So Many Options: What are the Differences between Licensed Mental Health Providers and Other Coaches?
When seeking support for personal growth, mental health, or emotional challenges, you may encounter various professionals offering their services. A simple search might lead you to psychotherapists, licensed professional counselors, licensed clinical social workers, life coaches, mental performance consultants, psychologists, and psychiatrists. It is important to understand that each of these professionals have distinct and unique training. Understanding these differences is crucial in finding the right help for your needs.
Licensed Mental Health Providers
To be a licensed mental health provider, a professional must have a graduate degree, complete supervised clinical training, and pass a licensing exam. Licensure to practice as a mental health provider is only obtained through state governing bodies. For Colorado, this governing body is call the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).
Psychotherapists (aka Therapists or Counselors)
Definition and Role:
Licensed therapists and/or counselors provide mental health support by working with clients to address emotional issues, behavioral problems, and life transitions. They can have various graduate degrees (e.g., MA, MEd, MSW, MFT) and specialize in providing researched therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
Education and Licensing:
To become a licensed therapist or counselor, individuals need a master's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or a related field. After completing their degree, individuals must complete supervised clinical hours (usually 1,500 to 3,000 hours) and pass a state licensing exam to practice independently. Licensure requirements can vary by state; however, all licensed therapists and counselors follow a code of ethics which holds them accountable to state and national standards of practice.
Approach and Techniques:
Therapists employ a variety of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy. They create a safe and confidential space for clients to explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, addressing issues that affect their mental wellness.
Ideal Clients:
Therapy is suitable for individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, or significant life changes. Clients may seek therapy for deeper emotional healing and understanding rather than just goal attainment.
Psychologists
Definition and Role:
Psychologists have doctoral degrees (Ph.D. or Psy.D.). Their academic training focused on extensive training in the study human behavior, mental processes, and psychological testing. They are trained to diagnose and treat psychological disorders.
Education and Licensing:
To become a psychologist, one completes a doctoral degree in psychology, which includes rigorous coursework and supervised clinical training. After finishing their doctoral coursework, individuals must complete a year-long, 2,000 hours pre-doctoral internship and in-depth research project (often called a dissertation). Following graduation, psychologists must complete 2,000 hours of post-doctoral supervised clinical training and pass a licensing exam to apply for licensure. Licensed psychologists follow state and national ethics codes to protect the well-being of the individuals in their care.
Approach and Techniques:
Psychologists develop a theoretical orientation which informs their treatment practices. They use evidence-based therapeutic techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), EMDR, and solutions-focused therapy to help individuals manage mental health challenges. Some psychologists also conduct psychological assessments. Psychologists often focus on both improving an individuals state of being in addition to addressing underlying issues which contribute to current issues.
Ideal Clients:
Individuals experiencing psychological issues such as generalized anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, or persistent relationship difficulties, may benefit from seeing a psychologist.
Psychiatrists
Definition and Role:
Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who completed specialized training in mental health in addition to their medical training. They can diagnose mental illnesses, prescribe medication, and provide a medical perspective on psychological issues. Some psychiatrists also provide psychotherapy (talk therapy). More typically, psychiatrists coordinate care with psychologists, therapists, and counselors.
Education and Licensing:
To become a psychiatrist, one must complete a medical degree followed by a psychiatry residency, which typically lasts four years. After completing their residency, psychiatrists must pass a national board examination to obtain a medical license. They may also pursue board certification in psychiatry, which requires ongoing education and assessments. Sport psychiatrists complete additional training to better understand the positive and negative effects of medication on performance in addition to occurence of mental illness among athletes.
Approach and Techniques:
Psychiatrists typically use a combination of medication management and psychoeducation to improve patient health. They are trained to consider the biological, psychological, and social components of mental health, often looking at how physical health impacts emotional well-being.
Ideal Clients:
Individuals with persistent mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, eating disorders, or substance use disorders may benefit from a psychiatrist’s care.
Wellness & Performance Coaches
Life Coach
Definition and Role:
Life coaches are professionals who assist clients in achieving specific personal or professional goals. They often focus on motivation, goal-setting, and personal accountability. Unlike therapists or psychologists, life coaches do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions.
Education and Licensing:
There is no formal (state or national) licensing requirement for life coaches. Many choose to obtain certifications from recognized coaching organizations (e.g., International Coach Federation). Training programs typically cover coaching techniques, communication skills, and personal development strategies. These programs range from a few months to a year in duration. It is important to note that life coaches typically do not have graduate training in mental health nor do they have formal medical training.
Approach and Techniques:
Life coaching is generally forward-looking and action-oriented. Coaches may use various tools, such as motivational interviewing, visualization techniques, and goal-setting frameworks, to help clients clarify their goals and develop actionable plans. Sessions are typically structured and can include homework assignments to foster accountability.
Ideal Clients:
Individuals seeking a life coach are often looking for guidance to support their careers, relationships, or health. Life coaching can be beneficial for those who are generally healthy but feel stuck or are interested in self-improvement.
Mental Performance Coaches
Definition and Role:
Mental performance coaches assist individuals in performance optimization. They often focus on motivation, goal-setting, and visualization skills. Unlike licensed mental health providers, mental performance coaches do not diagnose or treat mental health conditions; however, some pursue additional graduate training to develop clinical competence.
Education and Licensing:
Many mental performance coaches complete a masters degree in sport and performance psychology. However, some mental performance coaches complete private training programs, not graduate degrees. Training programs focus on the implementation of mental skills. They cover the identification of mental illness but do not provide clinical training on how to manage mental health conditions.
Note: At Athlete Insight, our sport and performance consultants are trained mental health clinicians who also specialize mental performance.
Approach and Techniques:
Mental performance coaching is action-oriented and skills-based. Coaches may use various mental skills such as relaxation skills and goal setting to help clients improve their performances. Sessions are typically structured and can include homework assignments to foster accountability.
Ideal Clients:
Individuals looking to work through a mental block or improve confidence may benefit from mental performance coaching.
How to Choose the Right Professional for You
When determining which professional to work with, consider the following:
Nature of Your Challenge: Identify your needs and goals. Are you looking for habit change (life coach), sport performance improvements (mental performance coach), emotional support (therapist), psychological evaluation (psychologist), or medication management (psychiatrist)?
Goals for Support: Be clear about what you want to achieve. Are you looking to set specific goals, work through emotional issues, or manage a mental health disorder? Be honest with yourself and your needs.
Professional Qualifications: Research the qualifications and specialties of each professional. Ensure that their training and expertise align with your needs.
Personal Fit: The relationship between you and the professional is vital. Consider having initial consultations to gauge comfort and compatibility.
Your Path to Support and Growth
Navigating the world of mental health professionals, life coaches, and performance coaches can be overwhelming. Understanding the training and expertise of different professionals will help you to make informed decisions. Each professional offers unique services tailored to different needs, and taking your time to identify your “right fit” is a significant step toward achieving your goals and enhancing your well-being.
At Athlete Insight, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to personal growth, mental health, or sport performance. That is exactly what we formed a multidisciplinary team that meets the performance and mental health needs of athletes. Our philosophy is to work with the human first, athlete second. This approach supports overall well-being in addition to performance improvements.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider scheduling a complimentary consultation to discuss your needs and explore the best path for you. Remember, seeking support is a courageous step toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.