Data from recent studies and conversations with those struggling with addiction have both continually indicated that recovery coaches are an incredibly helpful resource in an individual’s path to recovery. These one-to-one behavioral healthcare professionals are able to draw from their own personal experiences with addiction to help patients by regularly meeting to set and meet recovery goals.  

Unfortunately, there is a lack of professional oversight for this field. Some critics have voiced concerns regarding the risk of possible ethics violations, while others, including recovery coaches themselves, have pointed to the ill-defined standards and process for becoming a recovery coach.  

This legislation would establish a Board of Registration of Licensed Recovery Coaches, which would be tasked with certifying and monitoring recovery coaches. It would establish professional standards for this field, along with a streamlined, uniform process for becoming a recovery coach. Ultimately, passage of this bill would hopefully expand the number of recovery coaches in Massachusetts.