Sober Coaching FAQ — Your Questions Answered | Sober Coaching

Question 1

What is a sober coach?

Accepted Answer

A sober coach is a trained professional who provides one-on-one support, accountability, and real-life guidance to people in recovery from addiction. Unlike therapists or sponsors, a sober coach works alongside you in everyday situations — helping you build structure, navigate triggers, and develop the habits needed for lasting sobriety.

Question 2

What is the difference between a sober coach and a therapist?

Accepted Answer

A therapist diagnoses and treats mental health conditions through clinical sessions. A sober coach does not diagnose or treat — instead, they provide practical, day-to-day accountability and life skills coaching. Many clients work with both a therapist and a sober coach at the same time, as the two roles complement each other.

Question 3

What is the difference between a sober coach and a 12-step sponsor?

Accepted Answer

A 12-step sponsor is a peer-based relationship within a specific recovery program (AA, NA, etc.). A sober coach is a paid professional service that is not tied to any particular program or philosophy. Coaching is structured, goal-oriented, and available to anyone regardless of their recovery path.

Question 4

Do I need to be sober before starting recovery coaching?

Accepted Answer

No. You do not need to be sober to start working with a recovery coach. Many clients begin coaching while still in the process of reducing or stopping use. We meet you exactly where you are and help you move forward from there.

Question 5

Who can benefit from sober coaching?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who wants to achieve or maintain sobriety can benefit. This includes people leaving treatment, professionals managing high-stress careers, young adults struggling to launch, athletes, parents, executives, public figures, and anyone who wants personalized, private support on their recovery journey.

Question 6

What types of addiction do you work with?

Accepted Answer

We work with all forms of substance use and behavioral addiction — including alcohol, opioids, stimulants, benzodiazepines, cannabis, prescription medications, and behavioral addictions such as gambling and compulsive behaviors. If you are unsure whether we are the right fit, call us and we will be honest with you.

Question 7

Is sober coaching evidence-based?

Accepted Answer

Recovery coaching draws on evidence-based principles including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral techniques, and strengths-based approaches. Our coaches have personal lived experience in recovery combined with professional training, which research consistently shows improves outcomes for clients.

Question 8

What does a sober coach actually do day to day?

Accepted Answer

A sober coach provides regular one-on-one sessions (in person, by phone, or video), helps you build daily structure and routines, identifies and plans for triggers, supports goal-setting, accompanies you to appointments or social situations when needed, and provides accountability between sessions. The work is practical and real-life focused.

Question 9

How often will I meet with my sober coach?

Accepted Answer

Session frequency is tailored to your needs. Some clients meet daily in early recovery; others meet weekly for ongoing maintenance. We build a schedule that fits your situation and adjust it as your recovery progresses.

Question 10

Can a sober coach travel with me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our coaches are available to travel with clients for work trips, vacations, family events, or any situation where having in-person support is important. Travel-based coaching is one of our most requested services.

Question 11

What is the difference between a sober coach and a sober companion?

Accepted Answer

A sober coach provides structured, ongoing support through regular sessions — helping you build routines, set goals, and stay accountable. A sober companion lives with or travels with the client, providing 24/7 in-person support during the most critical phases of early recovery. Both services are personalized and private.

Question 12

What is a sober companion?

Accepted Answer

A sober companion is a recovery professional who provides 24/7 in-person support, typically living with or staying near the client during the most vulnerable phases of early recovery. They help create a safe, sober environment and provide constant accountability and encouragement.

Question 13

When do I need a sober companion instead of a sober coach?

Accepted Answer

A sober companion is typically needed when someone requires around-the-clock support — such as immediately after leaving a treatment facility, during a high-risk life transition, when returning to a triggering home environment, or when there is a significant relapse risk. If you are unsure which level of support is right, call us and we will help you decide.

Question 14

How long does a sober companion stay with a client?

Accepted Answer

The duration varies by client need. Some engagements are 30 days; others extend to 90 days or longer. We assess your situation and recommend a timeframe that gives you the best foundation for long-term success.

Question 15

Can a sober companion travel with me internationally?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our sober companions are available for domestic and international travel. Whether you are traveling for work, a family event, or a vacation, we can provide a companion to support you throughout the trip.

Question 16

What does a sober companion do when they are with a client?

Accepted Answer

A sober companion helps establish daily routines, accompanies the client to appointments and social events, assists with meal planning and healthy habits, provides emotional support and accountability, helps navigate triggers and cravings, and serves as a consistent, sober presence in the client's environment.

Question 17

What is a recovery coach?

Accepted Answer

A recovery coach is a trained professional who helps individuals navigate the recovery process through goal-setting, accountability, and practical life skills. Recovery coaching is forward-focused — it is about building the life you want in sobriety, not just stopping use.

Question 18

Is recovery coaching the same as therapy?

Accepted Answer

No. Recovery coaching is not therapy and does not replace clinical treatment. A recovery coach focuses on practical, day-to-day accountability and life skills — not diagnosing or treating mental health conditions. Many clients benefit from working with both a therapist and a recovery coach simultaneously.

Question 19

Can a recovery coach help with co-occurring mental health issues?

Accepted Answer

Recovery coaches are not licensed mental health clinicians and do not treat mental health conditions. However, we work closely with clients who have co-occurring conditions and coordinate with their clinical team to provide complementary support. We will always refer you to appropriate clinical care when needed.

Question 20

How does online recovery coaching work?

Accepted Answer

Online recovery coaching takes place via secure video calls, phone sessions, and messaging. You get the same personalized, one-on-one support as in-person coaching — from anywhere in the world. Sessions are scheduled around your availability.

Question 21

Is online coaching as effective as in-person coaching?

Accepted Answer

For many clients, yes. Online coaching removes geographic barriers, fits into busy schedules, and provides the same accountability and support as in-person sessions. Some clients prefer the privacy and convenience of connecting from home. For those who need 24/7 in-person support, a sober companion may be more appropriate.

Question 22

What technology do I need for online coaching?

Accepted Answer

You only need a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and internet connection. We use secure, easy-to-use video platforms. No special software or technical knowledge is required.

Question 23

Can I switch from online coaching to in-person if I need more support?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We can transition you to in-person coaching, a sober companion, or any other level of support at any time. Your needs may change throughout recovery, and we are flexible to meet you where you are.

Question 24

How do I get started with Sober Coaching?

Accepted Answer

The first step is a confidential consultation — call us at 877-223-6680 or fill out our contact form. We will listen to your situation, answer your questions, and recommend the right level of support. There is no pressure and no obligation.

Question 25

How quickly can you get someone started?

Accepted Answer

In many cases, we can begin within 24 to 48 hours of your initial call. For urgent situations — such as someone leaving treatment or in immediate crisis — we work to respond as quickly as possible.

Question 26

Do you work with families, or only the person in recovery?

Accepted Answer

We work with both. Family members often play a critical role in recovery, and we provide guidance on boundaries, communication, and how to support your loved one without enabling. We can work with the individual, the family, or both together.

Question 27

What happens during the first consultation?

Accepted Answer

The first consultation is a confidential conversation where we learn about your situation, your goals, and what kind of support you are looking for. We will explain our services, answer all your questions, and together determine the best path forward. There is no commitment required.

Question 28

Do you work with people who have already been through treatment multiple times?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many of our clients have been through treatment one or more times before finding us. We do not judge past attempts — we focus on what is going to work now. Our coaches have personal experience with relapse and understand that recovery is rarely a straight line.

Question 29

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

No. Sober Coaching is a private pay service. We do not accept insurance. This allows us to maintain complete confidentiality and provide highly personalized service without the limitations, reporting requirements, or restrictions that come with insurance billing.

Question 30

Why is sober coaching private pay?

Accepted Answer

Insurance billing requires diagnoses, treatment codes, and documentation that is shared with insurance companies. For many of our clients — executives, professionals, public figures, and anyone who values absolute privacy — this is not acceptable. Private pay means your information stays completely confidential.

Question 31

Can I use my HSA or FSA to pay for sober coaching?

Accepted Answer

In some cases, yes. Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) may cover recovery coaching services depending on your plan and how the service is categorized. We recommend consulting with your HSA/FSA administrator or a tax professional to confirm eligibility.

Question 32

Does my employer's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) cover sober coaching?

Accepted Answer

Some EAP programs include provisions for recovery coaching or behavioral health coaching. However, using an EAP typically involves disclosure to your employer's program administrator. If confidentiality is a priority, we recommend discussing this carefully before using an EAP benefit.

Question 33

How much does sober coaching cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing varies based on the type of service, level of support, and duration of engagement. We do not publish pricing publicly. Contact us for a confidential consultation and we will provide transparent pricing for your specific situation.

Question 34

Is sober coaching confidential?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All of our services are completely confidential. We understand that privacy is critical, especially for professionals, executives, and public figures. We do not share your information with anyone without your explicit consent.

Question 35

Will my employer find out I am working with a sober coach?

Accepted Answer

No. We do not report to employers, insurance companies, licensing boards, or any other third party. Your engagement with us is completely private. This is one of the primary reasons clients choose private pay coaching over insurance-covered services.

Question 36

Do you sign confidentiality agreements?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We are happy to sign a confidentiality or non-disclosure agreement if that provides additional peace of mind. Many of our clients in high-profile positions request this, and we accommodate it without hesitation.

Question 37

What is your privacy policy?

Accepted Answer

Our full privacy policy is available on our website. In summary: we collect only the information necessary to provide our services, we never sell or share your information with third parties, and all communications are treated as strictly confidential.

Frequently Asked Questions

General Recovery Questions

Talk to a Recovery Professional — Confidentially

Sober Coaching FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

General Recovery Questions

Talk to a Recovery Professional — Confidentially