Health Coaching in Healthcare: Clinical Integration, Behavior Change & the Future of the Profession

“We want health coaches in healthcare. But we’re actually not saying the right things to each other, nor understanding the inner workings of both sides of that house.” Dr. Jessica Matthews

In this episode of CoachConnect, Dr. Diego Salinas and Dr. Jessica Matthews dig into what it truly takes to integrate health coaches into healthcare. Dr. Matthews is a tenured professor, board-certified lifestyle medicine expert, and one of the most influential voices in the health and wellness coaching profession.

Dr. Matthews opens with her personal origin story. Growing up, she watched family members suffer the devastating complications of untreated chronic disease. As a result, she developed a lifelong mission to make prevention, behavior change, and whole-person care accessible to all.

She also unpacks why knowledge alone is never enough to drive lasting behavior change. Furthermore, she explains how healthcare has historically missed the “why” behind patient struggles. Labeling people as “non-compliant” or “unmotivated,” she argues, reflects a gap in the system, not the person.

Together, Dr. Diego and Dr. Jessica explore the critical role health coaches can play as bridge builders in clinical settings. They also discuss the work behind modernizing the NBHWC credentialing standards, including the newly added neuroscience competency. Additionally, they highlight how the Health and Well-Being Coaching Conference is uniting the field to shape its future.

Dr. Jessica Matthews – Tenured Professor, Health Coaching Leader & Lifestyle Medicine Expert

Academic & Clinical Leadership

Dr. Jessica Matthews is a tenured professor and award-winning educator. She specializes in lifestyle medicine and health and wellness coaching. Currently, she serves as Program Director for the Master of Science in Integrative Wellness at Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU).

Additionally, Dr. Matthews serves as Director of Health Coaching at UC San Diego Health. In this role, she has led the integration of coaching services across clinical practices and research. This includes overseeing a team of National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coaches at the Centers for Integrative Health.

Professional Leadership & Credentials

Dr. Matthews has served as Interim Executive Director and Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaches (NBHWC) from 2019 to 2025. She is also board certified in lifestyle medicine. She served on the Board of Directors of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine from 2020 to 2023. In 2021, she was named an ACLM Fellow for outstanding achievement in the field.

She also serves on the Pritikin Scientific Advisory Board as a subject matter expert in health behavior change.

Founder of the Health and Well-Being Coaching Conference

Dr. Matthews is the co-creator of the Health and Well-Being Coaching Conference; the first professional conference dedicated exclusively to health and wellness coaches. She founded it alongside her husband Jay to reduce silos, build community, and accelerate the growth of the profession.

Her Mission

Her work is rooted in a deeply personal mission. She grew up watching family members face the devastating complications of untreated chronic disease. As a result, she has dedicated her career to making prevention real, coaching accessible, and whole-person health the standard, not the exception.

Dr. Diego Salinas is the host of CoachConnect.

Dr. Diego Salinas is a neuroscientist, physician, and health coach. He is passionate about helping coaches grow their impact in the health and wellness space.

As the co-founder of Vibly, he equips coaches with the tools and support to build thriving practices and create lasting change.

Blending medical expertise with coaching experience, Dr. Salinas specializes in behavior change, mental well-being, and the role of coaching in healthcare. On CoachConnect, he explores the strategies and successes of top coaches, sharing actionable insights. A strong advocate for coaching in healthcare, he speaks at industry events and works to make quality coaching more accessible.

CoachConnect with Dr. Diego Salinas is a podcast for coaches looking to grow their impact, refine their strategies, and navigate the evolving world of health and wellness coaching.

Dr. Diego Salinas has a question for coaches and coaching industry leaders: “What makes coaching a powerful force for change?” In this podcast series, he sits down with top coaching professionals to uncover their insights, strategies, and personal journeys.

Each episode of CoachConnect delivers real-world strategies, success stories, and expert perspectives on coaching, mental well-being, and business growth, helping coaches at all levels unlock their full potential.