Takeaway: Many people are totally new to the idea of working with a life coach, so it makes sense that you’d have questions about things like cost. In this post, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the cost of a life coach so you can make an informed decision. Plus, I’ll give you my insight as to why the investment is totally worth it.

Everything you need to know about life coaching

The life coaching industry is a relatively new (and growing!) field, and many people aren't familiar with what life coaches do. In order to fully understand the cost of life coaching, it's important to know exactly what life coaches are and what to expect from the process.

What is life coaching?

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), life coaching is a form of support that's designed to help people meet their personal and professional goals. This can take the form of one-on-one coaching or group coaching, depending on what your goals are and the type of support you're looking for.

There are many different types of life coaching. For example, business coaching is just what it sounds like—life coaching that helps people reach their career-related goals. Business life coaches might help people learn leadership skills, set work-life boundaries, and build self-confidence as a business owner.

On the other hand, personal coaching usually focuses on a person's life outside of work. This type of life coach might help people work on goals related to relationships, self-awareness or self-esteem, or learn healthier habits.

These are just a few examples of what life coaching can offer. No matter what type of goals you have, it's likely that a life coach can help you reach them. A life coach is meant to be a partner and advocate throughout the process, giving you direction and feedback while also empowering you to make the decisions that are best for you.

Who can become a life coach?

There's no singular way to become a life coach. All life coaches have different backgrounds, education levels, experiences, and credentials. When searching for a life coach it's important to check with each one about their qualifications before deciding who to work with. This will help you make an informed decision.

Some coaches have certifications through formal organizations, such as the Certified Life Coach Institute (CLCI) or the Institute for Life Coach Training (ILCT). Others might take courses specific to the type of coaching they offer, such as health coaching or executive coaching.

Other people (like me!) use their background as mental health therapists to inform their work as a coach. While there are important differences between therapy and life coaching—more on that later—there is a significant amount of overlap. To become a therapist, we go through years of school and supervised practice helping people, so we're well-equipped to make the shift to life coaching.

What can life coaches help with?

As we discussed earlier, life coaches help people meet all sorts of different goals. Therefore, it's important to get clear about what you're hoping to get out of the coaching process before you start your search. This will help you find a life coach that's the best fit for your unique needs.

Here are some examples of the different types of life coaches and what they can help with. Keep in mind that this isn't an exhaustive list. Think of it as a starting point to get your wheels turning about what a life coach could help you with!

Business coaching

Business life coaches are a specialized type of coach that can help you reach your career goals. For some people, this involves starting a new business, transitioning into a new job, or making a total career change.

For others, business coaching may take the form of executive coaching. This subtype of business coaching is specifically geared toward CEOS, senior-level leadership, or anyone who runs a business. While this looks different from person to person, it often involves personal reflection that can help you be a more effective leader in your organization.

Health coaching

As the name suggests, health coaching is geared toward helping people with health-related goals. There are coaches who help people with specific health conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or chronic pain.

Other coaches help people with more general health goals. For example, you might work with a health coach if you want support in making nutritional changes or implementing a consistent exercise routine.

Life coaching

Unlike business or health coaching, life coaching (also known as personal coaching) is more generalized. While themes like work or wellness may come up, they aren't necessarily the focus.

Typically, these types of coaching sessions take a more holistic approach. If you want help managing stress, for example, a life coach might help you identify the different areas of your life where you can set stronger boundaries and incorporate self-care. You might explore your mindset, relationships, habits, and more.

What is the difference between a therapist and a life coach?

At their core, life coaches and therapists are both helpers. Both can support individuals, couples, or groups to help them work through issues and reach their goals. However, there are also important differences to be aware of.

Therapists receive licensure through the state in which they work. They must meet the state's requirements, such as education level and hours of experience, to qualify for a license. While each state has slightly different requirements, therapists generally need to hold a master's degree and have thousands of hours of supervised practice to earn licensure.

On the other hand, life coaches can come from all different backgrounds and experience levels. There isn't one standard way to become a life coach. This also means that there is less restriction around what coaches can provide and what methods they use. Life coaches can often get more creative with their approach and truly provide a tailored, customized experience.

While life coaching and therapy can both help you reach your goals, both services take a different approach. Therapy is typically focused on getting to the root of mental health issues. Life coaching, however, helps people make tangible life changes. It's often more action-oriented whereas therapy can be more reflection-oriented.

With that said, each life coach and therapist is different. Understanding the general differences between the fields is helpful in knowing what kind of support to look like, but it's best to ask a potential therapist or coach directly about what they can provide.

How much does life coaching cost?

It's difficult to narrow down the exact cost of life coaching. According to the Life Purpose Institute, a life coaching program that's accredited by the International Coaching Federation, average life coaching rates are approximately $150 per session.

Similarly, the life coach directory Noomii reports that most life coaches charge between $75 and $200 per session. However, some coaches may charge more or less than that. Additionally, some coaches offer packages at a flat rate per month, while other life coaches charge per hour or per session.

For most people, cost is a factor when deciding who they will work with. If your coach's rate is too low, you might not receive the time and attention that you're looking for. At the same time, if your coach's rate is out of your budget, you might feel financially stressed from working together.

Understanding the different factors that influence life coaching rates can help. It can also help to know whether you're really ready to make an investment before jumping in head first. Here, I'll cover all the logistics that go into life coach cost so you can feel confident making the decision that's right for you.

Factors that can influence life coaching fees

There are many different factors that can influence the cost of a life coach. The coach's specialty, the number of life coaching sessions you have, and other elements can all affect life coach rates and your overall investment. With this understanding, life coaching fees are less of a mystery.

Life coach experience

Life coaching cost can vary widely depending on the individual coach's background and experience level. For example, someone who is new to the field might charge far less than a professional life coach who has been helping people for years.

A coach may also charge a different rate depending on the type of credentials they have. If a coach has taken several trainings and certification courses, they may be able to charge a higher rate than someone who has a shorter resume.

Types of life coaching packages

The cost of life coaching can also depend on the types of coaching services available. Many coaches charge an hourly rate, so your overall investment can vary based on how frequently you meet with your coach. Other coaches charge a monthly fee that may include a certain number of sessions, support between sessions, or other features.

When choosing a life coach, you may want to consider how their price structure is set up. All kinds have benefits, so it's important to reflect on what you're looking for. Ask your potential coach what their price includes (and what packages they offer) to get a better idea of what you'd be paying for.

Your personal and professional goals

Different types of coaches charge different rates depending on the goals of their clients. For example, a business coach who works with top-level executives may charge a higher price because of the high value of the service they're providing.

Certain goals may also require different levels of support. If you have a goal of exercising daily and want to be able to check in with your life coach every day, you may pay more than if you only met with a coach twice a month.

Does insurance cover life coaching?

Unfortunately, life coaching fees are not covered by insurance. This means that you'll need to pay out of pocket for your life coaching sessions. However, some coaches may offer sliding scale fees or offer payment plans to help make coaching more affordable.

Group coaching is another great way to save money while still getting valuable support from a life coach. In this setting, your coach is able to help more people at once, which often drives down the cost of life coaching.

While it's frustrating that insurance doesn't cover life coaching, there are some benefits to working independently of insurance companies. With medical or mental health conditions, insurance companies can dictate how often you're able to see your provider, how long you can work with them, and more.

When you pay out of pocket, you have more autonomy over your investment. You and your coach will work together to determine what kind of support you need and how long you'll work together based on your unique needs alone—not what an insurance company thinks is right for you.

Plus, leaving insurance companies out of the equation gives you more privacy. Instead of handing over access to your personal information, you can keep your struggles and goals between you and your coach alone.

Is paying for a life coach worth it?

The short answer is yes! While life coach cost can be intimidating to some people, working with a coach can be instrumental in your personal and professional growth. Many people find tons of benefits from engaging in a coaching program. Overall, the cost of a life coach is totally worth it.

Your coach is meant to be your cheerleader, confidant, and advocate all rolled into one. Coaching sessions are a safe space where you can be yourself without fear of judgment. Your coach wants to help you, and they need to understand your authentic self to do so.

While each person has different goals for the coaching process, many walk away with more self-confidence, greater emotional well-being, insight and clarity, stronger relationships, and the tools they need to build a life they feel good about. Looking to gain something else? It's more than likely that there's a life coach out there for your specific situation.

Choosing to work with a life coach is a highly personal decision, and only you can know whether it's the right choice for you. With that being said, I believe everyone deserves the support of a coach. You're worth the investment!

When shouldn't I invest in life coaching?

While I believe that most people can benefit from life coaching at some point or another, there are some signs that indicate you might want to hold off—at least for now. Keep in mind that these aren't automatic red flags. They're simply points for further reflection before you jump into working with a coach.

For example, if you're currently struggling with severe mental health issues, therapy may be a better fit for you right now. There are excellent coaches for things like anxiety, depression, ADHD, and more. However, I recommend checking in with a mental health professional before considering coaching.

The same goes for medical issues. While health coaches can be extremely helpful, it's still important to get traditional medical care when needed. Consult with your primary care provider if you're considering working with a health coach.

You may also want to think twice about starting a life coaching program if you don't feel fully ready to make changes in your life. There is absolutely no shame in this case. Change is scary and hard, and it's not always a good time to make drastic shifts in your life. If the time doesn't feel right at this moment, that's okay.

Finding the right coach for you

Whether you're ready to start coaching now or just want a better idea of what's out there, it can be helpful to understand how to find a life coach who is a good fit for you. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind when starting your search.

How to find a life coach

There is more than one way to connect with a great coach. Many people find their coach by using a search engine. After all, we use Google for everything nowadays—why not get in touch with a life coach that way?

Others find their life coach on social media (think: Facebook, Instagram, or even TikTok) or through online directories. Noomi and Life Coach Spotter are a couple examples of common life coach directories. Even Psychology Today, the popular therapist directory, has a section for life coaches. These directories also list information about life coach cost to help you decide.

Referrals are another great way to find a life coach. If you feel comfortable, you can ask your friends, family members, or colleagues if they have had any positive experiences working with a life coach. Getting a personal recommendation is always helpful.

What to look for in a life coach

Choosing a life coach is a personal decision, so it's best to trust your judgment when deciding which life coach to work with. With that being said, there are some important factors to keep in mind during your search. Here are a few questions you can ask potential coaches when choosing whether to work with them.

What kinds of issues or goals is your coaching practice for?
Do you offer online life coaching?
What coaching packages do you offer?
What are your life coaching costs?
What kind of coaching relationship do you provide?
What is your background or experience?

Many coaches offer free consultations so you can ask questions and get a better sense of whether you might be a good fit for each other. Being intentional about your choice of coach can help you get the most out of your work together.

Ready to invest in your wellness? Start working with a life coach today.

My coaching services are geared toward people experiencing burnout, whether that's from work, relationships, or recovering from medical treatment. If you're feeling lost about how to bounce back and create a life that you feel good about, I'm here for you.

While I primarily offer life coaching in New Jersey and Philadelphia, my online life coaching practice allows me to help people throughout the country. Want to learn more about how I can help? Contact me for your free consultation today. I look forward to meeting you!

How Much Does a Life Coach Cost?