Who This Coaching Is For
If you’re motivated to build a meaningful career in the U.S. mental health system and you want clear guidance grounded in ethics and real‑world experience, you’re in the right place.
- Internationally trained clinicians (counseling, psychology, social work, marriage & family therapy) seeking to understand U.S. pathways.
- New immigrants to the U.S. who want to work in mental health but are unsure how to start (e.g., choosing programs, understanding licensure routes, and translating prior experience into U.S. terminology).
- Early‑career professionals who are navigating portability, supervision, and ethical practice while relocating.
- Students considering U.S. graduate programs or planning for practicum/internship readiness.
What We Cover (Tailored To You)
Every session is customized; bring your questions, documents, and context.
- Career mapping: Clarify your end goal, e.g., Licensed Mental Health Professionals (such as LPC, LMHC, LCSW, LMFT), Licensed Psychologists (LP), peer support, and case management, and map actionable steps from today to eligibility.
- Education pathways: U.S. degree requirements (CACREP/CSWE/COAMFTE), course equivalency considerations, bridge options, and program selection tips.
- Licensure basics: Board expectations, supervised hours, exams (NCE/NCMHCE), background checks, and common pitfalls.
- State portability & military moves: Planning around state compacts, relocation, and timelines (including spouse/military‑family considerations).
- Experience translation: Converting international training/roles into U.S.‑aligned resumes, cover letters, and clinical language.
- Ethics foundations: Orientation to ACA, NASW, NAADAC, and APA codes; documentation culture; confidentiality and boundaries in U.S. settings.
- Work settings 101: Private practice vs. agency, community mental health, integrated care, and non‑clinical roles (utilization management, quality assurance, compliance, case management).
- Job search strategy: Titles to search, realistic entry roles, networking approaches, and interview preparation.
- Professional presence: Directory profiles, website basics, and how to describe your scope without over‑ or under‑claiming.
How Coaching Works
All sessions are virtual. Time zone: Arizona (MST); U.S. & international clients welcome.
- Free 15‑minute consult: We’ll verify fit, goals, and timeline.
- Intake & Roadmap (50 minutes): Deep‑dive session with a written, step‑by‑step plan and resource links.
- Follow‑up sessions (50 minutes): As needed for execution, accountability, and course corrections.
- Between‑session support: Light email check‑ins for clarifying questions related to your plan.
Packages & Pricing
Transparent pricing helps you plan. Sliding‑scale spots are limited each month.
- Starter Map – $125
One 50‑minute session + personalized roadmap summary. - Momentum – $330
Three 50‑minute sessions + updated action plan + email check‑ins. - On‑Demand – $120/session
Pay‑as‑you‑go 50‑minute coaching. - Sliding Scale: A limited number of reduced‑fee sessions (starting at $85/session) are reserved for immigrants and military‑connected families. Please inquire.
- Payment: Paid at booking. Coaching is not insurance‑billable.
What You’ll Leave With
- A clear roadmap that matches your background, state(s), and timeline.
- A list of credible resources (boards, accreditation bodies, exam info).
- Application prep pointers (course wording, experience translation, résumé highlights).
- Next‑step milestones and a realistic timeline you can follow.
Important Boundaries & Disclaimers
- Coaching is not therapy. In these sessions, we will not diagnose, treat, or provide mental health services.
- Not legal/immigration advice. I do not provide legal opinions or guarantee outcomes with licensing boards, evaluators, or schools. I can help you understand publicly available requirements and options, and I’ll point you to official sources so you can make informed decisions.
- No guarantees. Outcomes depend on external agencies (licensing boards, schools, immigration authorities, etc.). I’ll help you prepare a strong plan; decisions rest with those entities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to live in a specific state?
No. We’ll anchor your plan to your current and likely future states (including military‑related moves) and discuss portability.
Can you evaluate my foreign transcript?
I don’t perform evaluations. I’ll point you to recognized evaluation services and help you understand how to interpret their results against state requirements.
Can you help me pick a master’s program?
Yes—based on your goals, accreditation needs (e.g., CACREP for counseling), cost, and format. I’ll never push a specific school.
Will this help if I don’t want to be a therapist?
Absolutely. We can target non‑clinical roles (e.g., case management, utilization management, quality improvement, research coordination) that leverage your skills.
Do you provide documents or templates?
Yes. When relevant, I’ll share worksheets, checklists, and sample language to help you move forward.
Can my partner join?
Yes, if they’re part of your decision‑making and you’re comfortable with it. Please let me know in advance.
About Your Coach
I’m Alexandra (Alex) Coker, LPC, a licensed professional counselor originally from Germany. I have personally navigated the complex transition from international training and practice into the U.S. mental health field. Having faced the challenges of credential evaluations, coursework gaps, licensure hurdles, and adapting to new professional cultures, I know how overwhelming and isolating the process can feel.
My own journey, which involved finding clarity, overcoming obstacles, and ultimately building a successful practice, inspired me to create this coaching service. I help clinicians and students translate their backgrounds into U.S. requirements and build meaningful careers with confidence and integrity.
My services are also offered in German.
