Coaching vs. Therapy Disclaimer
At Butterfly Effect Counseling (BEC), we offer both clinical mental health services and non-clinical coaching services. Because these services serve different purposes and operate under different laws and ethical guidelines, it is important to clearly understand the distinction between therapy and coaching. The information below explains what each service includes and does not include.
What Therapy Is
Therapy (also called counseling or psychotherapy) is a clinical mental health service provided only by licensed mental health professionals at BEC.
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Therapy may include:
• Assessment and diagnosis
• Treatment planning
• Processing emotional experiences
• Evidence-based clinical interventions
• Support for mental health conditions and symptoms
• Crisis intervention when appropriate
• Referrals to higher levels of care
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Therapy is regulated by state licensing laws and professional boards. Therapists must follow specific legal, ethical, and clinical standards of care.
Therapy may be eligible for insurance reimbursement depending on your provider and benefits.
What Coaching Is
Coaching is a non-clinical, wellness-focused service that supports personal growth and day-to-day functioning. Coaching focuses on:
• Personal development
• Goal setting
• Accountability
• Habit and routine building
• Time management and organization
• Strengthening motivation and follow-through
• Creating forward-focused action plans
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Coaching does not diagnose, treat, or assess mental health conditions. It is not a substitute for therapy, mental health treatment, or crisis care.
Coaching is not billable to insurance.
How Coaching and Therapy Differ
While both services support growth and change, they differ in purpose, scope, and legal requirements.
Therapy:
• Clinical and regulated
• Addresses symptoms and emotional or psychological concerns
• May involve exploring past experiences
• Uses mental health treatment modalities
• Can include diagnosis and treatment planning
• Must be provided by a licensed professional
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Coaching:
• Non-clinical and not regulated as mental health treatment
• Focuses on present goals and future actions
• Does not treat mental health conditions
• Does not diagnose
• Does not provide clinical interventions
• Centers on accountability, structure, and practical strategies
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If it becomes clear that a coaching client would benefit from therapy or another level of clinical care, a referral will be provided.
When Coaching Is Not Appropriate
Coaching is not appropriate for individuals who are:
• In crisis
• Experiencing suicidal thoughts or self-harm urges
• Experiencing severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions
• In need of trauma processing or specialized clinical treatment
• Requiring diagnosis or mental health assessment
• Unable to meet basic safety, stability, or functioning requirements for coaching
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In these cases, therapy—or a higher level of care—is necessary.
Choosing the Service That Fits Your Needs
If you are unsure whether therapy or coaching is the right fit, we can help guide you toward the appropriate service. Coaching does not replace therapy or clinical care, and therapy is always provided only by licensed mental health professionals at BEC.
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Your safety and well-being are our highest priority.
Legal Notice
Engaging in coaching services does not create a therapist–client relationship with Butterfly Effect Counseling or with any coaching staff. Coaching is not mental health treatment.
Therapists at BEC provide therapy only under licensure and in accordance with state laws and professional regulations.