4 Key Differences Between Therapy and Coaching
Deciding between therapy and coaching?
Therapy and coaching can both offer valuable forms of support! Many folks wonder what the difference is, since there can be a lot of overlap. There’s a lot of misleading information out there, so in short, here are some objective, concrete differences:
Professional psychotherapists, regardless of their specific degree or credentials, are subject to governmental regulation that includes consumer protections and minimum requirements for licensure. In contrast, there is zero regulation or oversight of coaching services.
Professional psychotherapists must undergo formal education (Master’s Degree at minimum) and complete thousands of documented hours of experience before they are even permitted to pursue licensure. Furthermore, licensed therapists must renew their license at regular intervals, which includes minimum requirements for ongoing education and training hours with each renewal. Since licensure for coaching does not exist, there are no minimum requirements someone must meet before calling themselves a coach.
Although private-pay therapists are not covered by health insurance, they are recognized by health insurance companies as Out-of-Network Providers, which often means you may still be eligible for partial reimbursement by your health insurance. With coaching, no costs are eligible for reimbursement (unless your benefits package includes specific services with a specific coaching program).
If you ever find yourself needing to provide professional documentation supporting your eligibility for certain rights/protections in school or work settings (educational accommodations, medical leave, emotional support animals, etc.), psychotherapists are considered qualified healthcare providers, whereas coaches are not.
