What Is The Difference Between Therapy And Life Coaching?

Should you start therapy or work with a life coach? In New York City, the options for mental health care seem endless, and it can be challenging to know which kind of practitioner you need at this stage of your life journey.

If you’re uncertain whether to begin therapy or explore meeting with a life coach, we’re here to help you understand the significant differences in these services. Below, you’ll find details on topics like the focus of therapy versus life coaching and whether or not insurance covers the cost of life coaching. If you need more personalized help deciding, be sure to schedule a free consultation with our staff care coordinator. 

Healthy Minds NYC offers both therapy and life coaching options, so whichever method of care you choose, we’re ready to work with you. Our practice also has executive coaching and a special two-day life planning intensive for those hoping to make significant progress in their work or personal lives.

Below, we’ve identified the main differences between therapy and life coaching to help you decide which option is best for your mental health goals. We also recommend that you take our free “Do I Need Therapy?” quiz in order to clarify the style of care that you prefer.

What is the Difference Between Therapy and Coaching in New York City?

1.) THERAPY FOCUSES ON DYSFUNCTION VERSUS DESIRE

Therapy focuses on reducing negative symptoms or stressors that interfere with one’s ability to live a healthy lifestyle. This process is perfect for anyone feeling burdened by pain from their past or dysfunctional patterns or behaviors in the present they feel unable to conquer. Life coaching is goal-focused and sessions are centered on helping clients reach specific objectives or desires.

2.) THERAPY EMPHASIZES THE PAST AND COACHING FOCUSES ON THE FUTURE.

The degree to which one’s past is explored in therapy depends on the concerns of the client and the treatment methods of the therapist. However, therapy always requires a history of the presenting issue. Life coaching is focused on the present experience of the client and future goals. Therefore, a clinical diagnosis and history of the situation are not always needed. Our staff life coach is also trained as a therapist. If she determines more therapeutic help is required, she can refer you to another mental health professional on our team to provide the appropriate level of care.

3.) COACHING OFFERS OPEN-ENDED SESSIONS WHILE THERAPY HAS WEEKLY SESSIONS. 

Therapy is best provided through routine weekly sessions during which clients can find stability and build on the insights they are gaining from week to week. The length of treatment varies for every client, however, it’s not unusual for people to spend months or even years meeting with their therapist. In life coaching, sessions can occur more sporadically, and the frequency or length of treatment can vary greatly depending on the goals of the individual client. In our practice, we allow clients to book individual coaching sessions or choose bundled packages that may be more cost effective.

4.) COACHING DOES NOT ALLOW USE OF INSURANCE LIKE THERAPY.

Providing therapy requires a license from the state of New York, and the cost of therapeutic services may be offset by an insurance carrier. When you see a therapist, they may assign a diagnosis code to your client record that will allow your insurance company to reimburse you or cover a portion of your health costs using this CPT code. Be sure to visit our Insurance and Rates page to learn how we help maximize the use of your out-of-network insurance benefits for therapy or medication management at Healthy Minds NYC.

Unlike therapy, life coaching is an unlicensed field, and the standard of care may change based on the practitioner. Chanel Dokun, is our staff life coach who has been trained by a global credentialing organization and also holds a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Learn more about our staff life coach, author Chanel Dokun, here and also get access to her book Life Starts Now: How to Create the Life You’ve Been Waiting For. Life coaching services are not covered by insurance because they do not have an associated medical diagnosis code.

5. BOTH COACHING AND THERAPY MAY TAKE PLACE VIRTUALLY OR IN PERSON. 

Therapy sessions typically take place in person due to the sensitive nature of the therapeutic process. Despite the popularity of teletherapy, nothing quite replaces the value of what happens when a therapist and client are physically in the room together. In-person care is the most common. However, after the COVID-19 pandemic, the shift to virtual care has been normalized for most industries, and the options for telehealth have expanded.

At Healthy Minds NYC, we offer our clients the option for Telehealth virtual therapy or medication management sessions at the discretion of the therapist based on the client’s health and current treatment goals. Life coaching sessions can occur virtually by video or phone, allowing clients to more easily integrate their coaching sessions into their work day or regular life rhythm.

How Do I Get Started with Therapy or Life Coaching?

If you’re looking to begin life coaching or any mental health services with Healthy Minds NYC, the easiest way to start is by scheduling a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation with our Care Coordinator. During this call we’ll help determine the best course of care with you, explore your payment options, and schedule your first appointment. Our goal is to speed you along your journey toward health with the best process that meets your unique needs.