CAPS: For Parents

For Parents

Introduction

Welcome to our Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Parents web pages. Our goal is to provide you with information about issues, concerns, and other important information that will assist you in supporting your daughter or son while they are a student at the University of Michigan.

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at the University of Michigan is part of the Division of Student Affairs. We offer a variety of personal short-term counseling, crisis intervention, workshop, and consultation services to students and other members of the University community. Counseling and Psychological Services is accredited by the International Association of Counseling Services, Inc.

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Philosophy

The transitions and stresses of University life affect all students to some degree. Handling the very human issues that all students may face at times may require the help of a qualified professional. The counseling process is aimed at helping students resolve personal difficulties and acquire the skills, attitudes, abilities, and knowledge that will enable them to take full advantage of their college experience.

Professional Staff

Our professional staff consists of professional counselors and graduate interns, and is comprised of people from diverse disciplines, racial and ethnic backgrounds, theoretical orientations, and approaches to counseling. The staff includes clinical social workers, psychologists, a psychiatrist, and a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Eligibility

Eligibility for our services extends to currently enrolled University of Michigan students as well as to their family members or significant others when seen with students. No fees are charged for our services.

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Confidentiality

As a parent, it is completely understandable that you would want to know specifics about the therapeutic content and/or services that your student might be participating in at CAPS. However, confidentiality in the mental health arena is a professionally and legally complex issue.

Treating information confidentially means not releasing it to anyone outside of Counseling and Psychological Services without written consent, including parents. Our staff keenly recognizes that this may be difficult for some parents, however we are legally and ethically required to maintain these standards of confidentiality.

What may be helpful to know is that in most instances, students are more than willing to sign a release of information that would allow the therapist to discuss their situation or concerns with their parents.

However, for any number of personal reasons, there are students who are not willing to sign a release of information. In these cases, as difficult as it might be for parents to accept, the main exceptions to breaking confidentiality arise only if the student is a danger to self or others, in situations involving child or adult abuse or neglect, court orders or the subpoena of records.

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Common Questions and Answers

My daughter is a first-year student and is coming to U of M already diagnosed with a depression and needs medication monitoring only. Where does she go?

Your daughter can make an appointment with a CAPS counselor, or call 764-8312 and ask to speak to the Counselor on Duty, to discuss referral sources for ongoing psychiatric support and medication monitoring. Appropriate referrals will be suggested given a variety of factors, i.e. insurance plans, financial needs, distance from campus etc. It is important that your student doesn't run out of medication prior to being evaluated by a psychiatrist.

Learn more about depression and antidepressant medication

What can I do if I suspect that my daughter or son could benefit from professional help and support?

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It is recommended that you express your reasons for concern in a straightforward, yet loving, and supportive way. It might be helpful to say something like "I am worried about you. You just don't seem to be yourself lately. Have you thought about going to talk to someone about your concerns? I think it would be really good for you to talk with an objective person who can help you sort out what ever is bothering you. Will you go over to CAPS and make an appointment?"

Does CAPS provide walk-in services?

Yes. 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 a counselor as soon as possible.

If they are not able to come to CAPS they can call (734) 764-8312 and ask to speak to the Counselor on Duty.

For emergency help during evening or weekend hours, students need to contact Psychiatric Emergency Services at the U of M Medical Center, (734) 996-4747.

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Can I talk to a counselor at CAPS?

Yes. Our Counselor on Duty is available to talk to you about concerns regarding your son or daughter. However, remember that counselors can only talk with you in general terms without the written consent of your student.

How much does counseling cost?

There is no fee for CAPS services for enrolled students.

How does my son make an appointment?

To set up a first appointment, he will need to 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 secure computers. This takes about 20 minutes to complete.

Once he completes these forms, he will need to show his University of Michigan student ID (M-Card) to the receptionist who will set up his appointment. If he has a particular request, he can discuss this with the receptionist.