Clinical Services
Welcome
Welcome to Counseling and Psychological Services! We offer a variety of brief therapeutic services aimed at helping students resolve personal difficulties and strengthen the skills, attitudes and knowledge that will enable them to take full advantage of their experiences at the University of Michigan.
Confidentiality
When it comes to protecting your information, CAPS follows all professional standards, and state and federal laws. More specific info
Making an Appointment
To set up your first appointment at CAPS, please come into our office at 3100 on the third floor of the Michigan Union, between the hours of 8:00-4:00 Monday-Friday and complete the confidential intake information on our secure computers. This takes about 20 minutes to complete.
Once you complete these forms, you will need to show your University of Michigan student ID (M-Card) to the receptionist who will set up your appointment.
If you have a particular request, (e.g. for a specific therapist or for a specific clinical issue) please discuss this with the receptionist. Although we cannot always fulfill your request, when asked we do try to honor this request. However, the wait time for the appointment may be longer in this case.
First Appointment Time
CAPS is committed to minimizing wait times as much as possible and offers about 80 First Appointments per week that translates into our professional staff members meeting with approximately 300 new clients each month. Sometimes, even with the number of First Appointments that are offered, the wait for an open appointment can stretch to 10-15 business days depending on the number of students requesting services at any given time in the semester.
topThe First Appointment
During this initial session you will be asked to describe your current concerns. The CAPS therapist will make every effort to understand you and your situation and will likely ask questions to obtain specific information about your well being.
At the end of this first appointment (FA), the therapist will talk with you about the possible options to best meet your needs. This might include gathering additional information, individual counseling, couples or group counseling, a medication consultation or a referral to another counselor, clinic or center.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapeutic counseling provides an opportunity to talk with an objective, caring professional about your concerns or problems. Concerns discussed range widely, but might include feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, academic concerns, issues with friends and family, or relationship concerns. Therapy sessions last 45 minutes (they start quarter after the hour and end on the hour).
Group Therapy
Group counseling offers an opportunity for students to meet others who may have similar experiences, and pursue growth in themselves, their attitudes, and/or their behaviors in a safe, supportive environment. Groups usually meet once a week, have 5-10 members, and often have a specific focus, i.e. self-esteem, graduate student issues, building relationships, and women's issues.
Check out our current group therapy opportunities to see what groups are being offered now.
topCouples Therapy
Couples counseling is provided for any couple with at least one enrolled University of Michigan student and who might be dealing with concerns and difficulties within the relationship.
Medication Consultation
In order to make an appointment with one of our psychiatric staff, you need to first make an appointment with a therapist. The therapist will assess your situation and if a medication evaluation is therapeutically appropriate and/or recommended, the therapist will assist you in making an appointment with one of our psychiatric team members through the front desk receptionist.
Crisis Intervention
Emergency consultation and crisis counseling is available to students in person or by telephone. If a student is dealing with an urgent situation or crisis during regular business hours, they can come into the office and request to be seen by our Counselor on Duty as soon as possible.
If you are not able to come to CAPS please call us at (734) 764-8312 and ask to speak to the Counselor on Duty.
For emergency help during evening or weekend hours contact Psychiatric Emergency Services at the U of M Medical Center, (734) 996-4747.
topCampus Crises
Unfortunately, our campus community has been faced with untimely deaths, illnesses, or national events that affect your lives. CAPS has been, and will continue to be, called upon to provide professional, caring, psychological and emotional support when needed during these times.