Groups provide a way to talk through complex and personal issues in a validating, supportive community. The best way to find out if a group might work for you is to check out the schedule and join the group that speaks to you personally. Check out the schedule to find out more.
If your need is urgent, see the next section.
If you are new to CAPS: All students enter CAPS services through an Initial Consultation with a CAPS counselor. Initial Consultations are 30 minute appointments that focus on information gathering, immediate support, and discussing next steps that may include additional services at CAPS, a referral to a community provider or other campus resources. CAPS does our very best to schedule students for Initial Consultations within the same week. CAPS does reserve same day consultations for students with urgent concerns or safety needs. Please let the front desk know if you need a same-day appointment so that they may schedule you appropriately.
Please call our office at 656-3340 or visit one of our campus locations to schedule an initial consultation.
If you are already a client at CAPS: you may schedule an appointment by calling our front desk at 802-656-3340 and requesting to meet with your counselor.
Our first priority is your safety and sense of wellbeing.
If you are in a life threatening situation right now, please call 911 or go directly to the Emergency Department of the nearest hospital (if you are in the Burlington area this is University of Vermont Medical Center at 111 Colchester Avenue).
If your need is urgent (not life threatening) and requires a same-day appointment, please call CAPS at 802-656-3340 to schedule a same-day initial consultation. Same-day appointments focus on providing immediate support, discussing available resources, and planning next steps.
If it is after normal business hours and your need is urgent, you may reach the on-call counselor by calling CAPS at 802-656-3340.
Most students schedule an Initial Consultation by calling our front desk at 802-656-3340 or visiting one of our locations in-person. All students who ask to schedule an appointment are asked to identify if their need is urgent or routine. Our front desk staff will then schedule you accordingly. Urgent needs are scheduled for same day appointments. More routine concerns are scheduled for the first available appointment, which can be a few days to a week or more during busy times of the semester. We will do our best to see you as soon as possible!
Before most initial appointments, you will 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 concerns.
At your first appointment the counselor will share information about CAPS services, talk with you about your current needs, provide immediate support and make a plan for next steps, which may include CAPS services, a referral to a community provider or other UVM resources.
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.
Wondering about cost?
CAPS staff is available to consult with anyone who is concerned about a UVM student. To access a counselor, please call our front desk at 656-3340. These consultations are available in-person or by telephone. When possible, you will be able to speak with a counselor immediately. If all counselors are busy, you will be asked to schedule a phone consultation for later in the day.
If it is after normal business hours and your need is URGENT, you may reach the on-call counselor by calling the CAPS office at 802-656-3340.
