The Differences Between Therapy versus Coaching Services

Individuals trained in the mental health industry, including but not limited to Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT), Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC), and Psychologists (PsyD, PhD), can provide mental health therapy as well as coaching services. Coaching, in fact, is an intervention that a mental health professional can indeed provide as part of treatment. The treatment received from a mental health professional often includes evidence-based modalities. For instance, as an LCSW, I can receive training in a treatment modality such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) due to completing a master’s degree program in social work. I would not be allowed to enroll in EMDR training to administer this modality without my master’s degree, nor could I offer EMDR services in a coaching capacity.

 Mental health professionals are required to provide disclosures to patients prior to commencing treatment, such as informed consent, and educate patients about HIPAA regulations and the limitations of confidentiality. For example, if I, as your therapist, encounter you in a public setting, I would never approach you to say hello as doing so would breach confidentiality. However, you may choose to greet me, and I can respond. Additionally, I must use HIPAA-compliant platforms unless you provide consent for alternative communication methods such as email or texting. Coaching does not have these limitations.

 Coaches cannot provide mental health treatment or diagnoses. Coaches have not completed the 3000 hours of mental health field supervision required by each state (processes may vary from state to state). Mental health professionals must also pass a state-regulated licensing exam(s). Licensed mental health professionals must also maintain their license, fulfilling requirements such as Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and other mandatory trainings every two years. These courses may cover topics such as the latest data/research, best practices, and resources for addressing issues like human trafficking and suicide prevention.

 In a coaching capacity, I do not provide a diagnosis, nor do I treat diagnosable mental health issues. For instance, I can support a person who feels overwhelmed, which may help reduce worry and other stressors/symptoms through coaching services; however, I am not providing treatment for their anxiety with medical/evidence-based protocols or standard of care requirements. Counseling/therapy focuses on treating a mental health diagnosis, while coaching involves creating concrete goals that are not rooted in mental health. For instance, if a person needs support because they feel withdrawn and down, therapy would involve addressing the root of their low state and feelings, specifically the symptoms of depression.

 Life coaching, in general, is less regulated than the duties, responsibilities, and legal requirements of a mental health professional. Coaching offers more flexibility and may involve less of a neutral stance compared to therapy. There are numerous examples of individuals providing coaching that contributes to improving a person’s health.

Understanding the distinctions between hiring a coach and a therapist is vital. I outline the specific limitations and requirements of each profession to empower you to make an informed decision about your services. I cannot provide therapy or become your therapist if you are already engaged with another therapist. However, I can facilitate coordination and collaboration with other individuals involved in your care, with your explicit written consent. For instance, if you seek EMDR therapy through my services because your therapist does not have this training or does not offer EMDR, and then wish to resume sessions with your current therapist, this arrangement is permissible. I can coordinate care with your psychiatrist or a trusted family member, once again, with your written consent. These nuances are essential within the mental health care field due to their legal implications, such as adherence to HIPAA regulations, which I am obligated to uphold as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I provide these examples to help you differentiate between the processes involved in therapy and coaching. If you have any inquiries, please feel free to ask me.

 Here is another example illustrating coaching versus therapy:  A coach can collaborate with a parent to identify tasks that the parent could explore to improve their time management and organizational skills. A coach would not be addressing the parent’s depression but rather working on actionable steps or tasks that lead to reducing withdrawal and procrastination. Let’s consider a scenario where this parent is also anxious about losing weight within a certain time frame. That parent could see a therapist to treat their anxiety and/or eating concerns; however, they may choose to also hire a fitness coach who can help them identify goals to achieve their health objectives. While a therapist can provide coaching assistance as well as treat mental health concerns, it's important to note that a coach cannot directly address mental health issues.