Despite common belief, therapy and coaching are actually very distinct services. It's important to know the difference so that you can make as informed of a decision as possible when it comes to your care.

Psychotherapy:
Practiced by a licensed mental health professionals who have undergone extensive training, supervision, and education in order to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. The therapy process often involved exploring the deep-seated emotional concerns, past and/or present life experiences, and or other underlying psychological conditions. Therapists employ a variety of evidence-based approaches and techniques to support their clients through their healing. Therapists are also held to a highly regulated code of ethics and guidelines to ensure client safety, confidentiality, and adherence to best practices. Therapists can also only practice psychotherapy in the states in which they are licensed.

Coaching:
Some coaches may receive certifications through coaching programs, however there aren't any required need for formal clinical mental health education. Coaching is more so geared towards specific, often shorter-term goal setting where a coach will aid you in creating practical, actionable steps to build different habits.

Therapists are equipped and able to work within a coaching capacity, however Coaches are not able to work within a clinical mental health capacity UNLESS they are licensed mental health professionals practicing within their state of licensure.

I'm so happy you're here! Starting therapy for the first time can be scary. Especially if you're unsure of what to expect. I hope you can gift yourself some spaciousness to acknowledge and celebrate your courageousness.

Therapy "readiness" varies from person to person. It could be helpful to ask yourself if there are any areas of your life that you'd like some additional support with, or if you're needing an opportunity for deeper self-exploration. There's a misconception that in order to be in therapy you need to be in an active mental health and/or emotional crisis. Although those are reasons as to why someone may be seeking therapy, they aren't the only reasons.

You could be recognizing that you'd like to change a pattern of behavior, or maybe you're experiencing a life transition. You could need a contained environment with the support of objective third-party who can assist you in exploring and making sense of previous life experiences. You could even just be curious about therapy and want to try it out for yourself.

Point is, therapy will be there for whenever you decide you'd like to dive in.

As a trauma-informed therapist I have a deep understanding of the pervasive impacts that trauma can have on an individual and their wellbeing. As such, I emphasize creating a therapeutic environment that is sensitive to the needs of my clients such that we are creating as safe of a space as possible.

I believe that a person-centered, relational, and holistic perspective can offer a greater opportunity for healing, and that my folks are deserving of care in which they are seen, heard, and understood.

This means that as I provider I need to maintain cultural sensitivity, work with my folks in building trust, and also being honest about the different ways in which our unique and shared experiences inform the ways in which we show up.

Yes! I offer 15-minute consultations upon request for individuals and 30-minute consultations for couples. To get in touch and schedule a consultation, please reach out directly via email or phone. Your journey toward deeper intimacy and understanding starts with that first step, and I'm here to support you every bit of the way.

Note: I am not currently accepting insurance clients at this time.

Yes! I'm currently in network with the following insurances for folks with New York State plans through Alma:

• Aetna

• Allied Benefit Systems - Aetna

• Carelon Behavioral Health, Inc.

• Christian Brothers Services - Aetna

• Cigna

• Health Scope - Aetna

• Meritain

• Nippon

• Providence Health Plan

• Trustmark Health Benefits - Aetna

• Trustmark Health Benefits - Cigna

• Trustmark Small Business Benefits - Aetna

To book learn more about insurance coverage, and to book a consultation with me through Alma, follow the link here.

"Out of network" therapy refers to therapy services provided by a therapist who is not contracted with your health insurance plan. This means that you may have to pay the therapist’s full fee upfront.

Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to submit a claim for reimbursement from your insurance provider. If your plan allows for out-of-network coverage, you can submit a superbill (a detailed receipt) from the therapist to their insurance provider. The insurance company may then reimburse a portion of the fee, depending on your plan.

Great question! Although the term "Couples Therapy" implies services for folks who are in romantic and/or sexual partnerships with each other, there are many different types of relational structures that could find "Couples Therapy" useful. For example, you and a friend could be seeking services together as a means to better communicate and/or understand each other.

"Couples Therapy" can even been used with folks who would like support in de-escalating or changing how they relate to each other. For example, long-term friends and/or partners could use the therapy space to emotionally process the circumstances around the end of a relationship and explore how to set healthy boundaries to create a pathway forward.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in New York, Keanu M. Jackson is also registered as an out-of-state telehealth provider for Florida. This means that if you reside in the state of Florida, you are legally able to work with Keanu for virtual therapy sessions through secure video conferencing — just as you would if you lived in New York.

This registration is part of Florida’s effort to increase access to mental health care by allowing licensed providers in other states to serve Florida residents remotely. All sessions remain HIPAA-compliant, confidential, and tailored to meet your needs, with the same level of care and attention as in-state services.

If you're a Florida resident interested in working together, you're welcome to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to explore whether we're a good fit.