The Whole Health movement emerged as a transformative model of care pioneered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and later recognized by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM).

Unlike traditional healthcare models that focus solely on disease management, Whole Health prioritizes what matters most to individuals: aligning health goals with mission, aspiration, and purpose. The VA’s adoption of Whole Health demonstrated significant improvements in patient outcomes, including reduced opioid use, lower healthcare costs, and improved overall well-being.

The NASEM report further validated the effectiveness of this approach, emphasizing that true well-being extends beyond symptom reduction to include meaning, connection, and proactive self-care.

As Whole Health coaching gains traction, it is shaping the next frontier of healthcare; one that integrates behavioral change science, lifestyle medicine, and personalized well-being strategies.

Yes. Whole Health is a scientifically grounded, patient-centered approach to care that originated within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA’s Whole Health System was developed to address the limitations of disease-centered models and has since been implemented across VA medical centers nationwide, with measurable improvements in patient outcomes, provider satisfaction, and healthcare utilization.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) affirmed the validity and promise of this approach in their 2022 consensus report Achieving Whole Health: A New Approach for Veterans and the Nation, which called for a broader integration of Whole Health principles into healthcare systems. The model is informed by evidence from lifestyle medicine, integrative health, positive psychology, behavioral science, and neuroscience: fields with substantial peer-reviewed research demonstrating that factors like purpose, social connection, nutrition, movement, and stress management play critical roles in health outcomes, disease prevention, and resilience.

Whole Health complements conventional medical practice by aligning care with what matters most to patients, while drawing on scientifically validated strategies to support long-term healing, well-being, and clinician engagement.

The purpose of health coaching is to provide a framework and support for people to explore their personal health goals, name them clearly, and set up a success-oriented plan for achieving those goals. Change can be challenging, even when motivation and rewards are high, because most people are comfortable with old habits even when they conflict with their health and wellness desires. Health coaching uses a model of change process and support over time to assist people in establishing new, healthier habits that fit what they want for their life.

Personalized Over Generic: Unlike traditional health coaching that provides generalized advice, Whole Health Together integrates an individual’s unique mission and values to create deeply meaningful and sustainable change.

Beyond Fixing Problems: While many wellness programs focus on what is wrong or needs fixing, Whole Health Together empowers individuals to proactively create the life they want by leveraging their strengths and intrinsic motivation.

Holistic & Science-Based: This model integrates research-backed neuroscientific principles of positive psychology, behavior change, and emotional intelligence into a whole-person approach.

Health coaching services may qualify as a medical expense if a licensed healthcare provider deems coaching medically necessary for treating or preventing a specific condition. This means you can use you FSA or HSA funds to pay for coaching, as long as you obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from your doctor and receive approval from your insurance plan administrator. If you need assistance with acquiring HSA/FSA approval, I may be able to help.

For the moment, the short answer is “not really,” but there’s more to the story. Health coaching’s relationship with insurance, billing, and reimbursement is actively evolving. Most health coaching isn’t covered by traditional insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid unless it’s part of care delivered by a licensed medical provider.

Some Medicare Advantage plans and employer wellness programs may offer limited coaching benefits, but these typically don’t include personalized services like mine.

The VA does offer free coaching to enrolled Veterans through its Whole Health system.

At this time, health coaching is considered an out-of-pocket service, though you may be able to use HSA or FSA funds depending on your plan. I’m happy to provide a receipt if needed.

The 3- and 6-month commitment packages are generally non-refundable barring the exceptions outlined on our policies and procedures. Of course, you may end the coaching-client relationship at any time as outlined in the coaching agreement.

As a whole health coach, your trust is my utmost priority. I am fully committed to maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality and data protection. All personal information shared with me, whether during coaching sessions or through website interactions, is handled with strict privacy and care.

I adhere to all applicable privacy laws and ethical guidelines to ensure that your details remain secure and are used solely to support your holistic well-being journey.

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If you have any questions or concerns about my privacy practices, please feel free to reach out.