FAQ's

Are services confidential? 

Yes. CAPS staff maintain the highest level of confidentiality in accordance with California Law and ethical guidelines established by the American Psychological Association. CAPS staff cannot confirm or deny that a student is being seen at our center OR release any information about them to anyone without their written permission. CAPS records are completely separate from a student's academic record.

On rare occasion, we are required by law to notify the appropriate parties if: 

• a student presents imminent risk of harm to themselves or an identifiable other
• a student reports child abuse (including viewing of child pornography) or abuse of a dependent adult
• a student is considered "gravely disabled" and unable to meet their most basic needs because of a mental illness

Who qualifies for CAPS?:

Full-time undergraduates and graduate students can receive individual or group counseling. Part-time students are seen on a limited basis for evaluation and referral to a community practitioner. 

How do I refer a student to CAPS?

If you are concerned about a student, please encourage them to contact CAPS to make an appointment. Here are some helpful ways to refer a student:

• Suggest that the student call CAPS to schedule an appointment. If it's not urgent, they can email us or schedule online.
• Call CAPS while you are with the student in order to facilitate contact. 

What is the cost?

• There is no charge for our services, and students cannot pay for additional sessions.
• We do not take insurance.

How many sessions can I have?

• 12 sessions are offered to each student during the academic year. Sessions cannot be rolled over to the following academic year.
• There is no session limit for group therapy.
• Services are limited during the summer due to reduced staffing. 

What's your cancellation policy?

• Two appointment no shows without 24 hour notice or cancellations without proper notice may result in loss of CAPS services for that semester and a referral to a provider in the community.

Does CAPS sign off on therapy hours for students in the graduate SMC Counseling program?

• CAPS does not have the staffing to sign off on therapy hours. 

Does CAPS provide documentation for Emotional Support Animals?

• CAPS does not provide documentation for emotional support animals (ESA's). Students who want to register an ESA first need to contact Student Disability Services (SDS). SDS will provide you with instruction on obtaining documentation for an ESA. Typically, this involves an assessment from a mental health provider in the community who is comfortable providing ESA documentation. 

What types of issues would require a referral to a community provider?

• Students with severe, chronic symptoms.
• Students who are non-compliant with treatment, as defined by two no-shows for any services, repeated stops and starts to therapy, and/or repeated requests for a different clinician.
• Students who want or require an open-ended, potentially long-term treatment relationship.
• Students presenting with concerns that fall outside staff expertise and/or CAPS' mission, including but not limited to court ordered assessments (including alcohol and drug assessments).
• Students who exhibit inappropriate, harassing, menacing, threatening or violent behaviors toward CAPS staff.
• Students who withdraw from the college.
• Students on disciplinary suspension.
• Students who have been academically dismissed and/or involuntarily withdrawn for academic reasons.
• Students who have completed a medical withdrawal.