If a client asks for diagnosis or medical treatment, what should the coach do?

• A. The coach should provide diagnosis.
• B. The coach should prescribe medication.
• C. If a client asks for diagnosis or medical treatment, the coach should refer to a clinician.
• D. The coach should ignore the request.

Answer: (C)

When a client asks for diagnosis or medical treatment, the coach connects them with the right healthcare professional rather than trying to diagnose or treat them. A recovery coach’s role is to support recovery and help access medical care, not to provide medical assessments or prescribe medications.

You would acknowledge the concern and assist in finding a clinician, scheduling an appointment, and gathering relevant information for the visit. If there’s any immediate safety risk or signs of a medical emergency, advise seeking urgent care or calling emergency services.

Providing diagnosis or prescribing medication goes beyond the coach’s scope and can cause harm; ignoring the request would miss an opportunity to help the client access appropriate care.