The wellness industry is booming. From health coaching to corporate wellness programs and personalized wellness services, the field has grown exponentially. Yet, with this rapid expansion comes a significant challenge—a "Wild West" environment where a lack of clear standards and regulations has led to inconsistencies, misinformation, and even potential harm to consumers. In my latest publication, No More Wild West: The Need for Wellness Professional Standards, I explore why the wellness industry must adopt professional standards to safeguard both consumers and practitioners.
The Current State of Wellness Coaching
Today, anyone can call themselves a wellness coach. Unlike other health-related professions, there are no universal requirements for education, certification, or training in wellness coaching. This lack of regulation means that consumers have no guarantee of the quality or safety of the services they receive. It also makes it difficult for highly trained wellness professionals to stand out in a crowded, inconsistent market.
Why We Need Professional Standards in Wellness
The call for professional standards in wellness coaching stems from several key concerns:
-
Protecting Consumers
At the heart of this issue is consumer safety. Without standard qualifications, individuals may receive advice that is not based on evidence or best practices, potentially leading to harmful outcomes. Professional standards would ensure that wellness coaches have the necessary training and knowledge to provide safe, effective support. -
Building Credibility and Trust
The credibility of the wellness industry is often questioned due to its inconsistent practices and lack of oversight. Establishing standardized qualifications and ethical guidelines would enhance the industry's reputation, build trust with clients, and help distinguish skilled professionals from those without proper credentials. -
Reducing Legal Risks for Practitioners
Without clear professional standards, wellness coaches may inadvertently step into areas that require licensure, such as providing medical diagnoses or therapy. This overlap can expose practitioners to legal risks. By defining a clear scope of practice and setting boundaries, we can help wellness professionals understand their role and reduce potential legal liabilities.
What Should Professional Standards Look Like?
In my paper, I propose several components that could form the foundation of a robust wellness coaching standard:
- Education and Certification: Wellness professionals should meet minimum education and certification requirements to demonstrate their competence in the field.
- Scope of Practice: A clearly defined scope of practice would outline what wellness coaches can and cannot do, helping to prevent them from providing services that fall under regulated medical practices.
- Ethical Guidelines: A code of ethics would help ensure that wellness coaches maintain integrity, transparency, and confidentiality in their client interactions.
- Continuing Education: Requiring ongoing education would keep practitioners informed about the latest research and best practices, enhancing the overall quality of services in the wellness industry.
Advocating for Legal Standards in Wellness
As the wellness field continues to grow, legal advocacy will play a crucial role in pushing for the adoption of these standards. Policymakers and legal professionals must work together to create a regulatory framework that supports the development of a safe, professional, and evidence-based wellness industry. By defining clear guidelines and setting minimum qualifications, we can help transition wellness coaching from a loosely regulated "Wild West" into a respected, structured profession.
Moving Toward a Regulated Wellness Industry
The wellness industry has incredible potential to positively impact public health, but it must first address its current lack of structure and consistency. Professional standards would not only protect consumers but also elevate the credibility of the wellness field, helping it to realize its full potential as a trusted resource for individuals seeking to improve their well-being.
My call for professional standards is a necessary step in this direction. By embracing regulation and ethical guidelines, we can ensure that wellness coaching remains a valuable service that prioritizes client safety, quality, and trust.
For a deeper dive into this topic, I invite you to read my full publication: No More Wild West: The Need for Wellness Professional Standards.
Citation: Barbara Zabawa, No More Wild West: The Need for Wellness Professional Standards, 50 American Journal of Law & Medicine 74 (2025).
Available at: https://irlaw.umkc.edu/faculty_works/989
As we continue to advocate for better regulation in the wellness industry, we pave the way for a more reliable, credible, and impactful field—one that truly serves the well-being of its clients and upholds the highest professional standards.
Connect with the Center for Health and Wellness Law! Click here.