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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to questions you might have about counseling in general and the approaches taken by J. Higgins Counseling, LCSW, P.C. in particular. Please feel free to call or use the contact page to ask any additional questions you might have.

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How do I know if counseling is right for me?

If you would like to embark on a path of personal growth and development, improve relationships, improve performance at work, enhance self-confidence, develop a greater sense of purpose, meaning and fulfillment in your life or learn to navigate your life based on what matters most to you, then counseling may be valuable. If you struggle with unwanted thoughts or emotions, including anxiety, worry, fear, sadness, or doubt, then counseling can help. If internal struggle or suffering leaves you feeling as if your life is on a detour, then counseling could help. If you have experienced stressful events in the past, and the memories of those events cause ongoing distress, then counseling could help. The services page of this website has more information about therapeutic specialties. Free consultation is available if you would like to explore this question in more detail.

What makes J Higgins Counseling different from other options?
Offer of free, no obligation consultation prior to providing any personal information or filling out any intake forms. Unique combination of evidence based and effective forms of therapy. Convenient online portal with optional autopay. Bitcoin accepted as payment for services. Secure HIPAA compliant phone and email technology. Long distance tele-health services available. Appointment reminders can be set up via text or email if desired.
How do I get started?
  • Click on the “Get Started” button and schedule a Free Telephone Consultation using the “Request Appointment” button
  • Make an inquiry with the Secure Contact Form
  • Or call (716) 202-2900
How do I set up a Free Telephone Consultation?
The Request Appointment button on the Contact page will allow you to schedule this. Once you click the button, select “Free Telephone Consultation,” then pick either location (does not matter, it will be a phone call either way), then follow the remaining prompts.
What should I expect from the free consultation?
Free Telephone Consultation is a 15-20 minute phone call for questions about available services, scheduling, availability, insurance, location, etc.
What are the next steps after a free consultation?
If you decide J. Higgins Counseling, LCSW, P.C. might be a good fit for you, an initial session can be scheduled. Registration paperwork is completed online using the Client Portal. If not, then information about alternative treatment options can be provided.
What is the Secure Contact form?

This will allow you to send a secure, encrypted email directly to J. Higgins Counseling, LCSW, P.C. The email address you provide is the place you will receive a secure reply. That reply will have a blue “Read your secure email” button.

What about rates, insurance and payment?
There is an accompanying page dedicated to answering these questions in detail, available on Insurance page under About tab.
What should I expect at the first session?
Our first session will involve discussion about your preferences and goals for counseling, follow up questions from your responses on the questionnaires, and discussion about the direction you would like to go in counseling.
How long does counseling last and how often would we meet?

This is individualized on a case by case basis. In general, sessions tend to occur every week or every two weeks, sometimes more or less frequently depending on changing needs or circumstances. Counseling can last from several months to several years depending on individual goals. Sometimes 8-10 sessions are enough. Others prefer to continue on an ongoing basis.

What about privacy and confidentiality?
Privacy and confidentiality are highly valued at J. Higgins Counseling, LCSW, P.C.. Efforts are made to ensure communication is as secure as possible. HIPAA Compliant Business Associate Agreements are in place with telephone service provider, email provider and practice management provider. While no electronic communication can be completely secure, efforts are made to be as secure as possible with use of secure messaging via online portal, and by encrypted email availability if needed. Below is a link to Notice of Privacy Practices.
Do you offer tele-therapy?
Yes. Video conference tele-therapy is available.
What are your hours and availability?
Currently accepting new clients! Appointments are typically 55 to 60 minutes each. Each therapist has different hours.