I represent a first responder department and I am interested in seeking your services. What should I do?

Please complete the confidential, HIPAA-compliant contact form below and I will respond as soon as possible with services, rates, and any additional information you may seek. I look forward to discussing how I may be of service to your department. Thank you for your service to our communities.

What types of goals are a good fit?

Types of goals we may pursue:

• Manage overwhelming emotions and thoughts
• Cope effectively with life stressors
• Understand and address the effects of traumatic experiences
• Address stressors related to being a first responder/law enforcement officer or their significant other
• Increase meaningful and enjoyable experiences
• Additional targeted goals are listed on the Home page

What types of goals may be a clue that we are not a good fit?

If you are firm in seeking one or more of these goals, we are not likely to be well-matched:

• Feel happy and anxiety-free at all times
• Eliminate your depression before you start doing things again
• Vent about life without reflecting on your own feelings, thoughts, and actions
• Get other people to change how they treat you
• Decrease your anxiety without venturing into anxiety-provoking situations

What will happen after I fill out the contact form?

After I review your contact form submission, I may:

• Email you an invitation to the confidential, HIPAA-compliant client portal
  Or
• Call you for additional discussion to determine fit 
  Or
• Encourage you to seek alternative options that are a better fit

How will I schedule a therapy appointment?

Once you have received a client portal invitation, you will be able to review and sign consent documents, provide additional personal information, and select an appointment time online.

What will we do in our first therapy session?

Our initial consultation will be a “get to know you” session in which I will ask about background information, concerns and struggles, treatment history, and goals for therapy.

What will happen after my first therapy session?

If we agree to continue working together, we will initiate the process outlined on the Determining Fit page.

What common misconceptions may I have about therapy?

Therapy is intended to provide a confidential, objective, and non-judgmental space in which you have the opportunity to examine and shift patterns in thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. 

Contrary to popular belief, therapy is not:

• Mysterious or magical
  (I cannot read your mind, will not make predictions based on your dreams, and do not use experimental methods)
• Venting to someone who simply repeats everything you say
• Forcing you to make unwanted disclosures about yourself
• Focusing only on your feelings or your childhood
• Exactly the same with every therapist
• Requiring you to take psychiatric medication
  (although in some cases, therapy and medications may serve well together)

What is the best way to contact you between sessions?

Sending a message through the confidential, HIPAA-compliant client portal is the best way to contact me about last-minute cancellations, questions, or other needs between appointments. I recommend these Resources for urgent needs.

Rescheduling appointments at least 24 hours in advance is easily accomplished online, using the client portal.

You may also call using the phone number listed at the bottom of the page. I will typically respond within one business day.

Will you bill services directly to my insurance carrier?

I will bill services directly as an in-network provider for individuals covered by any Wellmark/Blue Cross and Blue Shield insurance plan. Individuals seeking services under other insurance carriers are encouraged to seek providers who accept their insurance plan. You are also welcome to reach out for referral suggestions. See more under Rates and Insurance.

What is the difference between a psychologist and other licensed mental health providers?

You may find high quality care from all types of licensed mental health providers in the tri-state area.

The hallmark of a licensed psychologist is the extensive length and depth of training in evidence-based assessment, diagnosis, conceptualization, treatment planning, and therapeutic interventions to address mental health concerns.

A licensed psychologist has received either a PhD or a PsyD in a clinically-based program in psychology, which requires 4-6 years of doctoral graduate education (after completing an undergraduate college degree) and one year of full-time work in a pre-doctoral internship.

After receiving the doctoral degree, an additional year of supervised work experience (in Iowa and most states) and passing a national examination for professional psychological practice are required to become a licensed psychologist.

A psychologist is also commonly referred to as a therapist or counselor.

What are you (Dr. Keedy) like as a person?

The following are descriptors others have used to describe me:

• Professional (i.e., I will respect professional boundaries, focus on your needs, respect my own limits, and make effective use of our time)
• Good listener
• Validating
• Genuine
• Calm
• Easy to connect
• Willing to offer informed guidance
• Empathetic
• Knowledgeable
• Caring
• Good-humored
• Open-minded (e.g., you are free say anything that feels relevant and do not need to apologize for swearing)