HG Institute Coach Certification Receives NBHWC-Approval

Apr 13 / HG Institute Team

We are thrilled to announce that after working on behind the scenes for over a year now, our coach certification is officially an approved training program for the National Board for Health and Wellness Coaching (NBHWC) certification!

This has huge implications for our program, as well as for the landscape of mental health and wellness support as a whole. 

Our Journey So Far

The past few years have been a whirlwind. Since Healthy Gamer launched the HG Coaching program, we’ve connected with people in over 160 countries (still blows our minds!) and witnessed thousands of lives transform through our unique approach to mental health and coaching.

Along the way, we’ve learned what really makes a difference. One-size-fits-all methods just don’t cut it. Personalized coaching that meets people where they are, in a world shaped by constant connectivity, unlocks the “aha” moments that drive real transformation. When technology influences how we think, feel, relate, and even rest, overlooking it means missing the bigger picture of what “health” really is today. 

It’s like playing *Monster Hunter Wilds -* you can’t just button-mash your way through and hope for the best; you need ~~strategy! Thriving requires~~ a game plan that adapts to your surroundings! The same is true for health and wellbeing in the digital age: it takes intention, awareness, and the right tools to navigate a world shaped by technology.

That’s exactly why we’re proud to be leading at the intersection of mental health and technology, a space where innovation isn’t just helpful, it’s urgent. This is where the future of wellbeing is being built.

And while traditional therapy is incredible, we’ve found that sometimes what people really need is someone who can walk beside them, offering structure, accountability, and ~~real~~ empathy. That balance between forward momentum and deep understanding is where coaching can be a game-changer.

What is the HG Institute?

HG Institute grew out of the work we’ve done at Healthy Gamer, offering education, training, resources, and professional development—all grounded in the same mission: to increase the area of effect (AOE) for those supporting others. Whether you’re a clinician, nurse, coach, educator, or just someone who cares, we’re here to help you make a bigger impact.

HG Institute is the educational arm of Healthy Gamer, created as a separate organization to expand our shared mission through professional training, resources, and development. They focus on increasing the area of effect (AOE) for those supporting others. Whether you’re a clinician, nurse, coach, educator, or just someone who cares, we’re here to help you make a bigger impact.

Why We're Making this Move

The mental health system is overwhelmed right now. Waitlists for therapists are ridiculous, costs are astronomical and too many people are left figuring things out on their own. That's not okay.

The NBHWC certification is the gold standard in health coaching backed by the same board that certifies doctors. By adopting this standard, we’re helping to bridge the gap between traditional healthcare and the everyday support people ~~actually~~ need.

Because sometimes you don’t need a psychiatrist - you just need someone trained to help you build momentum. Whether you're struggling with motivation, digital habits, or burnout, you deserve professional support that fits your needs, not more, not less. 

By raising the bar for coaching, we’re laying the groundwork for a new kind of care, one that’s more accessible, responsive, and aligned with how people actually live today.

This means:
  • Better quality care based on what actually works
  • Potential insurance coverage down the road (we're working on it!)
  • Clearer pathways when you need different kinds of support
  • Setting a new standard for what mental health coaching can be
With this certification program, we're building a future where getting help doesn't mean waiting months for an appointment. Where your gaming lifestyle isn't something you have to explain or defend. Where digital mental health support isn't seen as "less than" but as a crucial part of the solution.

For those interested in becoming coaches, this certification opens doors. And for those seeking support, it means knowing you're in good hands with someone trained to the highest standards to meet your needs with just the right level of care.

The Adventure Continues

This is just the next chapter in our epic journey to transform mental health support. We're rolling out this new adventure step by step, and we'll keep you updated as we level up together.

If you want to join us on this journey head to the HGI website to learn more about our new NBHWC training program and join the waitlist for our Pilot cohort - launching this June!

As always, we're in this together. Let's keep changing the game when it comes to mental health support!