This is usually the main factor. Therapists gain licensure through a particular STATE board, and are therefore only allowed by law to practice in the state of that licensure. I am licensed in the state of Maryland and therefore can only see Maryland residents as therapy/counseling clients. If you aren’t a Maryland resident, working with me as a COACHING client is a viable option. Thankfully, although I won’t provide therapy, as a coach my knowledge of mental health is a valuable skill that many other coaches do not possess.

Therapists are trained specifically on treating mental health conditions and concerns. If you feel that your needs are centered around a potential mental health condition; if you are on psychotropic medication or considering it, choosing a THERAPIST to work with may be your best bet in the long run. This doesn’t necessarily mean a coach can’t help with some of your concerns (I see several coaching clients who have issues with anxiety, for example) but I would not be able to sign off on things that require a therapist’s sign off, for example; FMLA paperwork, court documents, etc.

Since insurance can only be used for therapy/counseling services, and NOT for coaching, coming in as a therapy client may be more economical. if you are a Maryland resident and want to use insurance, please note I do not ACCEPT insurance, but you might be eligible to get reimbursed for out-of-pocket paymentst for services if you have an Out-Of-Network (OON) policy benefit. Learn more about using OON insurance benefits HERE.

Some people just like working with coaches. Some people prefer working with therapists. Thankfully, I do both and use skills from both to inform the way I support my clients. Check in with your own heart and recognize that whichever one you decide, I promise to provide a non-judgmental, safe and compassionate space for you to identify your goals and unlock tools to achieve them. Read more about my counseling/coaching style HERE.