The Spiritual Counseling Network who is responsible for the "Find Zahra Baker Fund" claims to also be providing Christian Counseling -in contrast to what defines North Carolina's interpretation of pastoral counseling services. Tim Curtis fancies himself a Doctor, however, his degree is WORTHLESS in the greater scheme of things. He had to buy his degree from an online church, and he did so in an effort to promote his business, and to enhance his credentials so as to hold himself out as something that he is not. Mr. Curtis' willingness to proffer fake credentials and hold himself out as a "Doctor of Divinity" is not only a testament to his blatant dishonesty, but a shining example of his overall morals and character.
Diploma mills are everywhere, and Mr. Curtis and his associates were "ordained" online through the Universal Church of Life Ministries. The fact of the matter is this, Spiritual Counseling Network, obtained false credentials in an effort to make themselves and their new business seem legitimate. By using the fake credentials and pastoral ordinations, they used this social standing to advertise pastoral counseling which in turn would cause potential clients to rely on the expertise and perceived success behind the title of DOCTOR and reverend. Therefore, new clients would be more likely to purchase their counseling services which they offered at a discounted price as evidenced by their website. This deception is called FRAUD. Color it any way you want to - it is a deceptive practice and deception is fraud. Holding oneself out as a counselor infers that one has successfully reached a level of professional training and has graduated an accredited college or university to provide counseling. An experienced counselor is not someone who worked in a mental health facility as an RA. The following is from their site that they have now pulled. Why does a pastor accept insurance?
We do not accept any insurance. We strive to make our rates affordable - in most cases about the same as you would typically pay for an insurance co-pay.
For those unable to meet the full cost of counseling, a fee adjustment can be made in order to make services available to almost everyone. The primary considerations for using the sliding fee are income level and special circumstances. Many churches also provide financial assistance to make these services a reality for their members. Clients are encouraged to discuss financial arrangements confidentially with their Counselor. Source
