What the Heck is a Health Coach Anyway?

Fitness coach, business coach, life coach...and now a health coach? When I tell someone that I’m a health and wellness coach, most have absolutely no idea what that is. What the heck is a 'health coach' anyway?

A health and wellness coach is a relatively new medical profession. Many chronic degenerative diseases (like diabetes, obesity, heart disease, cancer and dementia) can be prevented or controlled by modifying your lifestyle. In other words, living a healthier life. Sounds easy. Hard to do. That's where a health coach comes in.

What a Health Coach Is

A trained and certified health coach is an expert in helping you make the lifestyle and behavioral changes necessary to reach your personal health goals. We are a wellness authority and supportive mentor. We are a highly-educated health guide that fills the gap that doctors, nurses, nutritionists and dietitians don’t often have the time or desire to fill. We are part educator, part counselor, part cheerleader, part "health hacker" and 100% mentor, dedicated to supporting you in your health quest.

As a health coach, we help you to achieve YOUR health and wellness goals, not ours. We help you to make small changes, little by little, at your pace, until you've reached your goals. We take the time to listen to your concerns, help you discover where and why you are struggling, and help you navigate the world of contradictory advice to figure out exactly what works for you.

Our job is to empower you to achieve your health and wellness dreams. A health coach is non-judgmental and supportive. We are a safe place to explore your vision of a healthy future, to discover your inner strengths, to set goals and develop action steps, to experiment with solutions, to manage obstacles, to become accountable, and to ultimately achieve and maintain your wellness vision.

What a Health Coach is NOT

Granted, some health coaches have dual degrees and can offer additional expertise, but in general, a health coach's scope of practice is clear cut.  A health coach is not a physician, nurse, nutritionist nor dietician and we do not diagnose, prescribe or treat illness -- although we do have extensive medical and nutritional training. We are not personal trainers -- but we are trained in the basics and benefits of exercise. We are not therapists, psychologists, social workers nor mental health experts -- although we are trained in recognizing mental health conditions and in managing life's daily stresses. Should you need expertise beyond our scope of practice, we are trained to offer resources from nationally recognized authorities and to refer you to local licensed practitioners.

 Does Insurance Pay for a Health Coach

As a new medical specialty, health coaching is not yet reimbursable by most medical insurance carriers. Presently, it is fee-for-service. Many Health Saving Account (HSA) banks are now allowing health coach fees to be paid using HSA funds, so check with your HSA for clarification.

Where Can I Find a Health Coach?

Health and wellness coaches are popping up everywhere -- in doctor’s offices, spas, gyms, in private practices and all over the Internet. But, buyer beware! Not all health and wellness coaches are qualified. As of now, health coaching is basically an unregulated profession. Be sure to check out one of our other blog entries, What to Know Before Hiring a Health Coach, to fully understand the differences in health coach training, qualifications, and national certifications.

DISCLAIMER: This information provided is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. This information is to be used at your own risk based on your own judgement. See complete Disclaimer.