Dr. Keith Cates, LPC, LMHC

Alabama · 16 years in practice

Dr. Keith Cates uses trauma-focused approaches alongside practical therapy methods to help people move forward from painful experiences.

License and registration

LPC, Alabama: LPC02734 · expires July 2027
LMHC, Florida: MH20512 · expires March 2027
LPC, Georgia: LPC005200 · expires September 2026
NPI: 1093325268 · national provider identifier
Years in practice: 16
Languages: English

Details are as listed on the therapist's public professional profile. You can check the license with the issuing state board, and the NPI with the national registry.

About Keith

Dr. Keith Cates uses trauma-focused approaches alongside practical therapy methods to help people move forward from painful experiences. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 16 years of experience.

He practices in Alabama and works with adults who want clearer thinking and better emotional balance. He helps people who cope with trauma and abuse, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, and compassion fatigue. He also supports those navigating issues related to self-esteem, career stress, relationships, intimacy, sleep, and major life changes.

Background and approach

Additional areas of focus include kink and alternative sex culture, fatherhood issues, first responder stress, veterans and armed forces issues, and polyamory or non-monogamous relationships. Sessions combine practical techniques and reflective conversation. He draws on EMDR to address distressing memories and on mindfulness to build calm and awareness.

Solution-focused strategies are used for short-term goals and concrete next steps. His approach aims to be respectful and direct. He adapts the pace and focus to each person's needs and goals.

The work tends to be collaborative, with clear steps and regular check-ins about progress. People who choose him often want to reduce recurring symptoms, rebuild confidence, and create workable routines. He encourages small, achievable changes and pays attention to what fits each person’s life and schedule.

Focus areas and approaches

Everything Keith lists on their public professional profile, in their own terms.

Trauma and abuse
Self esteem
Career difficulties
Compassion fatigue
Stress, Anxiety
LGBT
Relationship issues
Intimacy-related issues
Sleeping disorders
Parenting issues
Depression
Coping with life changes
BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture
Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
Emptiness
Fatherhood issues
First responder issues
Men's issues
Veteran and Armed Forces Issues
Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships
Post-traumatic stress

Approaches Keith names

Naming an approach is not evidence of training in it. This directory copies what each therapist lists and does not check training records.

Online support

How EMDR and Mindfulness Work Online

Dr. Cates uses EMDR to help reduce the intensity of troubling memories and reactions, guiding people through structured processing to lessen emotional charge. He also draws on mindfulness therapy to teach simple awareness and breathing exercises that lower stress and improve sleep and focus.

Finding the right method is part of the work together. The therapist will discuss goals, preferences, and reactions to different techniques and adjust the plan as needed. That collaborative approach helps identify whether EMDR, mindfulness, solution-focused steps, or a mix will be most useful for each person.

Online sessions are offered by video calls, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to fit different situations. Video lets you use visual cues and hands-on guidance for techniques, phone can be easier when bandwidth is limited, live chat works for quick check-ins, and text messaging supports short, ongoing reflections between sessions. These options make therapy more flexible and easier to fit into a busy life.

We will earn a commission if you sign up through our link, at no cost to you. It does not change what you pay or the order of the listings.

Questions people ask

What concerns does this therapist address?

He works with trauma and abuse, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, career stress, compassion fatigue, relationship and intimacy issues, sleep problems, parenting strain, and coping with life changes. Additional focuses include kink and alternative sex culture, first responder and veteran issues, fatherhood concerns, and polyamory or non-monogamous relationship issues.

What is the therapist's style and therapeutic approach?

He combines practical, goal-oriented methods with reflective talk therapy. His work includes EMDR for distressing memories, mindfulness exercises for calm, and solution-focused steps for short-term progress.

How long has he been practicing?

He has 16 years of professional experience working with a range of trauma and stress-related concerns.

What credentials and location are listed?

He holds LPC and LMHC credentials and practices in Alabama.

Which languages are supported and can he work internationally?

Sessions are offered in English. He is not accepting international clients at this time.

What session formats are available?

He offers video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different needs and schedules.

How are fees handled for sessions?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I begin working with this therapist?

Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to therapist availability.

Is this your profile?

Ask us to correct details or take the page down.