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 that Carefirst is the ONLY insurance I currently accept. Regardless, the cost of individual coaching OR counseling services are the same base rate (see rates 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.