BeFIT Counseling LLC
Dr. Bruce Crouterfield

Dr. Bruce W. Crouterfield

Dr. Bruce Crouterfield is a compassionate and experienced chaplain and counselor who brings over 30 years of service in military, clinical, and ministry settings. He specializes in post-suicide care, trauma, depression, anxiety, and spiritual formation, always emphasizing emotional growth and healing through a biblical worldview.

Bruce holds a Doctor of Ministry, Master of Divinity (Cum Laude), and Master of Arts in Religion from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, as well as a bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University. He is board-certified as a Chaplain, Pastoral Counselor, and a Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Supervisor through the Association of Certified Christian Chaplains (accredited by the US Department of Education). His advanced training includes a fellowship with the Department of Veterans Affairs focused on mental health and pastoral care, where he worked closely with individuals dealing with PTSD, addiction, and psychiatric challenges.

As a former U.S. Navy Chaplain, Bruce provided counseling and spiritual support in hospitals, counseling centers, and during military deployments around the world. He understands how life's pressures—whether from combat, crisis, or personal loss—can affect the heart and mind.

Dr. Crouterfield is deeply committed to helping individuals heal, grow, and walk in step with God’s purpose for their lives. Whether you’re navigating grief, emotional pain, or a spiritual crossroads, Bruce offers trusted, faith-based guidance to help you move forward in strength and hope.

Education and Certifications  

  • Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) – Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, 2009

  • Master of Divinity (M.Div.) – Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, 2000 (Cum Laude)

  • Master of Arts in Religion (M.A.R.) – Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary, 2000

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) – Southern Illinois University

  • Board-Certified Chaplain – Association of Certified Christian Chaplains

  • Board-Certified Pastoral Counselor – Association of Certified Christian Chaplains

  • Board-Certified Supervisor of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) – Association of Certified Christian Chaplains

  • Graduate – Clinical Pastoral Education Program (CPE) – Hampton VA Medical Center

  • Fellowship in Mental Health Integration with Pastoral Care – U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

Work / Ministry Experience

  • U.S. Navy Chaplain (Since August 2000)

    • Chapel Pastor – Naval Submarine Base New London

    • Command Chaplain – Destroyer Squadron 18

    • Command Chaplain – Regional Support Organization Norfolk

    • Staff Chaplain & Division Officer – Fleet Ministry Center Norfolk

    • Command Chaplain – 5th Battalion, 10th Marines, 2nd Marine Division

    • Command Chaplain – Naval Hospital Bremerton, WA

    • Deputy Wing Chaplain – 2nd Marine Air Wing

    • Basic Leadership Course Officer – Naval Chaplaincy School and Center

    • Final Assignment: Command Chaplain – Marine Corps Base Hawaii

  • Clinical Pastoral Roles

    • Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) – Hampton VA Medical Center

    • Fellowship – VA Mental Health Integration with Pastoral Care

    • Clinical Rotations – Rehabilitation & Reintegration Clinic, PTSD Clinic, Psychiatric Ward

    • Clinical Pastoral Care – Addiction Clinic and PTSD Clinic, Bremerton Naval Hospital

  • Military Deployments

    • Persian Gulf – Surface Strike Group

    • Regimental Chaplain – Joint Task Force, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba

    • Deputy Chapel Pastor – Fallujah, Iraq, with 5th Bn, 10th Marines

    • Member – Shock Trauma Teams, Fallujah and Korean Village Surgical Units