FAQs
"Into the Woods" by Scott Ward
Who is eligible for counseling and how much does it cost?
CAPS provides brief psychotherapy (group, individual and couples) at no cost for students currently attending classes. We operate on a short-term model for individual and couples sessions. You and your therapist will determine the frequency of sessions and length of therapy. There is no session limit on group counseling. Students interested in long-term psychotherapy are encouraged to utilize off campus resources, such as their student health insurance, other health insurance or one of the lower cost community counseling centers.
S.U. employees seeking counseling resources should contact the S.U. Benefits Office for information counseling and mental health services covered by their health insurance and the EAP (Employee Assistance Program).
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Why do students use counseling services?
The Seattle University CAPS offers a confidential environment in which students may discuss personal issues with an experienced professional. A therapist can help a student sort out issues and gain insight into underlying reasons behind personal choices and behaviors that may be negatively affecting the ability to maintain a healthy balance between academic goals and personal well-being.
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What issues can be talked about in counseling sessions?
Any situation which is causing you concern can be discussed with a therapist. A range of issues can bring students to CAPS. Students can face numerous transitions and challenges during their college years—many of which can interfere with personal growth and/or academic achievement. These may include:
- Adjusting to college/homesickness
- Academic issues (text anxiety, motivation, career uncertainties)
- Self-esteem
- Stress and anxiety
- Depression
- Relationship concerns
- Family conflicts
- Roommate issues
- Alcohol and drug use
- Disordered eating concerns
- Coping with loss
- Loneliness and isolation
- Sexuality
- Identity
- Coping with disability or chronic illness
- Mental health
- Sexual abuse, sexual assault
- Relationship violence
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Who are the therapists?
Counseling is provided by licensed psychologists, clinical social workers, and graduate-level trainees who are supervised by a licensed professional. (Please see About Us).
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What about confidentiality?
All records pertaining to your counseling experience remain on file at CAPS and are not part of your academic record. All information disclosed by you is confidential and may not be revealed to anyone outside the CAPS without your written permission. This means that under ordinary circumstances, personal information about you, including the simple acknowledgment that you are a client at CAPS, will not be told to anyone outside CAPS without your written permission. Consistent with professional ethics and legal requirements placed on professional therapists, there are special circumstances by law under which the agreement of confidentiality may be broken. For more information about confidentiality, read our section on Confidentiality.
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What is the first session like?
When you arrive for your first appointment, you will be asked to complete a short personal data sheet. You will also be given a CAPS Policy sheet which explains all aspects of CAPS services, including detailed information about confidentiality. During your initial counseling session, your therapist will begin an assessment of your particular needs and ways in which our services can best help you.
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What happens after that?
Together, you and your therapist will decide how to best address your treatment goals. This may include referral for group sessions, to providers in the community, or for additional counseling sessions at CAPS. Often, students decide to attend counseling sessions on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to explore one or more areas of personal concern. CAPS’s approach emphasizes your active participation in determining the course of counseling, establishing and evaluating the counseling goals and assessing results. It is important that you discuss with your therapist what is going well and what is not. Experience shows that counseling is enhanced when clients take an active part in the discussion.
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What if I need to talk to someone and CAPS is not open?
King County maintains a 24-Hour Crisis Line, 206-461-3222, or (outside King County) 1-800-244-5767 to provide immediate help for persons in emotional crisis.
If this is a life-threatening emergency, call the Campus Emergency line at (206) 296-5911 or call 911 or arrange transportation to the nearest hospital emergency room. See Emergency Services.
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What if I need or want longer term therapy?
CAPS provides short term therapy. However, if you and your therapist determine that longer term therapy is appropriate, you will be provided with referrals to appropriate providers in the area. The names and contact information for many providers in the area are listed under Referrals in the services section of this site. Your therapist may also recommend that you attend one of the groups available at CAPS. Group attendance is not time limited or limited to one group.
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How do I cancel or reschedule an appointment?
Call (206) 296-6090 at least 24 hours before the appointment to cancel and/or reschedule the appointment so that others can use that appointment time. If you do not cancel in advance, the session will be counted as one of your sessions. (See Appointment Cancellations and Rescheduling Policy).
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What are the differences between the mental health professions?
CLICK HERE to download a document (pdf) that describes the various titles of Mental Health Practitioners.
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