opportunity to hear lectures from experts who will guide you through various topics. You will increase your understanding of counseling and it's biblical foundation, learn and enhance counseling skills and invest in your personal development.
YWAM is dedicated to worship Jesus and engage in intercessory prayer as integral aspects of daily life. You'll participate in worship and intercession with the entire campus. You'll also have a weekly time of worship and intercession as a class.
Each week you will be involved in a small group, where you will process content as well as your personal journey, giving and receiving input and feedback.
You will have a one on one that will support you in your process. You may ask questions about the academics and share what understanding and revelation you are receiving.
We believe disciples grow best in a community with other disciples. We’re focused on developing a community where you feel welcome and encouraged to pursue God in this season. You'll get to brush shoulders with other missionaries and students during meal times, study times, and free time!
The ATCM assignments include a personal journal, character development and goal settings for growth, peer counseling, case studies and scripture meditation. You will inquire new counseling skills and will gain a more in-depth understanding of the 'Divine Plumbline'. You will learn how to create a case study and a treatment plan that targets dysfunctions with biblical counseling content and skills. You will have the opportunity to create your own counseling model that aligns with your biblical worldview and personal healing experience.
You can start at this step any time! We'll collect some personal information from you (i.e. where you're from, your birthday, education/work background, etc.) We'll also ask some get to know you questions and hear more from you about your heart behind applying. It only takes 10-15 minutes to apply!
Third level applicants must have their most recent YWAM school leader or the YWAM base leader as well as a mentor fill out a confidential character reference on their behalf. You will specify the name and email of this person(s) in your application form and we will automatically send them the form through email! Your part in this step is to let this person know what's up!
Once you have have submitted your online application and we have received your YWAM Leader and Mentor references, your School Leader will review your application within the week. We’ll be in contact with you regarding the status of your application.
You'll get ready for your YWAM school by following our handy-dandy digital checklist. It will guide you through everything you need for a successful arrival (including fundraising tips!). Check out the page now for a heads up of what's required of you pending acceptance.
Popular Questions and Answers. If you have another question, feel free to contact the course staff directly.
These guidelines are non-negotiable. These costs are the minimum requirements and without them YWAM Salem cannot pay the costs (food and boarding) to have each student on campus. Please speak to your school staff if you are unable to meet these requirements.
As soon as you are accepted to the school you should begin fundraising for your tuition. Here are instructions on how to make payments or to point sponsors to give you funds:
Pay Online
Pay by Check
Please make check payable to Youth With a Mission or YWAM. Please put the name of the student in the memo of the check.
Send checks to:
Youth With a Mission Salem
Attn: Accounting
7085 Battle Creek Rd. SE
Salem, OR 97317
*Unfortunately due to IRS guidelines, funds given towards a student payment are not tax deductible. Youth With a Mission Salem is registered with the IRS as a 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation and all donations towards staff members are tax deductible. However, when giving towards a student in one of our University of the Nations registered courses (such as the Discipleship Training School), your payment will not be eligible for a tax deduction. This is because when you give toward one of our students training, legally it is viewed as a payment towards tuition. Per IRS guidelines and according to Oregon state law, tax deductions are not available for tuition payments.
Yes! Although, it can be challenging for YWAM Salem to accommodate families (and sometimes couples) due to housing constraints. We recommend you apply and we can look at the numbers in the school. We do not provide childcare, so if you have kids typically only one spouse is able to take the school.
Here's some more information that may be helpful to you.
Spouse Options and Pricing
Secondary School spouses are not allowed to sit in lecture on a regular basis. If the spouse wants to sit in lecture, we recommend you both take the school! Many secondary school spouses who are not taking the school will be focused on caring for their children. However, if you are not attending the school and do not have children, we recommend volunteering on the YWAM Salem Campus. This is a great way to connect with the community and get your rent and meals free.
Children On Campus Pricing (Includes 3 months of room and board)
Confirm your school start date. Arrival Day is the day before the scheduled school start date. We typically start bright and early on the first day of the school, so it is best to show up earlier the day before to unpack and get settled. Here are your arrival options:
Plane
If you are arriving by plane, you must fly into PDX (Portland International Airport) our staff will pick you up at baggage claim. We will contact you with the exact pick-up times of the YWAM Salem Shuttle upon your acceptance.
Train or Bus
If you are arriving by train or bus, you must come into the Salem, Oregon Terminal. Our staff will be there to pick you up. Please email us with the itinerary.
Car
If you are driving in, email or call the Student Communications office with your specific arrival information so we can know when to expect you.
Our admissions team will send you an arrival detail form upon acceptance. Make sure to fill it out ASAP so we can plan for your arrival.
The course schedule does not allow time for outside work. In addition to this, we want you to get the most out of your course and advise against anything that would distract you from being fully involved.
Yes! This can be either a team outreach or an internship in a rehabilitation program under supervision, as a means to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the lecture phase (CNH 321). It includes most of the following: team teaching in churches, government or NGO rehabilitation programs, being active in a weekly process group, attending 12-step support groups where available, writing up a comprehensive assessment and a case study of a client, writing final reports and a personal treatment plan for the future.
The optional outreach is typically $2500 plus airfare. Your school leader will have more details for you.
YWAM Salem is a non-profit organization and as such all of our staff and students rely upon the financial support of others in order to be here. Due to this, we are unable to offer a large scholarship program. We do however have a small scholarship fund to offset the cost of our courses for international applicants. Reach out to our admissions team to inquire about a scholarship application form (admissions@ywamsalem.org). Please note that completing the application does not guarantee you any financial assistance.
Yes! Completed applications should be received 4 months prior to the start of the school (Africans at least 6 months.) Each family member, including children, that are coming to the school must have their own passport that is valid up to six months after the end date of the school. We will begin your visa process after you have been accepted.
You will be living in dorm style housing on our beautiful 35 acre rural campus. For secondary schools, we usually fit 3-4 students per room. There's plenty of room for you to study, hang out, and go on walks. Check out our campus tour for a look around.
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YWAM Salem, Oregon → We want to help you discover your passions and gifts and provide channels for you to use those to serve God in the world and missions.
Address: 7085 Battle Creek Rd SE Salem, OR 97317 — Phone Number: 1-971-719-1134