Why should I consider joining a CAPS community?
Communities provide an opportunity to learn and gain support from peers in a low-stress setting designed to help you protect your wellbeing and make healthy changes to reach your goals. Where individual therapy offers focused attention from a single professional, Community counseling adds the benefit of receiving feedback and support from people with multiple perspectives and experiences.
Will I have to share personal information about myself with the Community?
While the Community leader might encourage you to share, you will never be pushed to share beyond your comfort level.
Can I be part of a Community and still receive individual therapy?
Yes. In many cases, community counseling is a helpful complement to individual therapy.
What is expected of Community members?
While the Community leader will establish norms with each unique Community, in general it is expected that Community members maintain confidentiality and commit to showing up for Community meetings each week.
How many times does a Community typically meet, and how long is each session?
The number of meetings varies depending on the specific CAPS Community, but a Community will typically consist of between 4 and 12 sessions. Most Communities are 50 minutes long, but some meet for 90 minutes.
How many people are usually in a Community?
A Community can begin with as few as three people and will not exceed10 Community members.
Most Communities will start when the facilitator has identified enough members for the Community to be effective. Some Communities have set start and end dates. See the Community offerings page for details regarding start and end dates.
What happens if I need to miss a Community meeting?
Regular participation and attendance are essential parts of the growth process and are encouraged. However, we know that sometimes life can get in the way. Community meetings should be treated as all other Campus Health appointments and need to be canceled at least two hours in advance.
How do I sign up for a Community?
If you know which Community you would like to join, you can call the CAPS main number at 504-314-2277 and let the patient representative know which Community interests you. If you are already a client at CAPS, you can speak with your individual therapist about Community options, and they will support you in taking the next steps. You may be asked to participate in a brief “Community screening” to learn more about the Community and ensure that it is a good fit for you.
How do I learn more about communities?
Visit our Community offerings page to see a list of the current semester's Communities. If you are unsure if a Community is right for you or for general inquiries, please call 504-314-2277 and ask to speak with the CAPS Community Coordinator.
Don't see a Community that fits your interests? We'd love to hear your ideas. Call CAPS at 504-314-2277 to explore the possibility of proposing a new CAPS Community.
