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.
Legal frame in Spain
- 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.