Why We Choose Licensed Therapists Over "Wellness Coaching"
Most gyms in Columbia promise comprehensive wellness solutions, including mental health coaching. While convenient, this approach has limitations. At Simple Solutions Fitness, we believe mental health care requires specialized expertise that goes beyond general wellness coaching. Here's why we partner with licensed mental health professionals instead of attempting to provide "wellness coaching".

The Importance of Specialized Care
Licensed therapists and counselors undergo extensive education and clinical training that sets them apart from general wellness coaches:
- Educational Requirements: Therapists hold a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology, counseling, or social work.
- Clinical Experience: They complete at least 3,000 supervised clinical hours.
- State Licensure: Therapists meet rigorous state requirements, including passing exams and adhering to ethical guidelines.
- Continuing Education: Regular coursework ensures they stay current with the latest research and treatment methodologies.
This training allows therapists to:
- Properly assess and diagnose mental health conditions.
- Provide evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
- Recognize when medication referrals are necessary.
- Handle crisis situations with expertise.
- Maintain ethical standards and professional boundaries.
Understanding the depth of a therapist’s expertise highlights why we believe mental health care should remain in the hands of professionals. This principle guides our approach at Simple Solutions Fitness, where we focus solely on what we do best—strength training.
Why We Don't Play Therapist
At Simple Solutions Fitness, we focus on what we do best - helping you improve your physical health through expert strength training and fitness coaching. While many gyms offer "wellness coaching" or "mindset training," we believe mental health care deserves the same level of specialized expertise as physical health.
Here’s why working with a licensed therapist is the best choice for managing mental health:
- Accurate Diagnosis and Treatment: Therapists are trained to diagnose mental health conditions, like anxiety or depression, and provide the right treatment.
- Scientifically Proven Methods: Therapists use techniques that are backed by research and have been shown to help improve mental health.
- Crisis Support: Therapists know how to handle serious situations, such as panic attacks or thoughts of self-harm, and can offer the help you need.
- Insurance Coverage: Unlike wellness coaches, therapy is often covered by insurance, making it more affordable.
- Confidentiality and Protection: Licensed therapists follow strict privacy laws (like HIPAA) to ensure your personal information stays private and secure.
If you are struggling with mental health issues, we strongly recommend seeking out a licensed therapist who can provide the expert care and support you deserve.
While we don’t provide therapy, we acknowledge the significant overlap between mental and physical health. Exercise, for example, plays a key role in mental wellbeing, complementing professional care.
The Connection Between Exercise and Mental Health
According to a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials, exercise has been shown to significantly alleviate symptoms of depression, further underscoring its role as a valuable tool in mental health management¹.
While exercise can positively impact mental wellbeing through:
- Reduced stress levels
- Improved mood through endorphin release
- Better sleep quality
- Increased self-confidence
It's important to understand that exercise alone isn't a replacement for professional mental health care. Exercise can be a valuable tool in your mental health toolkit, but it works best when combined with appropriate professional care when needed.
At Simple Solutions Fitness, we design training programs that support both physical and mental wellbeing. While we don’t provide therapy, our personalized workouts help clients manage stress, build confidence, and create routines that complement their therapeutic goals.
Cost Comparison: Therapy vs. Wellness Coaching
While therapy may seem more expensive upfront, it often provides better value over time due to insurance coverage and the depth of care provided. Here’s how they compare:
- Therapy: Typically $50-$170 per session in Columbia²³, but many insurance plans may cover a significant portion. Additionally, therapy often leads to deeper, long-term improvements in mental health, which can save money on other health-related expenses over time.
- Wellness Coaching: The average hourly rate for a wellness coach is around $40, but rates can range from $50 to over $200, depending on experience.⁴ These services typically aren’t covered by insurance, and the lack of specialized mental health training may limit their effectiveness for addressing deeper concerns.
Related Read: How much does a personal trainer cost?
Cost is just one factor when deciding between therapy and wellness coaching, but for many, a combination offers the most comprehensive support. Let’s explore when working with both a personal trainer and a therapist might be the right choice.
When You Might Need Both a Personal Trainer and Therapist
Many clients benefit from working with both professionals, especially when:
- Recovering from an injury or illness that affects both physical and mental health.
- Working through body image concerns while pursuing fitness goals.
- Managing stress through both exercise and therapeutic techniques.
- Dealing with exercise anxiety or gym-related trauma.
- Developing a healthy relationship with movement and fitness.
Red Flags to Watch for in Wellness Coaching
If a wellness coach claims to offer mental health services, be cautious of these red flags:
- Lack of formal education or clinical training.
- Coaches using behavioral science terms should not be seen as therapists. Without proper training, they may not be equipped to handle mental health concerns.
- No state licensure or recognized certifications.
- Approaches that mention wellness should make it clear they aren’t a substitute for professional mental health care.
- Promises of quick fixes.
- Be wary of any program offering quick solutions for complex mental health issues. These require professional treatment, not just fitness coaching.
- Encouragement to bypass therapy.
- If a coach suggests avoiding professional therapy, this is a red flag. Mental health professionals are necessary for treating serious issues like anxiety and depression.
- Vague titles like “mental wellness advisor.”
- Titles like this may sound comforting but don’t always reflect actual clinical expertise. Verify credentials before trusting anyone with mental health concerns.
Client Privacy and HIPAA Protections
Your privacy is our priority.
Licensed therapists are bound by HIPAA regulations, ensuring:
- Your information is confidential and secure.
- Personal data is shared only with your explicit consent.
- A safe space to discuss sensitive topics without fear of judgment or exposure.
How to Find the Right Therapist
If you’re ready to invest in your mental health, here are a few tips to find the right therapist:
- Check Credentials: Look for licensed professionals (ex, LPC, LCSW, or PsyD).
- Ask About Specialties: Choose someone with experience in areas you want to work on, like anxiety, eating patterns or self-esteem.
- Read Reviews and Recommendations: Testimonials from others can give you an idea of their approach.
- Feel out the vibe: Schedule an appointment to ensure their style aligns with your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
"Can't I just work on my mental health through exercise?" While exercise is beneficial for mental health, it's one tool among many. Professional mental health care provides specialized techniques and support that exercise alone cannot address.
"What's wrong with having my personal trainer help with motivation?" While we can provide encouragement and support your fitness goals, addressing deeper motivational issues or underlying mental health concerns requires professional therapeutic expertise. We stay within our scope of practice to ensure you receive appropriate care.
"How do I know if I need a therapist vs. a personal trainer?"
- Work with a personal trainer for:
- Learning proper exercise technique
- Building strength and fitness
- Developing healthy movement habits
- Setting and achieving fitness goals
- Work with a therapist for:
- Managing anxiety or depression
- Processing trauma or difficult life changes
- Developing coping strategies
- Addressing relationship issues
- Working through body image concerns
Often, the best results come from having both professionals support you in their respective areas of expertise.
If you’re still unsure about whether therapy, fitness training, or a combination of both is right for you, we’re here to help. We also partner with trusted local therapists who can provide the expert mental health care you deserve.
Our Trusted Local Partners
We’ve built relationships with several respected mental health professionals in Columbia who understand the unique challenges our clients face:
- Renee Mapes Counseling: Renee Mapes is a joy and well-regarded in Columbia for her compassionate and personalized therapy sessions. With expertise in mental health and sport psychology, she offers tools to improve emotional wellbeing and performance. Her office, located at 1204 Rogers Street, provides a calming, client-centered space and she provides over the phone services as needed.
- The Current Therapy Services: Offering evidence-based therapeutic approaches specializing in eating disorder treatment and dialectical behavioral therapy programs.
- Bamboo Nutrition & Therapy: Bamboo’s therapists specialize in addressing mental health alongside nutrition-related challenges, collaborating with dietitians to align treatment plans. Using a trauma-informed approach, they provide holistic care for individuals facing multiple symptoms or disorders, ensuring compassionate and comprehensive support.
Need a Dietitian or Physical Therapist? Check out our other Healthcare Team Recommendations
Our Commitment to Your Wellbeing
At Simple Solutions Fitness, we're committed to supporting your overall wellness by:
- Providing expert fitness training within our scope of practice.
- Making appropriate referrals to licensed health professionals when requested.
- Maintaining strict professional boundaries and client confidentiality.
- With your written permission, coordinating with your healthcare providers to support your goals
Take the first step toward holistic wellness today. Whether you’re seeking expert fitness coaching or guidance on integrating your fitness goals with mental health care, we’re here to help. Call us at (573) 443-1495 or stop by Simple Solutions Fitness for a free consultation. Let’s build a wellness plan that works for you.
References:
- Noetel M, Sanders T, Gallardo-Gómez D, Taylor P, del Pozo Cruz B, van den Hoek D et al. Effect of exercise for depression: systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials BMJ 2024; 384 :e075847 doi:10.1136/bmj-2023-075847
- The Counseling Hub: Offers details on therapy pricing, which may vary by session. For more details, visit The Counseling Hub Pricing.
- Aspire Counseling: Session costs range from $100 to $170, depending on the therapist's experience and the type of therapy. They also provide a "Good Faith Estimate" for transparency. More information is available at Aspire Counseling Rates & Insurance.
- According to Glassdoor, the average hourly rate for a wellness coach is around $40, but rates can range from $50 to over $200 depending on experience.