
Frequently asked questions
Who do you work with?
I provide individual therapy for children ages 12 and up as well as adolescents and adults.
When are appointments available?
I offer sessions Tuesday - Wednesday from approximately 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm, depending on current availability.
What should I expect for my first session?
The first session is the first step for you to get to know your therapist and for your therapist to get to know you. During this time, we invite you to be as honest and transparent as you can about why you are seeking therapy and what you want to accomplish.
The therapist will also ask you various questions about your past/current experiences, symptoms, stressors, and other demographic information in effort to best understand how to help you improve your situation.
Based on the issues that bring you to therapy we will determine what goals you would like to accomplish.
How do I get started working with you?
Easy. Just pick up your phone and dial (805) 203-6518 to speak with me about getting started. Alternatively, you can email me at keegan@kpmft.com or fill out a contact form here to send me a message.
How often do I need to attend sessions?
For best results regarding on-going therapeutic work, I typically recommend that you attend weekly sessions, but you and I will collaboratively determine the most appropriate session frequency and length of sessions.
Once you have obtained the tools and skills to manage your situation, you can talk with me anytime about decreasing your appointment times. If weekly sessions do not work for you, please discuss this with me to figure out the best course of action considering your situation.
How long will my sessions last?
All sessions are typically scheduled for weekly 50 minutes intervals.
I don’t want anyone to know that I’m seeking help. Is my information confidential?
Each individual is entitled to a confidential relationship with their therapist and I will not disclose any of your information without your permission.
There are some circumstances in which all therapists are required to break confidentiality to ensure your safety or the safety of others.
I will review these exceptions with all clients at the start of treatment. Please feel free to contact me in advance if you have specific questions regarding this matter.
Do you have a cancellation policy?
Yes. I have a strict 24-hour cancellation policy. All clients will be charged the full fee of their session if they fail to cancel their appointment in advance.
How much are your services?
The regular fee for an individual session is $170 per hour. Family and couples’ sessions are $200 per hour. Group therapy is $400 for 9 weeks.
I accept all major credit cards. A valid and up-to-date credit card is required and kept in our HIPPA compliant credit card system called Stripe. Payments are charged the day of your appointment.
Do you accept insurance?
I currently accept private pay (out of pocket) and clients in the Lyra network. I may be considered an out-of-network provider for PPO insurance plans, but I can help you bill your insurance company by providing you with a “superbill” or “medical receipt” to be potentially reimbursed for your payments. Please contact me for more information if needed.
I’ve never talked to anyone. I’m used to handling things on my own. Aren’t people who go to therapy weak?
Not at all.
People who ask for help know when they need it and have the ability to reach out. Everyone needs help now and then. You already have some strengths that you’ve used before, that for whatever reason aren’t working right now.
Perhaps this problem feels overwhelming and is making it difficult to assess your past strengths. In our work together, I’ll help you identify what those strengths are and how to implement them again in what is happening now.
What’s the difference between talking to you or my best friend or a family member?
The difference is between someone who can do something, and someone who has the training and experience to do that same thing professionally.
A mental health professional can help you approach your situation in a new way – teach you new skills, gain different perspectives, listen to you without judgment or expectations, and help you listen to yourself.
Furthermore, therapy is completely confidential. You won’t have to worry about others “knowing your business.” If your situation provokes a great deal of negative emotion, if you’ve been confiding in a friend or family member, there’s the risk that once you’re feeling better, you could start avoiding that person, so you aren’t reminded of this difficult time in your life.
Why shouldn’t I just take medication?
Medication alone cannot solve all issues. Medication treats the symptoms.
Our work together is designed to explore the root of the issue, dig deep into your behavior, and teach strategies that can help you accomplish your personal and/or relational goals.
Medication can be effective and is sometimes needed in conjunction with therapy.
How does it work? What do I have to do in sessions?
Because each person has different issues and goals, therapy will be different depending on the individual. Each therapist will tailor their therapeutic approach to your specific needs.
How long will it take before I no longer need to see a therapist?
Its difficult to say in general. Everyone’s circumstances are unique to them and the length of time therapy can take for you to accomplish your goals depends on your desire for personal development, your commitment, and the factors that are driving you to seek therapy in the first place.
I want to get the most out of therapy. What can I do to help?
I’m so glad you’re dedicated to getting the most out of your sessions. Your active participation and dedication are crucial to your success. After all, we only see each other for a session a week.
It’s the work you do outside of our sessions that will really help you see your personal growth and development.
My partner and I are having problems. Should we be in individual counseling or come together?
If you’re concerned about your relationship, and you would both would like to work with me, I would initially work with both of you together. It’s not helpful to move from individual into couple’s work with the same therapist because of potential trust issues.
Are you currently accepting new clients?
I am! I look forward to being in touch with you via our contact form.
Do You Provide Good Faith Estimates?
Under Section 2799B-6 of the Public Health Service Act, health care providers and health care facilities are required to provide individuals who are not enrolled in an insurance plan or a Federal health care program, and not seeking to file a claim with their insurance via superbill or via an in network provider, with a “Good Faith Estimate” if expected charges at the time of scheduling health care items and services.
A “Good Faith Estimate” explains how much your medical and mental health care will cost over the period of time you are in treatment. Under this law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are choosing not to use their insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. Please note that if you are submitting claims to insurance for an out of network provider, you will not receive a Good Faith Estimate, as you are using insurance to pay for all of or a portion of treatment.
For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises