How a mental health coach could boost your wellbeing
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
If life is life-ing and you're struggling to cope, you might want to try a mental health coach. Learn how they're different from therapists and 5 tips to help you find one.
To get in better shape, some people hire a physical trainer — someone who will keep them motivated and make sure they’re getting the most out of their workouts. But did you know there are people who can do that for your mental health too?
A mental health coach can help you get out of a rut or deal with life when everything feels overwhelming. They can also just offer extra support when you need it. They’re basically like a personal guide for your emotional wellbeing.
These coaches focus on helping you build healthy habits, manage stress, and create a life that feels more balanced. Unlike therapists, they don’t treat mental health conditions — instead, they work with you to achieve goals and overcome challenges in a practical, approachable way.
What is a mental health coach?
A mental health coach is someone who helps you improve your mental wellbeing by recognizing where you are now and understanding where you want to be. They’re trained to help you reach your goals, manage stress, and build habits that support a healthier, happier life.
Unlike therapists, mental health coaches don’t diagnose or treat mental health conditions. Instead, their job is to help you figure out how you can feel more in control of your life. They’re equipped to help you tackle any number of issues, from how to strike a better work-life balance to figuring out how to establish a better self-care routine.
With a mental health coach, you’ll have a teammate to help you navigate life’s challenges and make positive changes to help you meet your goals. Here are a few areas in which a mental health coach might be able to help you:
Stress and resilience: Learn techniques to manage stress, become more resilient, and create a sense of calm even in challenging times.
Goal-setting and motivation: Are you trying to make a career change, achieve a goal, or better your relationships? A coach can help you map out the path and stay motivated.
Mindset shifts: Struggling with negative self-talk or self-doubt? Coaches can guide you reframe unhelpful thought patterns and cultivate a more positive outlook.
Healthy habits: From improving sleep to taking better care of yourself, a mental health coach can help you build habits that support your mental and physical wellbeing. In the meantime, you may also want to consider these 20+ self-care practices.
What’s the difference between a mental health coach and a therapist?
Mental health coaches and therapists focus on improving your wellbeing, but in different ways.
Therapists are trained to help you explore deeper emotional challenges, often focusing on your past to understand how it shapes your present. They’re licensed professionals who can diagnose and treat mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you’re facing significant mental health challenges, you should probably consider seeing a therapist.
On the other hand, mental health coaches focus on the present and the future. They help you set goals, build better habits, and manage stress in practical ways. (If you need help with goal-setting, consider these nine examples to get you started.) While they can’t provide clinical treatment, they can guide you to take more control of your life and feel better.
The main difference? Therapy often looks at “why” you’re feeling a certain way, while coaching focuses on “how” to move forward.
Who needs a mental health coach?
A mental health coach can be helpful for anyone looking to feel more balanced, motivated, or confident in their day-to-day life. They often help people who need help getting unstuck and they can also be a great resource if you’re dealing with transitions like starting a new job, going through a breakup, or adjusting to parenthood.
Mental health coaches are especially helpful for those who want to build better habits, improve self-care, or gain clarity about what’s next. If you’ve ever wished for someone to help you navigate life, a coach might be exactly what you need. (Here are seven strategies to create a self-care plan.)
Of course, coaches aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. If you’re experiencing serious mental health issues, it’s important to seek help from a licensed therapist or counselor — and you might consider using a coach as a complement.
How to find a mental health coach: 5 tips to find the right fit
It’s not just enough to decide you want to work with a mental health coach, you must also find the right one for you. You’ll want to work with someone who’s a great fit for your goals, values, and communication style — someone who gets you.
1. Get clear about your goals
Ask yourself what you want to achieve. Do you need to learn to cope with stress better? Improve your work-life balance? Develop a more positive mindset? The clearer you are about your goals, the easier it will be to find a coach who specializes in those areas.
If you’re unsure where to start, write down a few challenges you’re facing or areas you’d like to improve. A great coach will help you refine these goals during your sessions.
💙 Dr. Julie Smith’s Build Habits That Actually Stick series can help you figure out what makes you tick — and get into the right mindset to make lasting change.
2. Look into the coach’s training and certifications
Certifications can signal a coach’s expertise and commitment to ethical practices.You’ll want to find someone who has been professionally trained through programs like the International Coaching Federation (ICF) or the Health Coach Institute.
Some coaches also have counseling backgrounds, which can help. Don’t be nervous to ask them about their training and how it relates to their practices. This information can help guide your decision-making process.
3. Consider their specialization
Coaches often focus on specific areas, such as career transitions, stress management, or confidence building. Make sure the coach you’re considering has experience in the area where you need support.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a life transition, look for someone who specializes in life changes. (Here are nine ways to navigate change mindfully.) Or if you need a hand with building healthier habits, try to find someone with a background in behavioral change or wellness.
4. Read reviews and seek referrals
Word of mouth can be one of the best ways to find a trustworthy coach. Ask friends, colleagues, or online communities for recommendations. If you find a coach you’re interested in, check for client testimonials or online reviews to get a sense of their impact.
When you’re doing your research, pay close attention to comments about their communication style, reliability, and what their other clients have said.
5. Schedule a consultation (and trust your gut)
Many coaches offer a free or low-cost introductory session to see if you’re a good match. Use this opportunity to ask questions about their background, methods, experience, and cost. Here are a few questions to guide your conversation:
“How do you typically structure sessions? Do you work in person or online?”
“What kinds of clients do you usually work with?”
“What strategies or tools do you use to help clients achieve their goals?”
“How does your pricing work and do you offer payment plans?”
Ultimately, the right coach should feel like someone you can trust. Not into their tone or approach? That’s totally fine — keep looking. Your comfort and confidence in the relationship are essential for getting the most out of the experience.
💙 Strengthen your relationship with yourself by building trust, self-awareness, and compassion. Tamara Levitt’s Relationship with Self series can help.
Mental health coach FAQs
What does a mental health coach do?
A mental health coach helps you improve your emotional wellbeing and work toward personal goals. They guide you in managing stress, building better habits, and finding clarity when life feels overwhelming.
Instead of focusing on mental health conditions, coaches help with things like creating a balanced routine, improving your mindset, or boosting your confidence. Think of them as a supportive partner who can help you figure out what’s next.
Is a mental health coach the same as a therapist?
No, they’re different. Therapists are trained to treat mental health issues like anxiety, depression, or trauma. They often help you explore your past to understand how it affects you today.
Mental health coaches don’t treat or diagnose mental health conditions. Instead, they focus on helping you manage your current challenges and set goals for the future. Therapy dives deep into emotional healing, while coaching focuses on practical steps to help you grow.
Do you need to be certified to be a mental health coach?
Mental health coaches don’t need a license, but many complete certification programs to hone their skills. Certifications from organizations like the International Coaching Federation (ICF) show that the coach has been trained and follows professional guidelines.
While not every coach is certified, choosing one with proper training can be reassuring.
How can I benefit from a mental health coach?
A mental health coach can help you manage stress, create healthier habits, or tackle a big life change. They can also help you move forward if you’re feeling unsure about your next steps.
If you’re struggling with work-life balance, a coach can help you set priorities and build a routine that works for you. Or, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, they might teach you tools like mindfulness to help you feel more in control. (Here are 11 stress-busting meditation techniques.)
What should I expect when working with a mental health coach?
Working with a mental health coach feels like a partnership. During sessions, you’ll talk about your goals and challenges. The coach will guide you in creating a plan, give you tools to overcome obstacles, and help you stay motivated.
You might try exercises like journaling, mindfulness, or setting small, realistic goals. A coach won’t solve your problems for you, but they’ll give you the support and accountability you need to move forward.
Calm your mind. Change your life.
Mental health is hard. Getting support doesn't have to be. The Calm app puts the tools to feel better in your back pocket, with personalized content to manage stress and anxiety, get better sleep, and feel more present in your life.
Images: Getty
