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COACHING

When to Refer a Coaching Client to a Therapist: Expert Guidance for Coaches

Learn when to refer a coaching client to a therapist and improve your coaching business with expert guidance and tools from Becflow.

June 2026·7 min read

You've just finished a coaching session with a client, and they seem to be on the right track. Or at least, that's what you thought. But as the days turn into weeks, you start to notice that they're not taking action, and their progress is stalled. You block out time in your schedule for their next session, only to have them cancel at the last minute, leaving you with a lost income and a wasted opportunity. This is where knowing when to refer a coaching client to a therapist comes in – to avoid wasting your time and energy on clients who are not ready or able to make progress.

Why this keeps happening

Many coaches struggle with knowing when to refer a client to a therapist because they don't want to lose the client or because they're not sure if the client is struggling with underlying issues that require professional help. This can lead to burnout, wasted time, and a lack of focus on high-potential clients who are invested in their growth and development.

Real example

Take Sarah, a life coach who has been working with a client for several months. At first, the client seemed to be making great progress, but lately, Sarah has noticed that they're not showing up to sessions, and when they do, they seem distant and unengaged. Sarah is starting to feel frustrated and unsure of how to help her client, but she doesn't know if it's time to refer them to a therapist.

The habits that fix this permanently

These are the non-negotiables for getting paid reliably in your profession:

✓Be aware of red flags such as lack of motivation, denial, or defensiveness – these can be signs that a client needs professional help.
✓Know when to refer a client to a therapist based on their specific needs and goals – some clients may need more intense support than others.
✓Use a clear and direct approach when referring a client to a therapist – avoid beating around the bush or making the client feel guilty.
✓Have a list of recommended therapists in your network – this can make the referral process easier and more streamlined.
✓Be prepared to have a conversation with the client about why you're referring them to a therapist – this can help them understand the value of seeking additional support.
✓Consider offering a package deal or discount for clients who are referred to a therapist – this can incentivize them to take advantage of the additional support.

How to implement this step by step

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Step 1: Identify Red Flags

When coaching a client, pay attention to any red flags that may indicate they need professional help. These can include lack of motivation, denial, or defensiveness. For example, if a client is consistently late to sessions or seems uninterested in the material, it may be a sign that they need more intensive support. Take note of these behaviors and consider referring the client to a therapist if they persist.

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Step 2: Know When to Refer

Determine when to refer a client to a therapist based on their specific needs and goals. For example, if a client is struggling with anxiety or depression, it may be more effective to refer them to a therapist rather than trying to address these issues through coaching. Consider working with a therapist yourself to gain a better understanding of when to refer clients to specialists.

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Step 3: Use a Clear and Direct Approach

When referring a client to a therapist, use a clear and direct approach. Avoid beating around the bush or making the client feel guilty. Instead, explain that you believe they would benefit from the additional support and that you're committed to their growth and development. For example, you might say, 'I believe you would benefit from working with a therapist to address some of the issues we've been discussing in our sessions. I've worked with several therapists in the past and highly recommend them.'

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Step 4: Have a List of Recommended Therapists

Keep a list of recommended therapists in your network. This can make the referral process easier and more streamlined. Consider asking your clients for their preferences and needs when referring them to a therapist. For example, you might ask, 'Have you worked with a therapist before? If so, what was their specialty?' This can help you find the best fit for your client.

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Step 5: Be Prepared to Have a Conversation

Be prepared to have a conversation with the client about why you're referring them to a therapist. This can help them understand the value of seeking additional support. Consider using language such as, 'I believe you would benefit from working with a therapist to address some of the issues we've been discussing in our sessions. I'm committed to your growth and development, and I believe this will help you make even more progress.'

The Becflow solution

Becflow's AI-powered contracts and payment links can help you streamline your coaching business and make it easier to refer clients to therapists. With automatic reminders and customizable templates, you can focus on what matters most – helping your clients achieve their goals. Try Becflow today and start growing your business with confidence!

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