Drawing upon cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction, short-term-focused consultation and similar frameworks, mental health coaching supports individuals in achieving their full potential with an emphasis on mental and emotional health and performance. Coaching assists individuals in gaining skills and increased self-efficacy to promote resilience and lifestyle behaviors that support positive mental health, effective performance, and productivity.

Mental health coaches are non-licensed professionals with a clinical background who partner with individuals to assist with coping skills, processing and healing from everyday stressors. Unlike licensed clinicians, mental health coaches do not diagnose or provide treatment. However, coaches have sufficient training and experience to recognize when a client requires a referral to a licensed clinician or other resources with the appropriate expertise.

As opposed to therapy, which focuses on the past—with an emphasis on emotions—to understand the present, mental health coaching focuses on the present and reaching future goals. In other words, mental health coaching concentrates on “how” and the strategy for the desired change; therapy centers on “why” and developing insight and self-awareness.

Just like physical health, mental health exists on a continuum, from healthy (thriving) to ill (in crisis). Mental health can change depending on an individual’s circumstances or experiences. The mental health continuum illustrates the different stages an individual can experience throughout life and career.