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Do I Need Coaching or Therapy? How to Decide What’s Right for You.

  • Writer: rachel parker
    rachel parker
  • May 9
  • 3 min read

If you’re feeling stuck in a pattern, craving change, or simply wanting more support, you might find yourself wondering: Do I need a coach or a therapist? It’s a common question and it can feel confusing!


Coaching and therapy both offer powerful support, but they serve different purposes and are best suited for different needs.


In this post, we’ll break down the differences between coaching and therapy, how to know which is the best fit for you, and what to consider before making your choice.


Coaching vs. Therapy: What’s the Difference?


Although coaching and therapy can sometimes look similar on the surface, both involve talking with a trained professional to reach your goals, however the focus, methods, and training behind them differ.


Therapy (also called counseling or psychotherapy)


Therapists are licensed mental health professionals trained to help clients heal from emotional, psychological, and behavioral difficulties. The biggest difference between therapy and coach is that therapy treats diagnosable mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, and more.


  • Goal: Healing, symptom reduction & symptom management, emotional insight

  • Scope: Mental health, trauma, relationship dynamics, emotional regulation

  • Practitioner: Licensed therapist (e.g., LMHC, LCSW, LPC, LMFT, PsyD, PhD)

  • Regulation: State-licensed; required to follow ethical codes and clinical guidelines


Coaching


Coaches are professionals trained to help clients set and reach personal or professional goals. Coaching is typically action-driven, and solution-focused. While it can be transformative, it is not meant to treat mental health disorders.


  • Goal: Growth, performance, accountability, clarity

  • Scope: Goal setting, life transitions, leadership, wellness, mindset

  • Practitioner: Coaches are not required to have certifications or trainings (however many therapists also have a coaching business separate from their therapy practice.)

  • Regulation: Not regulated by state licensure (training and credentials vary)


"Coaching is not therapy. Therapists assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. Coaches do not."— American Psychological Association (APA, 2021)

How to Know Which One You Need


You might benefit from therapy if:


  • You’re struggling with persistent or intense sadness, anxiety, or trauma symptoms

  • You’ve been diagnosed with a mental health condition or suspect you might have one

  • Your past experiences are significantly impacting your daily life

  • You feel overwhelmed by emotions or coping with life feels difficult

  • You're experiencing disordered eating, addiction, or suicidal thoughts


Therapists can help you process emotions, develop coping skills, and explore root causes in a supportive and confidential space.


You might benefit from coaching if:


  • You’re high-functioning but feel stuck or unmotivated in a specific area

  • You want help reaching personal, career, or wellness goals

  • You're navigating a life transition and need clarity or confidence

  • You’re seeking accountability, structure, and forward momentum

  • You’re not currently struggling with untreated mental health symptoms


Coaching can be incredibly helpful for people who want to take action but need guidance, support, and strategy.


Can You Do Both?


Yes! Many people benefit from working with both a therapist and a coach either at the same time or during different seasons of life. Just make sure you’re not using coaching as a substitute for therapy if you’re struggling with mental health issues.


Another thing to consider is that therapists have ethical rules against dual relationships, meaning that your therapist cannot also provide you with coaching services from their coaching business. You cannot be their therapy client and their coaching client.


If you would like to do both therapeutic services and coaching services, you would need a therapist and a different coach, vice versa.


These ethical rules may seem frustrating, but their goal is to always protect the client.



References





Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional therapy, diagnosis, or treatment. Please seek help from a qualified mental health professional for personalized support.

 
 
 

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