The following are services and resources available through CAPS. If you are not sure which option will be right for you, please give us a call.

Individual Counseling

CAPS' short-term, solutions-focused model helps students explore issues of concern or importance in with a counselor in a one-on-one setting. Students use CAPS for varied reasons: these include relationship challenges, exploring new or developing identities, feeling unusually sad or irritable, body image concerns, adjusting to college life, and more.

CAPS can also help you find longer-term counseling in the greater Burlington community. Call the CAPS main number for more information 802-656-3340.

“Let's Talk” Drop-in Conversations with Counselors

Let’s Talk offers 30-minute drop-in conversations with counselors across campus, including at Living Well in the Davis Center and identity centers. Let’s Talk provides an opportunity to problem solve and get support in a non-clinical environment. Learn more about times and locations for Let’s Talk. 

Group Counseling

Counselors facilitate discussions with small groups of students around a common issue or concern. During sessions group members share experiences, learn different perspectives, and provide each other with support. Groups typically meet weekly for 4-12 weeks. Learn more about about group counseling at UVM.

Psychiatry and Medication Management

In many cases, Student Health Services can prescribe and manage psychiatric medications. Prescription management through SHS is covered by UVM’s health fee. For students with more complex needs, psychiatric evaluations and ongoing medication management are available through CAPS. Psychiatry services at CAPS are not included in the health fee.

Trainings and Consultations

Conducted in partnership with the Center for Health and Wellbeing's (CHWB) Education and Outreach team, these cover various mental health issues and resources for members of the UVM community. CHWB offers workshops and training, participation in campus events, and educational resources. support for departments and organizations on campus. We also consult with departments to develop strategies to help students who may be experiencing challenges with mental health, disordered eating, substance usage, sexuality, relationships and other components of mental wellbeing. Learn more about mental health training and consultation opportunities.

After calling into CAPS for the first time, you will be scheduled for a short phone or video call with a counselor to help determine your needs and discuss resources available to you. Through this call, the next steps could include an initial meeting with a counselor, referral to a community counselor, referral to a campus resource, medical evaluation referral, or other supports.

CAPS uses a short-term model for individual counseling that focuses on specific challenges and concerns. This allows us to prioritize making CAPS accessible to as many students as possible. At CAPS’ discretion, we may offer additional appointments to students with financial need, students with marginalized identities, and in cases where it would be therapeutically detrimental to end counseling.

Although there is a session limit each semester, most students can address their concerns within it. CAPS also offers case management and referrals to community providers for students who may benefit from longer-term support.

Counseling is covered by UVM’s student health fee. All full-time undergraduate, graduate, and medical students are eligible for counseling services free of charge.

Psychiatry services are not covered by the student health fee. Your insurance coverage determines your out-of-pocket costs. Psychiatry appointments must be cancelled at least 24 hours in advance. Missed appointments or appointments cancelled less than 24 hours in advance are billed to your UVM account.

Please note: Students who have difficulty accessing psychiatry resources due to barriers related to institutionalized oppressive structures or socially unjust conditions may be eligible for a fee waiver. Students with fee waivers will still be subject to a no-show fee for missed or late cancelled appointments.