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The CAPS staff includes psychologists psychiatric providers, social workers, sexual assault specialists, addiction specialists, and advanced graduate-level trainees.
Triage Appointment
CAPS Services begin with a 10-15 minute triage phone appointment with a staff clinician to assess the nature and urgency of your problem so that we can help arrange the most appropriate next step to assist you.
When you contact our office, you will be scheduled for this 15 minute triage phone appointment which is a specific time reserved for you. Ideally this appointment will be offered (schedules permitting) within 2 business days. It is important that you are available as scheduled for this time when a clinician will call you. You will be asked a number of questions and have the opportunity to discuss your personal situation and ask questions.
At the end of the phone contact, appropriate options will be reviewed with you. These could include an appointment for an initial consultation at CAPS and/or referral to other resources on campus or in the community that can help address your concerns. Crisis and urgent appointments are available when needed. CAPS is a short term counseling agency. If you need or are interested in a longer term therapy relationship, we can help you to access our web-based Community Provider Database and advise you about setting up services in the community.
Initial Consultation
During this private consultation, the student has the opportunity to discuss his or her concerns. If further services are indicated, the counselor may recommend group or individual counseling, suggest further evaluation, or refer the student to other services on or off campus. Occasionally, some students find that this initial consultation meets their needs and require no further services.
NOTE: Students should not pursue services at CAPS for the sole purpose of obtaining a letter of support. CAPS does not provide letters at the time of an initial consultation and cannot provide documentation regarding a student’s mental health without a history of services at CAPS during the specified time period. If necessary, students are encouraged to seek letters of support from individuals directly involved in their care such as past or present psychological/psychiatric providers, medical doctors, or family members.
Group Therapy and Discussion Groups
Group therapy provides a unique opportunity for small groups of six to eight students to meet and share common concerns, explore personal issues and learn new skills under the guidance of one or two professional leaders. CAPS offers general therapy groups for all students, groups for particular populations (e.g. graduate students, women, men, returning adults) and for particular issues (e.g. sexual assault, eating disorders, stress and depression). CAPS also offers discussion and support groups for members of underrepresented populations.
Individual Therapy
Short term individual counseling may be offered to help students gain a deeper understanding of the sources of their difficulties. These insights are then translated into plans for action that the student can carry out in his or her daily life. For issues that would be better resolved through a longer-term individual approach, an appropriate referral to a community provider may be recommended.
Couples Counseling
At times, problems in relationships lead to stress and disruption in students’ lives. Couples counseling is an option when at least one partner is a full time student. Married, unmarried and LGBT couples are all welcome.
Crisis Intervention
Sometimes, crisis situations arise that require immediate intervention (e.g. sexual assault, suicidal feelings, or death of a loved one). The student should alert the receptionist to the crisis nature of their situation and s/he will be seen promptly.
Please see our Crisis Intervention page for more information.
Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric services are available for CAPS clients who may benefit from medication in addition to counseling. Students may be referred to a psychiatric provider by a member of the CAPS staff. Fees and limitations.
Outreach
Educational programs such as the CAPS Personal Issues Series explore issues such as depression, relationships, physical/sexual assault, stress and diversity. Programs are also presented by special arrangement with student groups and University offices. Advance notice is required in order to accommodate program requests.
Consultation
Consultation by phone or appointment are available for students, faculty and staff members or parents who wish to talk with a CAPS professional about a student suffering from emotional stress, about counseling referrals or other issues.
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