It is best to be aware that all counseling / counselling, psychology & social work degrees / programs / schools are not created equal. It would be in your best interest to thoroughly check out a degree / program & school (especially the online programs) before you spend much time & money getting training from them . It would be very sad to later find out they are not recognized, or well recognized, by the counseling agencies with which you would like to get a job. A degree or "so-called" degree is not much good if you can't get a job with it. Each school or program (including Christian programs) will tell you they are recognized in order to get you to register, so it's wise to check them out in other ways. Buyer beware!

    One problem with most non-Christian counseling, psychology & social work programs is that they tend to be much more politically correct & intolerant of some Christian values than the general population is. As long as you're prepared to weather this & the potential pressure & contempt that comes with it, there are many excellent non-Christian programs. The bonus of a good Christian program is obviously that it will consciously & intentionally help you to integrate faith with secular counseling theory & practice, rather than you having to do this on your own in non-Christian programs.

    Certainly just because a program is Christian based, does not make it a good well rounded training experience that equips you with solid counseling theory, practice & supervision. Some Christian programs are good & some are not. The same can be said of non-Christian programs.

    Some counseling / counselling, psychology & social work programs will also allow you to work on a degree on a part time basis. This is particularly useful for those who have families to support via their current job, but would like to work towards a counseling career in the long term. Do a web search placing "part time" in front of any or all of the search phrases below that interest you.

    Pursuing counseling training is definitely worth the time & effort if it feels like a fit for how God seems to have already wired you in your personality & gifting tendencies. Do the Myers Briggs or Kiersey questionnaires if you'd like to confirm or nail down your gifting profile & career aptitudes.

    Good luck & may you find it to be a blessing. As with anything else, it will not come without it's challenges.