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How often will I see my mental health clinician?

You and your clinician will discuss the therapeutic process and how frequently you will have sessions. You will likely meet with your clinician every other week or even once a month.  If your concerns are such that may benefit from longer-term, more frequent, or specialized support, you may be referred to a community provider.

What if I have to reschedule?

Please call the front desk (828.227.7469) as soon as you know you are unable to make your appointment. We do ask for at least 24 hours notice to change an appointment, but we know that this is not always possible. Typically, students are not able to be rescheduled within the next 5 business days and during times of high demand for CAPS’ services, you may have to wait longer for the next appointment.

Who is eligible for services?

Enrolled students who have paid the student health fee are eligible to receive services.  Eligible students can participate in support groups, workshops, individual appointments and emergency services.  Students enrolled for fall but not summer who seek services in the summer may pay a nominal fee for services.

Faculty and staff who are interested in counseling have access to services through the Ä¢¹½¶ÌÊÓƵEmployee Assistance Program. For additional information, please contact Human Resources (828.227.7218) or CAPS (828.227.7469).

What will I be charged for services?

CAPS and BetterMynd do not charge for their services for enrolled students who have paid the student health fee.

Note for summer: If you are not enrolled in summer courses, you will be directly billed for CAPS/BetterMynd sessions at a rate of $25 per appointment until August 1st. The charge will appear on your student account and will need to be paid prior to the start of fall semester.

What if I am concerned about someone else?

CAPS provides consultation to concerned parents, students, or faculty/staff. CAPS will typically not reach out to a student based on this type of consultation, however CAPS staff will guide you in managing the situation. Additionally, you may choose to complete a Student Concern Response Team (SCRT) report. The SCRT team is charged with ensuring, to the extent possible, coordinated efforts to provide services of University Departments are made available to the involved student(s). The report template is available at scrt.wcu.edu.

What if I do not like my assigned clinician?

We understand that therapy is a highly relational process and requires trust between clients and clinicians. If you find that you and your assigned clinician are not the right fit, when possible, we ask that you bring this up in your session. Usually, this will help you and your clinician better understand each other and enhance your work together. However, if that conversation does not resolve your concern, you can contact the CAPS office to request transfer to a different clinician's schedule. At this point, a CAPS Administrator will reach out to you to resolve the situation.

Do you provide testing services?

CAPS provides limited psychological assessment for ongoing clients to inform and enhance treatment. CAPS does not provide any ADHD testing or other testing necessary for determining accommodations. CAPS can refer you to a local agency that provides testing for these purposes. Addtionally, you can seek these services without a CAPS referral through the McKee Psychology Clinic (828.227.2473).

Do you provide documentation for accommodations?

With your permission, CAPS will provide information to the Office of Accessibility Resources (828.227.3886) for ongoing clients regarding their diagnosis and impact of their symptoms on their daily functioning.CAPS does not provide letters of support for emotional support animals.

What if I am in crisis?

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency during business hours, come to CAPS (225 Bird Building).If you are experiencing a mental health emergency after business hours, call the CAPS main line (828.227.7469) and follow the prompts.Other emergency resources include:Appalachian Community Resources - 888.315.2880

Center for Domestic Peace-828.586.1237

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 800.273.8255

Trevor Project (LGBTQ Crisis support) - 866.488.7386