A survey of nearly 1,000 members of the Association of Christian Counsellors (ACC) found 92 per cent of respondents said this should apply for large organisations, for example major charities, schools and NHS bodies.
Almost 60 per cent said smaller charities should pay for counselling services also.
Kathy Spooner, director of counselling and psychotherapy for ACC, told Premier sometimes the compassion of therapists can be taken for granted, and it is about time that they are respected for what they do.
She said during Premier News Hour: "We cannot keep doing this work for nothing.
"We are compelled by compassion but we still need to put a roof over our head.
"There are many different historical roots [contributing to] why there's an expectation this is a loving, giving, missional work that shouldn't be paid, but that doesn't always apply to other missional work.
"Youth pastors are often paid; pastors and priests in church often have remuneration."
ACC said there has been a growing concern in the profession about the tendency for many well-established organisations to advertise for fully qualified counsellors and psychotherapists to work on a voluntary basis, despite the fact that in nearly all other respects these organisations are willing to pay for staff, and other services.
Spooner said: "It's absolutely routine; I've recently seen adverts for an NHS cancer unit and for a major university, [they] are 'volunteer counsellors wanted'."
ACC has urged companies to consider the investment counsellors make in their career, adding they spend "on average £8,000-10,000, over at least two to three years of formal study".
In addition, there are on-going costs like insurance, membership of professional bodies and continuing professional training.
Despite the call for a "radical rethink in the way that Church and State support those meeting the need for safe, accountable counselling and psychotherapy", Spooner said many counsellors still have the heart to do voluntary work or work at reduced prices for vulnerable people who cannot afford to pray for their services.
The ACC said in a statement: "The survey revealed that many of our counsellors are willing to continue to work for smaller charities, and are appreciative of the benefits in kind that are offered, but nonetheless the clear majority of counsellors wish to also be paid to do so - albeit at much lower than market rates.
"Christians have always stepped into the place of need whether or not paid to do so, and our members overwhelmingly voted to continue to be able to work as volunteers - but by choice, not by default."
Listen to Kathy Spooner speaking with Premier's Eno Adeogun here:
