Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do we get started?

A: Send an email explaining a bit about your situation. If you aren't comfortable telling a stranger about it, just say hi and I'll walk you through the first steps. Text me at (619)310-1740 and tell me you're interested. Alternatively, my email address is zacharycrainsinger@gmail.com. But I prefer text.

Q: What makes you so special? There are life coaches everywhere and it's hard to decide if I even need one!

A: I'm really really good at what I do. I have a long list of people who would be happy to recommend me and who will tell you about their experiences with me as a nurse, tech, and peer.

Q: Do you take insurance?

A: No, I can not bill insurance for services. Not yet at least. There's a lot of buzz about more extensive education for Medi-Cal Certified Peer Support Specialists that will allow us to bill insurance. I don't think it's going to happen but it's a nice idea!

Q: Wait, aren't you like, totally fucking nuts? Your history is pretty sketchy.

A: Yes. But, I'm a functional nut who strongly prefers the term "someone suffering from an illness" over "nut" I operate under the principle that it takes one to know one, and that many other providers kind of suck. I have experience being a patient on so many levels, and have achieved sustained recovery from my own Bipolar Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive disorder, Tourettes Syndrome, and occasional psychosis.  

Q: Why do I need a life coach?

A: Licensed therapists and psychiatrists are prohibited from sharing their story and experiences with their clients. I, however, use my own story to help people who are in a pit of despair achieve a bit of hope.

What kind of things can we expect during a typical session?

A: Sometimes we'll chat about life in general while focusing on the areas in life which need improvement, and sometimes we'll work with your professional to formulate an effective care plan. I believe that everyone, no matter how severe the illness is, can achieve some form of recovery.

Q: What can you do that a therapist can't?

A: I can drag your ass to an AA meeting, yell at you, introduce you to Depression Bipolar Support Alliance meetings, drive you to the aforementioned meetings, sit around with you at a Denny's and talk about the stuff you're unable or unwilling to share with a judgy mental health professional.

Q: So you're basically a rent-a-friend?

A: No. This service is professional, however, my scope of practice is not limited to performing cognitive behavioral or things like dialectical behavioral therapy. My extensive experience as a mental health professional certainly comes in to play.

Q: Do you do behavioral health and substance abuse interventions for loved ones who don't realize they're sick? How about interventions for people with substance use disorder?

A: Yes! The first step in an intervention is working with the clients family to determine a set of goals, setting up an assessment at an appropriate treatment facility, and preparing for the emotional turmoil which is common during interventions. It's not exactly like you'd see on TV shows... Working with you, the family, is the most important part. I have extensive experience in crisis intervention, and I use every ounce of it when doing this.

Q: Are you available in emergencies?

A: The short answer is "maybe". It depends on timing. I will briefly assess your situation and make a recommendation to call the Psychiatric Emergency Response Team if the client has potential to get violent, or the Mobile Crisis Response Team if there's no potential for violence. If I am available, I will come to the scene and work with either of those teams. After they're gone, that's when I provide services with the family in order to optimize treatment.

Q: What's your day job?

A: I am a Health Physics Subject Matter Expert and Technologist. I calibrate and deal in ionizing radiation detection equipment. So, if you want a Geiger counter, just ask. Most of the folks I deal with are radiation hobbyists. I also repair and fix Automated External and patient monitoring defibrillators. I also provide care for my aging parents, which requires me to operate businesses from home rather than having a 9-5 job.