Penn State Abington college students discuss suicide after three female athletes die by suicide since March.
Individual Counseling
Individual counseling is offered to help students gain a deeper understanding of self, relationships, and life circumstances. Students will work in counseling to develop insight and action plans to carry out in their daily life. CAPS utilizes a short-term therapy model that allots students 8 sessions of individual therapy per academic year.
For issues requiring psychiatric services (medication evaluation and management) students may be referred to a contracted Mantra Health provider or an appropriate community provider. Mantra Health offers students 9 free sessions.
Depending on need and availability of services, students may have the option to access individual teletherapy through Zoom.
Group Counseling
Group counseling provides a unique opportunity for small groups of students to meet and share common concerns, explore personal issues, and learn new skills with the support of the CAPS staff. CAPS offers a variety of therapy groups focused on specific issues, as well as tailored towards specific student populations.
Learn more about current groups.
Based on our intent to specifically tailor services to meet the needs of the existing student population, we welcome suggestions from students or any other member of the campus community. If you have any requests for specific groups, please contact CAPS at [email protected].
Diversity and Inclusion
Counseling and Psychological Services welcomes all students! We embrace students' gender identity, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, cultural and religious backgrounds, and abilities. CAPS is committed to providing a welcoming environment that is inclusive and supportive of the emotional, intellectual, and social development of our diverse community. We are committed to helping all students deal with discrimination and identity issues.
Confidentiality
When it comes to protecting your information, CAPS follows all applicable professional standards and state and federal laws. Information students share with CAPS is held in the strictest confidence, with certain specific limits. CAPS may break confidentiality if a student poses a serious risk to their own safety or the safety of others. Additionally, if a student discloses certain information regarding abuse of a child (a person currently under 18 years of age), CAPS may be required by Pennsylvania law (Act 31, 2014) to inform PA Child Protective Services.
Prior to attending an initial appointment or group meeting, students are emailed a link to a secure web portal to complete an intake packet, which includes an Informed Consent notice, HIPAA Notice of Privacy Practices, and assessment.
Getting Started
Connecting to CAPS clinical services generally begins with a brief confidential screening via Zoom or in person, during which a CAPS therapist will work with the student to evaluate their needs, answer basic questions about services, and assist in making an appropriate plan. The next steps may include starting individual or group therapy, connecting with a Peer Counselor, or connecting with community-based therapy services or other campus-based resources.
Students can take the first step of a requesting a screening by contacting CAPS at [email protected]. Most students are scheduled for their initial screening within 48 business hours of contacting CAPS.
