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Where are you located and when are you open?
We are located in the Cowell Building (across from the tennis courts) and are open from Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm.
>>> Click here for full contact information
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How much do the sessions cost?
All sessions are free of charge.
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How often can I meet with a counselor?
Typically, individuals meet with a counselor once a week for 45 minutes. However, the exact number and frequency of each session depends upon the nature of your concerns and the current demand for services from CAPS. Consult with your counselor to determine the length and nature of your treatment.
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How many sessions can I receive at CAPS?
CAPS operates under a brief therapy model. Students are eligible for up to 10 individual and unlimited group psychotherapy sessions per academic year. For students interested in receiving services beyond the 10-session limit, discuss your concerns with your counselor.
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Can faculty and staff use the services for personal counseling?
CAPS does not provide individual personal counseling to faculty or staff members. All faculty and staff are encouraged to contact their health insurance carrier for mental health services. CAPS does offer consultations for student-related issues.
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How do I schedule an appointment?
Call CAPS at 408-554-4172 or stop by the Cowell Building (Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm).
>>> Click here for full contact information
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How long do I have to wait in order to get an appointment?
Typically, students can meet with a counselor within a few days of making an appointment. In case of an urgent need, same-day appointments are available. However, during peak times of the year (i.e. midterms, finals), students will have to schedule a 15-minute screening appointment and then be placed on a waiting list for the next available appointment.
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I met with one of the counselors and I don't feel comfortable with that person. Could I see someone else on staff?
Occasionally, students do not feel comfortable speaking with the counselor that has been assigned to them. In these instances, students can request a change and meet with another member of the clinical staff. However, we encourage you to address these concerns with your assigned counselor before you request a change.
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Is what I say kept confidential?
Yes, all the information you reveal within individual or group counseling is confidential. No information can be released without your written consent except as required by law in the following cases:
- If a client poses a danger to self or presents a threat to others.
- If a court of law issues a legitimate subpoena for client records.
- If there is a reasonable suspicion of child abuse or abuse of a dependent elder.
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I might have a learning disability and/or attention deficit disorder. Do you do any testing?
CAPS does not currently offer learning disorder or attention deficit disorder (ADD) testing. Contact Disabilities Resources at 408-554-4109.
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Can I have sessions via email or communicate with my counselor via email?
Unfortunately, email is not an appropriate medium for personal counseling. Therefore, we do not offer internet counseling. If you are a student seeking counseling or assistance with a problem, call CAPS at 408-554-4172 or stop by the Cowell Building (Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm).
>>> Click here for full contact information
Alternatively you can call the Crisis Services telephone hotline at 408-279-3312 or 800-784-2433 (open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year).
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Can I communicate with my counselor via email?
The CAPS staff welcomes your contact. However, we take your confidentiality seriously and it is imperative that you understand the limitations of email technology. Occasionally, you may receive emails regarding the scheduling or cancellation of appointments from your counselor. If we receive an email from our clients which contains clinical information, we cannot guarantee that your email will remain confidential. While we do our best to keep your communications private, the University administration -- like many other employers -- reserves the right to monitor our email usage and might therefore see the text of your message.
Email communication to CAPS should not be used in a crisis or emergency situation. While we try to check our email regularly, there may be times that your counselor is unavailable. This means that your message may not be read immediately. Also, emails are often not checked by staff after hours or on weekends.
If you are in psychological distress and CAPS is closed, you may contact our after hours phone service at (408)551-1760. For other emergencies, call Campus Safety at (408)554-4444 or 911 directly.
Additional helpful numbers should you experience a crisis include but are not limited to:
- 24 Hour AIDS/STD Hotline: 800-227-8922
- AIDS/STD Death Hotline: 800-243-7889
- AIDS/STD Hotline (Spanish): 800-344-7432
- Battered Women Hotline: 408-279-3312
- National AIDS Hotline: 800-342-AIDS
- Parental Stress Hotline: 408-279-8228
- Rape Crisis: 408-287-3000
- Suicide and Crisis Line: 408-279-3312
- Victim/Witness Hotline: 408-295-2656
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I was a client at CAPS in the past and need my records sent to another provider. What is the process to release this information?
Download the Consent for Release of Information. Fill it out and contact CAPS about releasing information to another provider.
