counseling vs. coaching

Counseling and coaching are separate services with different purposes. Ryan Helton is an Arizona licensed professional counselor (LPC-16578). When Ryan provides counseling, the work is clinical mental health care and may include assessment, diagnosis, treatment planning, and psychotherapy, as appropriate to the client’s needs.

Coaching is a nonclinical service focused on goals, values, habits, decisions, and practical action. Coaching does not include mental health diagnosis, psychotherapy, or treatment of a mental health condition. A coaching relationship does not become counseling simply because Ryan is also a licensed counselor.

Both services may include reflection, skill-building, and support for change. Ryan will explain the service being offered and its scope before work begins. If a person seeking coaching needs clinical care, Ryan can discuss counseling or an appropriate referral.

For more detail, review the Counseling vs. Coaching comparison document below. If you are unsure where to start, contact Ryan to discuss which service may fit your needs.