Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) operates from a short-term service model. Following an initial assessment to better understand the student’s presenting concern(s), CAPS will make recommendations regarding clinically appropriate treatment options, which may include services offered through CAPS or referral to other providers, as appropriate.  

CAPS offers a range of structured counseling and support services, including Essential Skills Workshops, Focused Care Hour (FCH), Group Counseling, Short-Term Individual Counseling, Short-Term Couples Counseling, Support Groups, Mental Health Consultations, and Clinical Care Coordination. A student may be referred to different services throughout the course of treatment, if an initial service does not resolve or improve the presenting concern.

If the needs of a student cannot be accommodated through one of the services offered at CAPS, we will facilitate a referral to another provider who can offer longer-term or more specialized care.  

A referral to another provider may be recommended in the following situations: 

• A longstanding or severe mental health condition that requires longer-term or continuous treatment.
• Students experiencing significant levels of distress requiring immediate inpatient or intensive outpatient care, and/or experiencing a severe disruption in their ability to function.
• Treatment requirements beyond our area of expertise.
• Court-mandated assessment and/or treatment.
• Students already engaged in therapy with another provider.
• Continual non-compliance with treatment recommendations and/or CAPS policies/procedures.
• Students whose behavior creates a hostile working environment at CAPS, affecting staff and/or other students.
• Other circumstances in which CAPS determines that providing ongoing services would not be in the best interest of the student, other students, or the effective functioning of the service.