I got the following from Michael Hindes:

2 Questions

As a pastor, I referred a number of people to christian counseling.  Yet
I have criteria for counselors that also must be vetted. I
ask:

Is the counselor independent or under authority themselves (not just to the state licensing board)?

And, can the counselor walk people through deliverance?

The counselor contract

Before entering into counseling, the person being counseled should agree on at least these five things with a counselor:

1. The overall goal of counseling should be new levels of freedom, independence, and healthier coping mechanisms.

2.There needs to be an agreement on the expected outcome.

3.There needs to be a regular evaluation to check progress.

4. The progress needs to be measurable.

5. There needs to be a maximum number of appointments agreed upon at the outset (@ our church, pastoral counseling done by staff had max 3-5 visits and then referred out. We expected the counselor we referred to see the client no more than 8-10 times then an evaluation, then an additional 8-10 times if deemed necessary for a maximum total of 20 visits).  If the counselor can't make progress, they need to refer up as well - not all counselors are equal.

Cautions

Clients often become codependent upon the counselor, and vice-versa.

Patients need to be very cautious with antidepressants.

Having said all this, bear in mind the conclusion of research I read a while ago: a listening friend is just as effective, if not more, than a professional - "rejoice with those that rejoice, mourn with those that mourn" "comfort each other with the comfort you've received".