What is a
Recovery Coach?

What is an Addiction Recovery Coach?

A recovery coach is a trained professional who partners with individuals seeking to initiate, strengthen, or sustain their recovery. Using motivational interviewing and other evidence-informed approaches, a coach helps clients explore their own goals, values, and recovery pathway—without directing or advising.

Recovery coaches believe in your capacity for change. They support your autonomy and hold space for you to make your own choices. Coaches do not promote one recovery model or pathway; instead, they walk alongside you as you discover what works best for you.

A recovery coach is not a 12-step sponsor, therapist, or friend—but they are your teammate. They offer consistent, non-judgmental support and may help you consider additional resources or professional referrals if needed.

How Recovery Coaches Differ from Therapists or Counsellors

Recovery coaches do not:

  • Diagnose or assess mental health or medical conditions

  • Provide clinical treatment for substance use disorders

  • Engage in therapeutic interventions such as cognitive behavioural therapy

Therapists and counsellors focus on past trauma, emotional healing, and diagnosis. Recovery coaches, on the other hand, focus on the present and future—supporting you to identify what matters most to you and how to take the next right step.

When Coaching Might Help

Recovery coaching support individuals experiencing:

  • Substance use concerns (e.g., alcohol or drug use)

  • Process addictions (e.g., gambling, gaming, pornography, screen time)

  • Disordered relationships with food

Recovery Coaches will provide specific information on what they specialize in according to their own lived experience and training, and may refer clients to other recovery coaches if the needs of the individual are beyond their scope of understanding. RCC intends to have a well-rounded roster of professional recovery coaches that work collaboratively to serve the specific needs of their clients. 

Coaches also support clients navigating life situations that may intersect with recovery, including:

  • ADHD

  • Burnout or workaholism

  • Grief and loss

  • Post-incarceration transitions

  • Divorce or major life changes

  • LGBTQ2S+ identity-related stress

While coaches do not provide clinical care, they can help clients reflect on what is impacting their recovery and explore strategies for moving forward, and make referrals to other professionals as needed.

How Long Does Coaching Last?

There’s no set timeline. Some people work with a coach for a few sessions to get through a difficult period. Others maintain a long-term coaching relationship to support ongoing growth and recovery.

Coaching lasts as long as it continues to feel useful to you.

Why Choose Recovery Coaching?

Currently, recovery coaching is primarily a private-pay service in Canada. Here’s what to know:

  • Provincial health coverage: Public plans generally do not include recovery coaching.

  • Private insurance: Some providers may offer limited reimbursement under wellness or coaching categories, though this is uncommon.

  • Health Spending Accounts (HSAs): In some cases, HSAs may reimburse coaching services if the coach holds a recognized professional credential and the plan permits it. Clients should confirm eligibility directly with their provider.

  • Rehabilitation centres: In some cases, coaching may be included in aftercare.

  • Advocacy underway: Organizations like Recovery Coaches Canada are working to expand awareness and insurance accessibility.

If you're unsure, talk to your coach. They may be able to assist with communication to your insurer.

Coaching and Insurance in Canada

Here are some of the core benefits of working with a recovery coach:

  • Client-led support: You are the expert in your own life. Coaching honours your autonomy and personal knowledge.

  • Accountability and motivation: Regular check-ins help reinforce momentum and commitment to your chosen goals.

  • Resilience building: Coaches help you explore your own tools and strategies to manage triggers, stress, and change.

  • Connection to community: If needed, coaches may help you identify recovery resources or supports—but only with your interest and consent.

  • Lived experience and empathy: Many coaches have their own recovery story, which allows them to offer support without judgment.

  • Focus on the future: Coaching emphasizes where you are now and where you want to go next.

Ethics, Privacy, and Confidentiality

Recovery coaching relationships are grounded in respect, trust, and confidentiality. Your coach will explain how your information is protected and under what circumstances it may be shared—with your consent.

Coaches affiliated with Recovery Coaches Canada adhere to a national ethical framework that includes clear guidance on privacy, boundaries, and professional conduct.

Is Recovery Coaching Right for You?

If you want non-clinical, strengths-based support from someone who listens, believes in your potential, and respects your choices—recovery coaching may be a great fit. It’s a collaborative partnership designed to help you define and pursue your recovery, your way.