Mental health resources

Mental Health
Written By Sarah Duncan

Support Beyond Coaching

At On Course Family Coaching (OCFC), we believe deeply in growth, clarity, direction, and personal development. Coaching can be a powerful tool for building skills, setting goals, strengthening relationships, and moving forward with purpose.

At the same time, it’s important to be clear about what coaching is—and what it is not.

Coaching is not mental health therapy or counseling. When deeper emotional distress, trauma, or mental health concerns are present, the most supportive step is often connecting with licensed mental health professionals and trusted resources.

This page exists to help you do just that.

Coaching vs. Mental Health Support: Why the Distinction Matters

Coaching focuses on:

  • Goal setting and forward movement

  • Skill-building (communication, executive functioning, life skills)

  • Awareness, reflection, and accountability

  • Strengthening relationships and systems

  • Supporting personal, academic, and family growth

Mental health therapy or counseling focuses on:

  • Diagnosing and treating mental health conditions

  • Processing trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, or crisis

  • Clinical assessment and therapeutic intervention

  • Emotional stabilization and healing

Both are valuable.
Both matter.
And sometimes, therapy is the right first or parallel step.

Seeking mental health support is not a failure—it is an act of wisdom and courage.

When to Seek Mental Health Support

You may want to connect with a licensed mental health professional if you or your child are experiencing:

  • Persistent sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness

  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

  • Significant mood changes or emotional withdrawal

  • Trauma, abuse, or grief

  • Panic attacks or overwhelming stress

  • Behavioral concerns that interfere with daily life

  • Difficulty functioning at school, work, or home

If you are unsure, reaching out for help is always appropriate.

Crisis Support (Immediate Help)

If you or someone you love is in immediate danger or crisis:

United States

  • Call or text 988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

  • Text HOME to 741741 – Crisis Text Line

  • Call 911 in emergencies

These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Finding Ongoing Mental Health Support

Here are several ways to locate professional help:

Licensed Therapists & Counselors

  • Psychology Today (therapist directory)

  • Your health insurance provider’s mental health directory

  • Pediatricians, primary care doctors, or school counselors

  • Local community mental health centers

Support for Children & Teens

  • School counseling departments

  • Pediatric mental health specialists

  • Family therapists

  • Child and adolescent psychologists or psychiatrists

Faith-Based Counseling (If Desired)

  • Licensed Christian counselors or faith-integrated therapists

  • Local churches or faith communities may offer referrals
    (Faith-based counseling should still be provided by licensed professionals when addressing mental health concerns.)

How Coaching Can Support—Alongside Therapy

While coaching does not replace therapy, it can sometimes be used alongside mental health care (with appropriate boundaries), focusing on:

  • Academic organization and executive functioning

  • Communication and relationship skills

  • Goal-setting and routines

  • Family systems and support structures

  • Life transitions and decision-making

When needed, we are always willing to pause, refer, or collaborate so clients receive the level of care that best supports their well-being.

A Gentle Reminder

You do not have to carry everything alone.
Getting support is a sign of strength.
Care for your mental health is care for your whole life—your family, your future, and your well-being.

If you have questions about whether coaching or mental health services are the right fit, we encourage open, honest conversations and timely referrals when appropriate.

Your well-being matters.

Sarah Duncan