Psychiatry, therapy counseling, and life coaching are distinct yet often confused approaches to personal development and mental well-being. Navigating such distinctions among these terms and services can feel confusing if not frustrating, but you are not alone in that. To better understand these differences, we must grasp the fundamental definitions of each term. This blog post will provide a breakdown of each type of service (psychiatry, therapy, counseling, and life coaching) to enable you to understand and make informed decisions on your mental health options in Korea.
Foreign Language Mental Health Services
International residents in South Korea may have access to a variety of the following mental health support services in a variety of languages such as English, Russian, Vietnamese, Thai, and Chinese. Access varies based on region and language.
Psychiatry (정신 의학)
First, let’s take a look at psychiatry.
Psychiatry Definition
As defined by the American Psychiatric Association, psychiatry is the medical specialty dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
Credentials
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who holds an M.D. or D.O. degree with a focus on psychiatry.
Purpose and Approaches
A psychiatrist’s primary purpose is to diagnose, treat, and prevent mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. The approach in psychiatry is mainly medical, utilizing medications to address mental health issues.
NOTE: Psychiatrists are the only mental health specialists among the four we will discuss in this blog post who are allowed to prescribe medications.
Treatment Duration
Treatment duration varies based on the nature and severity of the condition, with long-term options for chronic cases. Initial sessions last 30-60 minutes, followed by shorter 15-30 minute follow-up sessions.
Insurance Coverage
Psychiatry services are partially covered by NHIS in Korea. Medication prescriptions are a common aspect of treatment. For more information on NHIS coverage for psychiatry services, call the NHIS English hotline.
NHIS Hotline
0338112000
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This phone number takes you to an NHIS agent who can answer any and all questions you have about the Korean national health insurance including cost and coverage. English, Russian, Chinese and other language services are available. Note: It may be difficult for a call to go through during the lunch hour (12pm-1pm)
To learn more about overall Psychiatry, read here.
Psychotherapy Therapy (심리 치료)
Next, let’s learn about psychotherapy.
Psychotherapy Definition
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), psychotherapy is any psychological service provided by a trained professional primarily utilizing communication and interaction to assess, diagnose, and address dysfunctional emotional reactions, thought patterns, and behavior. Many individuals refer to psychotherapy, generally, as therapy or talk therapy.
Credentials
Psychotherapy is typically conducted by professionals with MA or PhD credentials in psychotherapy. Trained and licensed psychotherapists may include clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, counselors, social workers, or psychiatric nurses.
Purpose and Approaches
The purpose of psychotherapy is to address and alleviate psychological distress, dysfunctional patterns, thoughts, and behaviors and to provide a safe space for individuals, couples, or groups to explore and understand their mental health
Psychotherapists employ various therapeutic techniques and forms of communication. Psychotherapy can be offered to individuals, couples, families, or groups.
Psychotherapy is divided into main categories:
- psychodynamic psychotherapy
- cognitive therapy or behavior therapy
- humanistic therapy
- integrative psychotherapy
Mental health conditions (e.g. Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, etc.) can be diagnosed by psychotherapists, if the psychotherapy clinic has the required questionnaires and resources. However, neurological or cognitive conditions (e.g. Dementia) are diagnosed by psychiatrists and neurologists.
NOTE: Psychiatrists can work as trained psychotherapists, but psychotherapists cannot work as psychiatrists unless they have medical certification in psychiatry.
For further information read this article by the APA.
Treatment Duration
Psychotherapy sessions can range from short-term to long-term, depending on the goals and severity of the mental health challenge. Session durations average around 50 minutes.
Insurance Coverage
In Korea, the NHIS does not cover psychotherapy sessions. However, some international insurance may cover psychotherapy services. To learn more about your international insurance coverage of psychotherapy sessions, contact your insurance provider and the clinic from which you would like to receive services.
Counseling (상담)
On to learning about counseling.
Counseling Definition
As per the American Counseling Association, counseling is a professional relationship that empowers diverse individuals, families, and groups to achieve goals related to mental health, wellness, educational, and career. Additionally, according to the APA, counseling provides professional assistance in coping with personal problems, including emotional, behavioral, vocational, marital, educational, rehabilitation, and life-stage issues (e.g., cultural adjustment or retirement).
Credentials
Professional counselors typically have a Bachelor’s (BA) or Master’s (MA) credentials in psychology.
Purpose and Approaches
The purpose of counseling is to empower individuals, families, and groups to achieve mental health, wellness, educational, and career goals. Counselors offer professional assistance in coping with personal challenges, such as emotional, behavioral, vocational, and life-stage challenges.
Counselors employ techniques such as active listening, guidance, advice, discussion, clarification, and test administration (diagnostics).
Treatment Duration
The duration of counseling can be brief or short-term, depending on specific concerns, with sessions typically scheduled weekly or bi-weekly and lasting around 50 minutes per session on average.
Insurance Coverage
In Korea, the NHIS does not cover counseling sessions. However, international insurance may cover counseling services.
NOTE: Individuals may conflate their understanding of psychotherapy and mental health counseling due to the similarities between the two practices. Such confusion can lead to difficulty in choosing between psychotherapy services or mental health counseling when seeking mental health support. For a side-by-side comparison of psychotherapy and mental health counseling aspects not discussed in this blog post, read here.
Life-Coaching Coaching (정신 건강 코칭)
Finally, let’s delve into what life-coaching is.
Life-Coaching Definition
According to the APA dictionary, life coaching is a form of teaching and encouragement, conducted one-to-one or in a group, designed to assist individuals in identifying and achieving goals of importance to them in both personal and work aspects of their lives.
Credentials
Life-coaching practices do not have universally mandated credentials or licenses. However, a life-coach may complete a certification program to practice mentoring.
Purpose and Approaches
The purpose of life-coaching is to assist individuals in identifying and achieving personal and professional goals, with a focus on personal development, motivation, and goal setting.
Approaches for life-coaching often involve one-to-one or group sessions to provide guidance and encouragement, employing techniques such as goal-setting, action planning, positive psychology, and strengths-based coaching.
Treatment Duration
Life-coaching is typically short-term, with a focus on specific goals. Sessions may be less frequent and more goal-oriented.
Insurance Coverage
Life-coaching services are generally not covered by insurance (either NHIS or international insurance options).
Snapshot Comparison of Mental Health Counseling Options
Below, you will find a table that gives a side-by-side comparison of the 4 types of counseling options defined within this blog post.
| Psychiatry | Psychotherapy | Counseling | Life-Coaching | |
| Credentials | M.D. or D.O. | MA or PhD | BA or MA | None required |
| Purpose | Diagnose and treat mental disorders | Alleviate psychological distress | Empower and address mental health | Goal-setting and personal growth |
| Approach | Medical treatments and medications | (1) Psychodynamic therapy (2) Cognitive-behavioral therapy (3) Humanistic therapy (4) Integrative approaches tailored to individual needs | Supportive guidance | Motivation and strengths-based coaching |
| Duration | Varies; typically 15-60 min sessions | Varies; Short or long-term*; ~50 min | Brief; weekly/bi-weekly; ~50 min | Flexible; ~30-60 min sessions |
| Insurance Coverage | NHIS** | International insurance*** | International insurance*** | Not covered |
| Medication Prescription | Yes | No | No | No |
**NHIS covers evaluations and medication management but not therapy.
***Check with your provider for coverage details
Conclusion
By understanding the features of each approach, we hope you feel more confident in navigating the choices that align with your needs. Remember, the journey toward well-being begins with taking that first step. Don’t hesitate to make choices that resonate with you. Your mental health is a priority. The initial step might seem challenging, but as with any essential aspect of self-care, getting started is often the hardest part. Embrace this knowledge, trust in your ability to make informed decisions, and take that first step.
Special Thanks to Our Mental Health Collaborators
This post was enriched by the knowledge and cooperation of several local mental health organizations in the Pyeongtaek area, whose insights have been pivotal in detailing the counseling services available. We express our sincere appreciation for their support and commitment to mental wellness. Their efforts in making mental health care accessible to our international community, play a crucial role in fostering understanding and support across cultures. Thank you to the following organizations:
Asana Counseling Center
0316639110
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Asana Counseling Center is a mental health counseling center that offers support for trauma, PTSD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Couples/Marital Strengthening, Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment, Child Therapy, Parent Consultation and more. They accept international insurances such as afspa, United Healthcare Global, CISI, GBG, AXA, VA Foreign Medical Program, Tricare, Bupa, and aetna.
Hangul Address
경기 평택시 밀월로15번길 89-6
Integrated Counseling Services
0316627571
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English-speaking counseling services located near Osan Air Base
Hangul Address
경기도 평택시 목펀로 5
Seoul Counseling Center PT
031-692-5556
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English and Korean speaking therapists, many of whom are internationally accredited. They take Tricare as well as a host of other international insurance options. Individual, couples, and childrens therapy is also available.
Hangul Address
경기도 평택시 팽성읍 신흥북로29번길 40-15
- Address: Prime Building 3F, 134-4 Anjeong-ri, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea (17983)
- Tel : 031-647-4436 / 031-647-4437
- E-mail : contact@hopeandwellness.co.kr
UX/UI Supervisor/Editor
Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.
Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.
Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.
Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.
When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.
Research Supervisor/Editor
Ms. Peck graduated from the University of Utah Asia Campus (UAC) in Incheon with a Master’s in Public Health and her Certification in Public Health (CPH). Ms. Peck also holds a Bachelor’s Degrees in Linguistics and one in International Studies with a Global Health emphasis.
Ms. Peck is Korean American and speaks both English and Korean. She has moved between the US and Korea since childhood, finally settling in Korea after graduating from UAC.
In 2021 Ms. Peck founded the South of Seoul Public Health Program which focuses on research and initiatives regarding the health and wellness of multinational residents in South Korea.
Additionally, Ms. Peck oversees the SOS Public Health Graduate Student Practicum Program which provides mentorship and training for Master’s in Public Health students. The program works with two students a semester with a focus on ethical UX research design, survey development, and initiative implementation.
