Is a life coach worth it? For a lot of people, yes. A good coach can help you get unstuck, make a plan, and actually follow through on it. But coaching is not for everyone, and it isn’t worth it in every situation.
It tends to pay off when you have a specific goal, you’re ready to do the work between sessions, and you pick a coach who fits you. It usually isn’t worth it if you need mental health treatment, you want someone to hand you the answers, or the cost would strain your budget.
Keep reading to discover:
- What the research actually says about life coaching
- What it costs and what you get for your money
- Signs a life coach is worth it for you (and signs it isn’t)
- How to make sure you get your money’s worth
What does a life coach do?
Before you decide if something is worth paying for, it helps to know what you’re buying.
A life coach helps you figure out what you want and then go after it. They don’t diagnose, treat, or tell you how to live. Instead, they ask good questions, help you see your situation more clearly, and keep you accountable while you make changes.
People hire life coaches for all kinds of reasons, like:
- Changing careers or going after a promotion
- Building confidence or quieting self-doubt
- Getting through a big life change, like a move, a breakup or an empty nest
- Finding more balance between work and the rest of life
- Figuring out what they want next when they feel stuck
Here’s the thing. A coach doesn’t do the work for you. They help you do it, and do it faster than you probably would on your own.
Is life coaching worth it? What the research says
You’ll see a lot of glowing numbers about coaching online. Some of them hold up. Some need context. Let’s look at what the studies found.
Client surveys: people who hire coaches are usually happy
The most quoted numbers come from the ICF Global Coaching Client Study. It was commissioned by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the coaching industry’s largest professional body, and carried out by PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Association Resource Centre. They surveyed 2,165 coaching clients in 64 countries in late 2008.
Here’s what those clients said:
- 99% were very or somewhat satisfied with their coaching
- 96% said they would do it again
- 80% reported improved self-esteem or self-confidence
- 73% reported better relationships, and 72% better communication skills
That’s encouraging. But keep in mind this is an industry-funded survey of people who had already chosen coaching, and the results are self-reported.
You may also see the claim that coaching pays back 3.44 times what it costs. That figure comes from the same study, but it only applies to clients who saw a financial gain, and just 189 people gave enough detail to calculate it. The report itself says to read those ROI results with caution.
Independent research: coaching works, with a moderate effect
Academic researchers have tested coaching more rigorously, too.
- A 2014 meta-analysis in The Journal of Positive Psychology pooled 18 studies of coaching in organizations. It found positive effects on performance and skills, well-being, coping, work attitudes and goal-directed self-regulation (basically, setting goals and sticking with them).
- A 2023 meta-analysis in Academy of Management Learning & Education looked only at randomized controlled trials: 37 studies with 2,528 participants. It found a moderate positive effect. It also found signs of publication bias and bigger effects when people rated themselves than when results were measured by others.
- A small randomized study of life coaching (56 adults, published in 2006) found that a 10-week group life coaching program boosted goal striving, well-being and hope compared to a waitlist group. Some gains lasted up to 30 weeks later.
In short, the evidence says coaching tends to help. But most of the strongest research is on workplace and executive coaching, and the effect is real but not magic. Your results depend a lot on you and the coach you choose.
How much does a life coach cost?
Cost is a big part of whether a life coach is worth it for you.
Most life coaches in the US charge somewhere between $75 and $300 per session. Newer coaches and group programs sit at the lower end. Experienced coaches in specialized niches charge more. Many coaches sell monthly plans or packages instead of single sessions.
To give you a feel for it, meeting twice a month for three months at $150 a session comes to $900. The same six sessions could cost anywhere from $450 to $1,800, depending on the coach.
For a full breakdown, check out our guide to how much a life coach costs.
One more thing to budget for: health insurance almost never covers life coaching, so you’ll usually pay out of pocket.
When a life coach is worth it
So, how do you know if coaching makes sense for you right now? These are good signs.
1. You have a goal (or you know exactly where you’re stuck)
You’ll get the most from coaching when you can name what you want to change. “I want to switch careers in the next year” gives you and your coach something to work toward.
Not sure what you want? That can be your goal, too! Just say it upfront, so a coach can tell you whether that’s something they help with.
2. You keep stalling on your own
Maybe you’ve read the books, made the plans, and still haven’t moved. That’s when outside support can be worth every penny.
A coach helps you break big goals into small steps, spot the mindset patterns that trip you up, and stay on track. If accountability is what you’re missing, coaching is a strong fit.
3. You’re ready to do the work between sessions
Most of the change happens between calls, not during them. If you can carve out time to try new things, reflect and follow through, you’ll see results faster.
4. You can afford it without stress
Coaching is an investment, and it should feel like one. But if paying for it means skipping rent or piling up credit card debt, the stress can cancel out the benefits.
5. You find a coach you click with
This one matters more than anything else. The coach who helped your friend may not be the right person for you. Look for someone with experience in your kind of goal and a style that feels comfortable.
When a life coach isn’t worth it
Let’s be honest about the other side, too. A life coach probably isn’t worth it if any of these sound like you.
You need therapy, not coaching
Life coaches aren’t therapists. They can’t diagnose or treat depression, anxiety, trauma or other mental health conditions.
If you’re struggling to get through daily life, start with a licensed mental health professional. You can always add a coach later. If you’re in crisis in the US, call or text 988 anytime.
You want someone to give you the answers
A coach won’t tell you which job to take or whether to end a relationship. If you want expert instructions, a consultant, mentor or specialist might suit you better. (Not sure? Here’s how a mentor and a coach differ.)
You’re only doing it because someone told you to
If your partner, boss or best friend pushed you into it and you don’t really want to change anything, coaching will feel like a chore. And you’ll be paying for it.
The coach promises guaranteed results
Life coaching isn’t a licensed profession in the US, so anyone can call themselves a life coach. That’s not automatically bad, but it does mean you need to vet coaches yourself.
Be wary of anyone who guarantees results, pressures you to sign up on the spot, or pushes you into a pricey long-term package before you’ve even worked together.
Money is tight right now
If coaching isn’t in the budget, there are cheaper ways to get some of the same benefits:
- Group coaching programs, which usually cost less per session
- Coaching through your employer’s wellness program or EAP
- An accountability partner who’s working on a similar goal
- Free workshops, podcasts and books from coaches you like
The benefits of a life coach (when it’s a good fit)
When the right coach meets a ready client, here’s what people commonly get out of it:
- A fresh perspective. It’s hard to see your own situation clearly when you’re in the middle of it.
- Clarity on what you want. A coach helps you sort out your values and your purpose, so your goals fit your life.
- Follow-through. Plans are easy to make and easy to drop. A coach helps you stick with them.
- More confidence. Remember, that was the top improvement clients reported in the ICF survey.
- Better habits and priorities. Some coaches focus on productivity, but most will help you figure out what deserves your time.
- Skills that last. A good coach teaches you to ask yourself the right questions, so you don’t need them forever.
How to make sure your life coach is worth it
You can stack the odds in your favor before you spend a dollar.
Talk to more than one coach. In the ICF client study, 58% of clients hired the very first coach they contacted. Most coaches offer a free discovery call, so use it to compare two or three.
Many coaches let you book that call online through a platform like Paperbell, so it’s easy to line up two or three in the same week.
Ask about training and experience. Credentials are voluntary, but they show a coach has invested in their skills. ICF credentials (ACC, PCC and MCC) are some of the best known. Also ask how many clients they’ve worked with on goals like yours.
Agree on a goal and a time frame. Decide what success looks like and when you’ll check in on it. A three-month trial run is a lot easier to commit to than an open-ended plan.
Show up ready. Come to each session with something to work on, and do what you said you’d do between calls.
Want more help choosing? Read our guide on how to find a life coach.
FAQs about whether a life coach is worth it
Should I get a life coach?
Consider a life coach if you have a goal you keep putting off, you feel stuck and want a plan, or you want someone to keep you accountable. If you’re dealing with a mental health condition or a crisis, start with a therapist instead.
Is it worth it to hire a life coach if I don’t know what I want?
It can be. Plenty of coaches help clients figure out what they want next. Tell them upfront that clarity is your goal, and ask how they usually help with that during your discovery call.
How much does a life coach cost?
Most life coaches in the US charge between $75 and $300 per session, and many offer monthly packages. See our full guide to life coach pricing for more detail.
Does insurance pay for a life coach?
Almost never. Health insurance covers medical care, and life coaching isn’t considered medical care. Some employers offer coaching as a work benefit, though. Learn more about insurance and life coaching.
What’s the difference between a life coach and a therapist?
A therapist is a licensed healthcare provider who treats mental health conditions and often helps you work through the past. A life coach helps you set goals and take action toward the future. Some people work with both at the same time.
How long should you work with a life coach?
It depends on your goal. In the ICF client study, 73% of coaching engagements lasted a year or less. Many people start with a three-month package and decide from there.
How do I know if a life coach is legit?
Look for relevant training, a clear explanation of how they work, and reviews or testimonials from real clients. Skip anyone who guarantees results or pressures you to buy right away.
Find a life coach who’s worth the investment
So, is a life coach worth it? It can be, as long as you’re ready to do the work and you choose a coach who’s a great fit for your goals. The coach part is where most people rush.
On CoachCompare, you can browse life coaches, read their profiles, and message the ones you like before you commit. It’s free to compare profiles and message coaches! You can also explore confidence, mindset and wellness coaches.
Are you a life coach? Paperbell gives you a simple coaching website plus scheduling, payments and contracts in one place, and you can start with a free account. You can also list your coaching on CoachCompare to reach new clients.
This post was originally published on November 2, 2022 and has been updated with new information for accuracy and comprehensiveness.