Coaching and clinical psychology are often confused. But they are different disciplines with distinct legal, fiscal and ethical frameworks.

What each is for

  • Clinical psychology: evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of disorders. Works with clinical suffering.
  • Coaching: goal-oriented support for people without pathology. Works on professional goals.
  • Clinical psychology: regulated healthcare profession.
  • Coaching: not a regulated profession. ICF, EMCC certifications exist.

Training

  • Clinical psychology: 4-year degree + healthcare master or PIR. Total: 6-9 years.
  • Coaching: 80-300 hour courses + ICF/EMCC certification.

Ethics and codes

  • Psychology: binding code of ethics.
  • Coaching: voluntary codes.
  • Risk: coach handling clinical cases = client harm.

Taxation

  • Healthcare clinical psychology: VAT-exempt. IAE 832.
  • Coaching: 21% VAT. IAE 599.

Suitable software

  • Pure coaching: agenda + invoicing with VAT.
  • Clinical psychology: + clinical history + reinforced GDPR.
  • Mixed: software allowing per-session marking.

When a coach should refer

  • Clinical symptomatology appears.
  • Client takes psychiatric medication.
  • Process stuck on patterns requiring clinical intervention.
  • Personal or third-party risk.

Preguntas frecuentes

Questions about coaching vs clinical psychology.

Can any psychologist be a coach?

Yes, a psychologist can offer coaching applying coaching frameworks.

Can a coach treat anxiety or depression?

No. Anxiety and depression are clinical disorders requiring qualified healthcare professionals.

Does a coaching session include VAT?

Yes, non-clinical coaching has 21% VAT.

Do I need a degree to call myself a coach in Spain?

No, coaching is not regulated.

Can I combine coaching and psychology with the same patient?

Delicate. Mixing roles can confuse the frame.

Combining psychology and coaching and need clean invoicing?

My Psico Agenda lets you mark each session as clinical or coaching and issues invoices with or without VAT.

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