A licensed therapist can operate in the “coach” capacity. It means they aren’t providing psychotherapy and limit scope of practice to coaching. They can’t flip flop roles with clients.

Therapists must be licensed in the state where their client lives. There aren’t restrictions for coaches.

Usually if a therapist is offering coaching, it’s to work with clients out of state, who moved, or they no longer align with the psychotherapy model but want to provide mental health support in another less formal and structured capacity

Coaching does not follow a medical model. No mental health evaluation or diagnosis will be given. Psychological assessments cannot be interpreted. Formal treatment plans and psychotherapy techniques can’t be used (unethical). Medical clinical & therapeutic services will not be offered in coaching. Insurance cannot be billed. Emotional support animals can’t be prescribed. There is not a client protected relationship in coaching: confidentiality isn’t protected, dual relationships & other ethical standards aren’t set or enforced.

If a therapist is acting as a coach and there is a high risk issue with a client, therapists risk disciplinary action & losing their license. Licensing boards can advocate for clients. A coach doesn’t have a governing board so there is not a system in place for client safety.