Get a mental health coach

What is mental health coaching?

Mental health coaching helps you build skills, confidence, and a positive mindset – just like a sports coach, but for your mental wellbeing. 
Illustration of a woman sitting on a beanbag while a man on a couch coaches her

What is a mental health coach?

Mental health coaches support, guide and motivate you as you work towards better mental wellbeing. Mental health coaches are trained and certified, but they are not qualified to diagnose medical conditions or prescribe medication. 

A mental health coach can help you:
✔ Understand your symptoms of mental stress
✔ Improve your social and interpersonal relationship skills
✔ Develop self-awareness to regulate your emotions
✔ Reduce and manage stress, overwhelm and anxiety
✔ Challenge negative thought and behaviour patterns
✔ Focus on personal growth and self-actualisation
✔ Identify tools and techniques to help manage your life
✔ Stay motivated and energised to find balance

What can a mental health coach do for your mental health?

Whether you're navigating stress, setting personal goals, or simply wanting to stay on track, a mental health coach can guide and motivate you to take practical steps toward feeling better and thriving.

Coaching is a partnership, where you and your coach work together to take manageable steps towards your goals. Your coach helps you adjust and stay motivated along the way. 

Mental health coaching focuses on the present and what you want to achieve in the future. Coaches can support you with everyday anxiety, work and relationship challenges, sleep, stress, and goal setting, while helping you stay accountable.

It’s 4 am. You’re not counting sheep, you’re still counting the inventory from earlier today. Your mind just won’t switch off. You're feeling stuck thinking about work finances, deadlines, and everything you didn’t get done. You feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and alone. For the fourth night in a row.

Sound familiar? It’s a familiar story, especially for small business owners. And we’re all familiar with the suggestions: try some mediation, mindfulness, exercise, switch off your phone … sometimes, it’s all easier said than done. 

Sometimes, what you need is someone to focus you on you. 
What if you had someone to check in with regularly as you work towards some wellbeing goals (like a good night’s sleep)?
Is it time to find a mental health coach?
Illustration of sad man sitting on floor, hugging a pillow for comfort

What are the goals of a mental health coaching session?

Your coach will work with you to set clear, achievable goals that support your mental wellbeing. These might include:

  • improving sleep

  • managing stress

  • building confidence

  • navigating work and personal relationships

Sessions are structured and focused on solutions. Your coach aims to help you take small, manageable steps toward change, while building your ability to problem-solve and cope with life’s ups and downs. 

What techniques do mental health coaches use?

During sessions, you might:​
  • learn ways to cope with strong emotions, like using distress tolerance skills. You could try journaling to understand your thoughts and feelings and track your progress
  • explore different problem-solving, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused thinking tools
  • with your coach's help, set SMART goals. “SMART” is a way of approaching goal setting in business, but it’s also a great tool for personal goal setting. SMART stands for "Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound". You break down a goal or plan into these different categories so you can see clearly why you want it, what resources you have and what steps you'll take to achieve it
  • learn how to use mindfulness to stay calm and focused or adapt ideas from therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you change negative thoughts and take positive steps that match your values.

    • How are mental health coaches trained?

    Mental health coaches in Australia often train in mental health first aid, peer work or coaching. Some may hold qualifications in psychology, counselling or social work, though this isn’t required. Training is usually delivered by a recognised coaching organisation or registered training provider. While there’s no single national standard, most programs include:

    • coaching skills like active listening, goal setting and motivational interviewing

    • mental health education on anxiety and depression and how to support people without diagnosing or treating

    • ethics and boundaries, including when to refer to other professionals

    • practical experience through supervised practice or case studies.

    Mental health coaches are not registered under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), so check their training and experience before getting started.

    Mental health coaching vs. therapy vs. counselling: what’s the difference?

    Mental health coaching, therapy and counselling all support people experiencing mental health challenges, but they’re different in focus and approach. The right choice for you depends on your needs, preferences and where you are on your mental health journey.

    Illustration of two friends having a conversation on a couch

    Mental health coaching is focused on the future. Coaches don’t diagnose mental health conditions or treat trauma, but they can support you to take practical steps towards balance and growth.

    Illustration of a couple in a counselling session

    Therapy is delivered by registered mental health professionals and focuses on processing past experiences, including trauma. Therapy is often used to treat diagnosed mental health conditions.

    Illustration of two friends in conversation on the couch

    Counselling provides a safe space to talk through personal challenges, emotions and life changes. Counsellors can support you through difficult times and refer you to other professionals if needed.

    Is mental health coaching right for you?

    Think of your mental health coach as a physical trainer for your mind. They can give you tools and motivate you to feel better and stay on track.

    Mental health coaching is a good option if you:

    • want to build self-awareness and emotional resilience
    • need help with stress, anxiety or everyday challenges
    • are working through life changes, like a new job or relationship
    • want to improve your habits, routines or mindset
    • are looking for motivation and accountability. 

    Do you live with a complex mental health condition?

    If you live with PTSD, schizophrenia or severe anxiety or depression, you may need clinical care instead of coaching.

    Are you using or thinking about medication?

    Coaches can’t prescribe medication, so you may need support from a doctor or psychiatrist who can.

    Are you already seeing a therapist?

    A coach can work alongside and support your treatment. Make sure both professionals know what support you’re getting.

    Are you facing mainly short-term challenges like grief, work stress or life changes?

    Coaching can be a helpful option for times of big change or stress.

    Are you wanting to stay on top of your mental health?

    Coaching can be a great proactive support for your mental wellbeing even if you’re not dealing with a specific issue.

    Are you looking to grow at work or in your personal life?

    Coaches can help you feel more confident, improve how you talk and work with others, and build strength to handle challenges at work and in your personal life.

    How can Beyond Blue help with mental health coaching?

    Beyond Blue’s NewAccess is a mental health coaching program for anyone feeling unsettled or overwhelmed. It’s free, confidential and doesn’t require a GP referral. NewAccess coaches are trained and supervised and use LiCBT as a guided self-help approach, delivered flexibly over telephone or video call sessions.

    NewAccess for individuals 

    A free, confidential mental health coaching program using LiCBT principles to help individuals manage stress and anxiety without needing a doctor's referral.

    NewAccess for small business owners logo

    NewAccess for Small Business

    Tailored support focusing on the unique pressures faced by small business owners.

    Before Blue for Workplaces

    For employees of participating organisations, Before Blue support employees and create healthier work environments.

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