At Counseling and Psychiatry Services (CAPS) we take a short-term approach to individual counseling, averaging 4 - 5 sessions, with an emphasis on helping students cope more effectively with their personal and academic lives. Each session lasts about 45 - 50 minutes.

Why Do Students Seek Counseling?

Students come to CAPS for a variety of reasons, including:

• Relationship difficulties
• Problems adjusting to university life
• Feelings of isolation or loneliness
• Eating or body image concerns
• Feelings of depression or thoughts of suicide
• Struggles with self-esteem
• Issues related to discrimination or harassment
• Concerns about alcohol or other drug use
• Academic difficulties
• Identity concerns
• For help coping with:
  • Grief
  • Stress or anxiety
  • Traumatic events
  • Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse

What You Can Expect

Before your initial appointment, you will most likely be asked to complete a questionnaire at MyWellbeing, the Center for Health & Wellbeing's secure online portal. Your counselor will use this information to begin understanding your situation.

At your first appointment your counselor will ask about your reason(s) for seeking counseling, and he or she will start getting to know you by asking about your personal history, social relationships, educational goals, and expectations for counseling. At the end of your initial appointment, you and your counselor will formulate a set of mutually agreed upon counseling goals.

CAPS is designed for short-term counseling. When longer term counseling is desired or recommended, your counselor will assist you in determining alternative services that will best meet your needs.

CAPS Counseling is available at no cost to any UVM student who is eligible to use the services at the Center for Health & Wellbeing, of which CAPS is a part.

Last modified June 30 2011 02:35 PM