Frequently Asked Questions

We offer same day access. To access services for the first time this semester, a student should visit Counseling & Psychological Services during our walk-in hours, which are between 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. On Wednesday and Fridays, our walk-in hours are between 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Students should set aside two hours for their first appointment. During the initial visit, students will be assessed and provided with appropriate services and/or resources based on their needs. During your initial live appointment, you will be asked several questions that will help us determine the most appropriate care for you. We use the STEPPED Model (adapted from Calvin College, J. Broene Center for Counseling and Wellness) to determine your care.

No. The student must come in during walk-in hours for their first appointment, and all subsequent appointments will be scheduled directly with the student’s counselor.

If you come to Counseling & Psychological Services, you may see either one of our licensed counselors, resident counselors, licensed social workers, or a supervised practicum/internship student.

No, we have counselors prepared to see students generally within one week of their intake appointment.

For emergency assistance after office hours, please contact your Resident Director or call the LUPD emergency line at (434) 592-3911.

• When your emotional or mental health is keeping you from engaging in everyday activities—i.e. social interactions, school work, professional responsibilities, etc.
• When you’ve lost interest in activities that used to keep you engaged such as work, relationships, or hobbies.
• When you’ve had someone close to you express concern about your emotional well-being.
• When your mental or emotional health is affecting your sleep, your ability to focus, your social interactions, or your appetite.

Just like any other counseling service, you will only get referred off campus if the Counseling & Psychological Services deems it clinically appropriate that you be referred elsewhere.

We offer different treatment plans for the student’s clinical needs. These treatment plans include time-limited counseling, specialized counseling tracks, and group counseling. We also offer educational opportunities across campus through our Emotional Wellness Workshops and through our Enrichment Series.

It depends on the treatment path for the specific student. A time-limited counseling treatment path includes 3-5 sessions with a counselor, and a specialized track includes 8-12 sessions.

We understand that the counselor/student relationship is important. First, if you have a discrepancy with you counselor, we suggest talking with them first. Often, issues between the counselor and student can be resolved with a simple conversation. We know this can be intimidating, but our counselors are open to feedback, and want to serve you as best as they can. If the counselor/student relationship still isn’t working, we can refer you to a different counselor in the office or refer you to a clinician off campus.

Yes, unless there is an immediate threat to the student’s self or surroundings. The student will read and sign an informed consent form, indicating the limits of confidentiality before ever seeing a counselor. Counseling & Psychological Services employees/interns are entrusted with maintaining the confidentiality of those students seeking services at CAPS. CAPS is responsible for the confidentiality of student counseling and educational records. In accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA), the counseling and educational record of each student is considered confidential. CAPS is responsible for declaring, implementing, and enforcing policies regarding the access to counseling and educational records. For more information about confidentiality, please review our Confidentiality Policy.

Unless the student gives consent, counseling records will remain confidential.

Counseling & Psychological Services are free for the student.

No, unless the student consents to the Counseling & Psychological Services sharing information with the parent.

• Ask them if they’re getting the help they need.
• Express your own thoughts and concerns over their well-being.
• Listen well to them and provide support.
• Remind them that help is available if they need it, and connect them to the Counseling & Psychological Services for a walk-in intake appointment.

No. While your graduate program may allow for this, it's often because some sites cannot offer the necessary client contact hours so students must supplement elsewhere. Given the large number of clients who seek counseling at CAPS and the considerable effort we put into training/supervision, admitted interns are required to complete their field education at our location alone.