In CCAR practice, how does the scope of practice of a recovery coach differ from that of a clinician?

• A. Recovery coaches diagnose conditions.
• B. Clinicians do not diagnose.
• C. In CCAR practice, recovery coaches do not diagnose or provide treatment; clinicians diagnose and provide treatment.
• D. Coaches prescribe medications.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that recovery coaches work in a non-clinical support role, while clinicians handle clinical assessment and treatment. In CCAR practice, recovery coaches focus on guiding and supporting a person’s recovery: helping with recovery planning, connecting to resources, offering accountability, and assisting with practical steps like housing, employment, and social supports. They do not diagnose medical or mental health conditions or provide treatment.

Clinicians, on the other hand, are responsible for clinical duties such as evaluating and diagnosing conditions, developing and implementing treatment plans, providing therapy or other medical interventions, and sometimes prescribing medications. This difference in responsibilities is what separates the two roles.

So the statement that best captures the contrast is that recovery coaches do not diagnose or provide treatment, while clinicians diagnose and provide treatment. The other options misstate the coach’s role or the clinician’s scope.