Welcome! Thank you for choosing CAPS for your care. CAPS provides mental health services for enrolled students. When a student’s needs require a different level of care, CAPS works with students to transition care to community providers. If a student is currently seeing a professional for therapy and can continue to work with them, we often encourage the student to continue care with their current provider.
In order to begin services with CAPS, please come to our office located in Student Union Building (SUB) 1, Suite 3129. If you are unable to come to our office, please call us at 703-993-2380.
If you are experiencing a crisis, please contact us anytime to speak with a crisis counselor and determine how best to support your needs. Please visit https://caps.gmu.edu/crisis-consultation/ for more information. For mental health crises when we are closed, please call CAPS at 703-993-2380 and select option 1, to connect with an after-hours crisis counselor.
For emergencies, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
Step 1: Check-In
Contact CAPS for a check in with a counselor and to schedule an appointment. This is the first step in starting services with CAPS, or re-initiating services if you have been a previous client at CAPS. Our front desk staff will gather some information and a counselor from CAPS will speak with you as soon as possible. The counselor will speak with you briefly to obtain information on your current mental health needs and determine next steps for your care.
Step 2: Intake
The next step in our process is an intake appointment intended to gather some additional clinical information and discuss goals for therapy. There will be a few forms for you to complete prior to your intake appointment. For virtual intakes, you will be emailed paperwork to submit online before the appointment. A CAPS clinician will collaboratively develop a plan to provide you with the support you need. This plan may include a recommendation to engage in group or individual counseling at CAPS, assistance in connecting with a community provider, and/or a referral for a psychiatric evaluation.
Please note: Students must be physically located in Virginia and have access to a private space with a secure internet connection at the time of receiving virtual services. Students located outside of Virginia may still be supported with a case management appointment in order to try to connect you with a provider in your area.
Step 3: After completing an intake, the clinician you meet with will discuss next steps. Options for support may include:
- Individual therapy services at CAPS. We offer this in-person and virtually.
- Participation in other services offered through CAPS including group therapy, virtual skills-based workshops, online self-help, and/or psychiatry.
- Referrals to off-campus treatment– in which case your clinician will help you find appropriate, affordable, and accessible treatment provider(s).
- Consultation with a different office on campus such as Student Support and Advocacy, Disability Services, Learning Services, and Student Health Services.
CAPS provides training for doctoral-level interns and externs, so you may work with a clinician who is under the supervision of a licensed clinical staff member at CAPS. We are glad that you are exploring options for assistance. Please contact us if you have any additional questions or concerns.
*Please note, if you are concerned about your ability to keep yourself or others safe or are currently experiencing significant emotional distress, we encourage you to contact CAPS at 703-993-2380 to speak with a crisis counselor and determine how best to support your needs. Please visit https://caps.gmu.edu/crisis-consultation/for more information.
*For mental health crises when we are closed, please call CAPS at 703-993-2380 and select option 1, to connect with an after-hours crisis counselor.