Coaching vs therapy: what's the difference?
Therapy is mental health care from a licensed clinician: it treats conditions and helps you work through emotional difficulty, often including the past. Coaching helps you reach goals and handle situations in the present, like a hard conversation or a career decision. Both are valuable, and sometimes you need one before the other.
Lauren is a real coach. You're texting an AI trained on her coaching.
Side by side
| Coaching | Therapy | |
|---|---|---|
| What it's for | Goals, decisions and situations in the present | Mental health and emotional wellbeing, often including the past |
| Who provides it | Coaches; credentials like the ICF's are voluntary | Licensed clinicians: psychologists, counselors, clinical social workers, psychiatrists |
| Regulation | Not licensed by the state | Licensed and regulated |
| Good for | A hard conversation, a promotion, a decision, follow-through | Mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, grief, and painful experiences |
| Insurance | Usually not covered | Often covered, depending on your plan |
When coaching is a good fit
- You're generally doing OK, and you want to get better at something specific.
- There's a situation in front of you: a conversation, a decision, a new role.
- You want accountability for following through.
- You'd like a sounding board who asks good questions rather than giving you the answer.
Can you do both?
Yes, and many people do. A therapist can help with what's underneath; a coach can help with what's in front of you this week. If you see both, it helps to tell each one about the other.
Coaching isn't a substitute for mental health care, and a good coach will say so when something sounds like more than coaching can help with.
Where TextLauren fits
TextLauren is coaching for work and life: preparing for the hard conversation, deciding what matters this week, following through. It isn't therapy or medical care.
If something you share sounds like a crisis, Lauren will point you to 988 and to professional support. That's part of how she's built.
Coaching for what's in front of you.
Text Lauren the situation. She'll help you think it through and pick one next step.
Hi Lauren! I'd like coaching on something at work.
Lauren is a real coach. You're texting an AI trained on her coaching. Your first week is free. Cancel anytime from your account or by texting Lauren.
TextLauren is coaching, not therapy or medical care. If you're in crisis in the US, call or text 988.
Frequently asked questions
Is coaching a form of therapy?
No. Coaching focuses on goals and present situations. Therapy is mental health care provided by a licensed clinician.
Can a coach diagnose anxiety or depression?
No. Coaches aren't licensed to diagnose or treat mental health conditions. A doctor or licensed mental health professional can.
Should I see a coach or a therapist?
If you're struggling to get through the day, or with low mood or worry that won't lift, start with a therapist or doctor. If you're generally OK and want help with a goal, a decision or a hard conversation, a coach fits.
Is TextLauren therapy?
TextLauren is coaching, not therapy or medical care. If you're in crisis in the US, call or text 988.