How do I find a life coach on Sana Network? To find a coach, select “Life Coaching” from our provider type menu. You can search by city or zip code to find local professionals or search for those offering virtual sessions. Our directory allows you to filter by specific coaching niches, such as executive leadership, career transitions, relationship coaching, health and wellness coaching, and financial goal setting.

What is the difference between a Life Coach and a Therapist? While both professionals support personal growth, their focus and training are different:

• Life Coaches: Focus on the “here and now” and the future. They help clients identify specific goals, overcome obstacles, and improve performance or life satisfaction. Coaching is generally action-oriented and focuses on personal or professional development rather than healing past trauma or treating clinical symptoms.

• Therapists (Psychologists, Counselors, Social Workers): Are licensed healthcare professionals trained to diagnose and treat mental health disorders. Therapy often involves processing emotional distress, managing clinical conditions like depression or anxiety, and exploring the impact of past experiences on current behavior.

Are life coaches licensed? Unlike counseling or medicine, life coaching is not currently a state-licensed profession. However, many professional coaches seek voluntary certification through reputable organizations such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF) or the National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC). 

Can a life coach treat mental health conditions? No. Life coaches are not qualified to diagnose or treat mental health conditions, and coaching is not a substitute for clinical therapy. If a coach identifies that a client’s needs involve clinical issues, such as untreated trauma, severe depression, or substance use, they are ethically obligated to refer that client to a licensed mental health professional. Many clients on Sana Network choose to work with both a therapist and a coach to address different aspects of their lives simultaneously.

Does Sana Network include coaches-in-training? Yes. To foster the growth of the professional coaching community, our directory includes coaches who are currently completing their required practice hours for certification. These individuals are often referred to as “Associate” or “Student” coaches. Working with a coach-in-training is an excellent way to receive high-quality support at a reduced or sliding-scale rate while the provider gains the experience necessary for their credentials.

How much does life coaching cost and is it covered by insurance? Life coaching is typically an out-of-pocket expense and is very rarely covered by traditional health insurance, as it is considered a wellness service rather than a medical necessity. Fees vary significantly based on the coach’s experience and the length of the coaching engagement. Some employers offer coaching as part of professional development budgets or Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), so we recommend checking with your HR department.

What should I look for in a life coach? Because the coaching industry is broad, it is important to find a “fit” for your specific goals. We recommend reviewing a coach’s “About” section to see if their methodology aligns with your needs. For example, some coaches use a structured, “homework” based approach, while others use a more reflective, discovery-based style. Most coaches on Sana Network offer a brief introductory call to ensure your goals align with their expertise.

Is coaching confidential? While coaches respect client privacy and many adhere to the ethical standards of professional organizations like the ICF, it is important to note that coaching does not carry the same “privileged communication” legal status as therapy or medicine. Coaches generally maintain strict confidentiality unless they believe there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or if required by law. Most coaches will provide a coaching agreement at the start of your work together that outlines their specific privacy policies.