FAQ

Evidence-based therapy is a term that refers to forms of psychotherapy that have been studied in research trials and shown to be effective for a given concern (either in comparison to other forms of treatment or in comparison to no-treatment control groups). The most common evidence-based therapies are cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and its modern derivations including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based cognitive therapies. Interpersonal therapy has also been demonstrated to be effective for depression and bulimia. Your clinician will discuss with you what approach might be recommended based on the research evidence. Because multiple forms of therapy might be proven to be effective for a given concern, you will have a chance to weigh in on what approach would feel right for you.

All of the treatments in this practice share some common elements. All of them are primarily focused on the present. Although your history and what you learned from your prior experiences will be discussed, treatment will be focused on making real change in your current life. In addition, you can expect that your treatment will be focused on your values, helping you move towards a life that feels fulfilling, meaningful, and full of vitality. Most weeks you will be asked to do something between sessions, whether that’s trying out something new, increasing mindfulness of the patterns in your life, or working on implementing a skill discussed in session. In addition, measuring outcomes on a weekly basis (usually via questionnaires or some other marker of improvement in your week-to-week life) is an important part of evidence-based treatment so that you and your clinician can be on the same page about whether the therapy is working as intended. Your feedback and collaboration is a key ingredient in helping the therapy be effective and meaningful.

Before a first visit, you will have a free phone consultation with Dr. Keenan-Miller. Because “fit” is a key ingredient in a successful therapy, this phone call is an important step to ensuring that there is a good match. Assuming you’d like to schedule after that phone call, you will be asked to complete a series of forms that will provide some additional detail about your goals for therapy and address some basic questions so that the first session does not have to be spent on logistics. The first meeting or two will be spent gathering more information, sharing initial ideas about a therapeutic approach, and setting goals.

Sessions typically last for 50 minutes, although longer sessions can sometimes be arranged in advance. The most common frequency for sessions is once weekly, but more or less frequent meetings may be indicated depending on client concerns.

Sessions are available in-person for individuals located in Los Angeles and by telehealth anywhere in the state of California or Florida. All telehealth sessions are conducted using a HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform. For additional questions about telehealth provider registration for clients in Florida, please see https://flhealthsource.gov/telehealth/

Dr. Keenan-Miller and her psychological associates are out-of-network providers, meaning they are not on any insurance panels. Many PPO plans will cover a percentage of the cost of out-of-network services. The amount covered varies by plan and clients should contact their insurance provider prior to initiating treatment to learn the specifics of their coverage. Your clinician can provide a comprehensive statement that includes all of the information typically required to submit a claim to an insurance provider (a “superbill”); clients are responsible for submitting those claims to their insurance company for reimbursement after payments are made to Dr. Keenan-Miller. If additional information is required by your insurance to process claims, please be sure to inform your clinician so that the proper paperwork can be completed.

You can pay by check, e-payment, or via credit card via the online portal.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical and mental health care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the expected charges for medical services, including psychotherapy services. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency healthcare services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees. If you are not planning to use insurance to cover any part of your treatment, make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your medical service or item. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule a service. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.