What Is a Therapist? Psychologists, Social Workers, and More, Defined

Mental health coaches help their clients develop a greater understanding of themselves, how to be the best version of themselves, and how to forge a clear path to reach their goals in life and self-development, according to Shane O’Neil-Hart, LCSW, a senior clinical manager of the mental health coaching program at Lyra Health in San Francisco, which provides online mental health care, including coaching, medication management, and blended care therapy.

They are trained to help people with less severe mental health concerns, including stress and burnout, coping with major life transitions, and indecisiveness or feeling stuck in life.

They are not, however, able to diagnose mental health conditions or prescribe medication, says Wendy Nickerson, PhD, professor of psychology at Calsouthern University in Arizona and founder of the Nickerson Institute of Integrative Health Training, which provides mental health coaching certification that’s accredited by U.S. and Canadian regulatory bodies.

Americans should seek help from mental health coaches if their concerns aren’t severe. If you’re grappling with severe depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidal thoughts, or trauma, Nickerson and O’Neil-Hart suggest that you seek help from a clinician, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist. And be aware that the coach will let you know if, after meeting with you, what you’re dealing with falls outside their area of expertise.

What Degrees or Education They Need This is an unregulated field, so there are no prerequisites to go into mental health coaching. Unlike other therapists, anyone can call themselves a mental health coach. There is training provided to those who want to get properly accredited and registered. This coursework is typically done over about eight months, according to Nickerson.

Nickerson says individuals who pursue mental health coaching training usually have an undergraduate degree at baseline, a passion for mental health awareness, and some work experience in helping others.

What Licensures They Need Because mental health coaching is an unregulated field, you are not required to get licensed or registered to practice in the United States. If mental health coaches complete their training from an organization recognized by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners, Health Coach Alliance, or International Coaching Federation, they can voluntarily apply to be a registered coach in their state.

Where They Work Most mental health coaches run their own private practice, according to Nickerson, or they’ll work for organizations, such as Lyra Health, that provide online telemedicine. Trained mental health coaches also work in various settings, such as schools, hospitals, outpatient centers, and social work settings.