Therapist vs Coach

Therapists are licensed professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, or mental health counselors and are trained in a wide array of modalities.

The common goal of all therapists is to relieve suffering (mental health symptoms) and achieve a healthy state of being and functioning. To work as a licensed therapist requires a master's degree and passing the state exam.

Coaches, on the other hand, may hold certifications in their respective fields, but there are no current state or national laws that require a license to practice as a coach in most cases.

A coaching approach is generally very hands-on, and as such, coaching sessions often take place in various settings such as the client's home, gym, or office. Whereas therapists have to follow appropriate ethical and clinical guidelines set by their respective licensing boards, coaches do not.

There are a wide array of coaches who focus on general or specific life areas, including a life coach, business coach, career coach, relationship coach, divorce coach, nutrition coach, fitness coach, life skills coach, recovery coach, sober coach, basketball coach, you name it, the list is endless.

The same goes for therapy in terms of the many different approaches someone could study. There are psychoanalysis and psychodynamic therapies, behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, humanistic therapy, and integrative or holistic therapy, to name a few.

The major difference is that coaches tend to be very goal and action-oriented in helping to set very specific goals, and it does not require any specific educational credentials or state license.

A therapist, on the other hand, is more introspective and focused on discussing feelings and behaviors. Therapists may also set goals with their clients, but the emphasis is more on creating awareness and a pathway for change.

Differences in educational credentials and state certification reflect differences in earning potential. The national median average for a coach in the U.S., for example, is $36,961 a year, while the national median for a therapist is $71,859 per year. Employment over the next decade for coaches is projected to grow by 13% and 16% for therapists.