Do I have to pay to seek services with CAPS?
Many CAPS services are available to all students, but some services such as brief individual therapy and group therapy are included in the University's Campus Health Fee assessed each semester. If you are a degree-seeking undergraduate student, this is routinely billed with your tuition every semester. You will not need to pay any additional fees for individual therapy services. If you are a graduate or professional student with part-time status, you may need to pay the fee, as this would not be automatically billed to you.
How many sessions do I get with my CAPS therapist?
Students who begin individual psychotherapy at CAPS are eligible to receive up to 12 sessions per academic year. You may not need to attend all 12 sessions to achieve your goals, and you and your clinician can discuss additional services should the need arise when your CAPS sessions have come to an end.
I've been seen at CAPS before. Am I allowed to come back?
Yes. Students are welcome to request a same-day initial consultation appointment, whether or not you have been at the Center before. Those who have been referred to a community provider are encouraged to continue ongoing support with that provider. If you need help finding a different community provider, you may call the CAPS Care Coordinator for assistance.
Regardless of whether you have paid the Campus Health Fee or not, you may schedule a same-day appointment to consult with a therapist, who will assist you in finding out resources that may be helpful to you.
What's the difference between a therapist and a psychiatrist?
A therapist is someone who has received specialized training through graduate school in providing psychotherapy. Our therapists are licensed professional counselors, social workers and psychologists. A psychiatrist is someone who attended medical school and is trained to prescribe and manage medications. Our therapists and psychiatrists work together collaboratively whenever needed in order to ensure quality mental health care.
We do not conduct psychological testing at CAPS. However, our Care Coordinator may assist you in connecting with providers in the community.
What if my parents or professors call to find out if I came to CAPS or ask about why I am here?
Tulane Campus Health is a HIPAA covered entity. CAPS will not confirm or deny that you are seeking services at CAPS without your permission. This means that if someone were to call and ask about any treatment in which you are participating, we would not provide them with any information without your written consent. However, if you would like us to speak with a parent, professor, or former care provider, we can assist you in completing an authorization form that would allow us to collaborate with them.
What if I am worried about a friend or roommate?
You can make an appointment with a CAPS provider who can help you support your friend or roommate and identify necessary resources.