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Clinical Services

CAPS Eligibility

  • Any Stanford student who has paid the Campus Health Service Fee is eligible for a mental health evaluation, brief psychotherapy, and an initial medication evaluation without additional charge
  • For medication management: If you have Cardinal Care, CAPS will bill Cardinal Care directly. If you have another insurance provider, you will need to pay for ongoing medication services and submit the paperwork to your provider for possible reimbursement.  

Reasons for Seeking CAPS Therapy

  • Depression/sadness
  • Anxiety/panic 
  • Adjustment/life transitions
  • Academic performance difficulties
  • Sexuality/gender identity concerns
  • Identity confusion
  • Body image concerns/eating disorders
  • Procrastination
  • Relationship stress
  • Grief/loss
  • Self-esteem 
  • Self-improvement/growth
  • Stress
  • Loneliness 
  • Anger
  • Substance use/abuse

What You Can Expect from Therapy 

  • The Counseling Center recognizes that each person is unique. As such, the issues addressed and the approaches used for each individual will be tailored through your work with your therapist. This is a collaborative, professional relationship with the focus on your concerns. Initially, your therapist will work with you to identify and assess your needs. Your therapist will often focus on gathering information on the current issues you present, and looking at historical data, if it is appropriate. Your therapist will help clarify your reasons and goals for entering into therapy. Once this is done, your therapist will work with you to determine the best therapeutic approach to help you meet these goals.
  • There are many approaches to help you move towards growth and problem-resolution. Often therapists will provide you with opportunities to learn new skills and coping mechanisms while also increasing your self-understanding and insight. Therapists may also examine past patterns to help you assess in a healthier way your current/past relationships, decision-making, and family dynamics. With the help of your therapist, you will better understand your strengths and abilities to manage life challenges which can be very important in achieving your therapy goals.

Short-Term Psychotherapy

  • A CAPS therapist provides an initial evaluation and discusses treatment options. A CAPS social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist will assess how best to address your concerns. If brief therapy is the appropriate treatment, your therapist will discuss with you the details of treatment (length, frequency).
  • Therapists are assigned to students based upon availability and expertise, rather than discipline. All of our therapists are able to assist you in assessment and in planning treatment.
  • Stanford students are eligible for an initial consultation. Evaluations and short-term counseling require no fee for students who have paid the Campus Health Service Fee. (There is a charge for students who have not paid the Campus Health Service Fee).

Long-Term Psychotherapy 

  • Some issues are more appropriately addressed in long-term therapy due to their complexity and history. Generally students for whom long-term treatment is appropriate are referred to a clinic or therapist in the community. Efforts will be made to help find providers who take the student’s health insurance. 
  • Sometimes a CAPS therapist has an opening for long-term therapy and will offer this service for a fee. The fee begins when you and your therapist agree on the need for longer term therapy. Your insurance benefits may be applied to the CAPS fee.

Psychiatric Services 

Medication Evaluation

An initial 50-minute medication evaluation is available at no charge if you have paid the Campus Health Service Fee. If you are not in therapy at CAPS and are interested in starting or continuing psychiatric medication, you can schedule a medication evaluation by calling CAPS for an initial appointment. If you are already in therapy at CAPS, your therapist can assist you in setting up the evaluation. 

Medication Management

  • Once a psychiatric medication has been prescribed as part of your treatment at CAPS, you will be asked to come in periodically for medication monitoring.  
  • When you are first prescribed medication, or if the dose is being adjusted, medication checks usually occur every one to three weeks. Once the medication dose is stable, medication checks usually occur every one to three months. Your psychiatrist will explain your specific needs and appropriate frequency of medication checks.
  • If you run out of medications prior to the next available medication appointment, you may be prescribed medication during working hours until the next available appointment. After hours and on weekends, medication refill requests will not be filled (except for exceptional circumstances).

Case Management 

Our case managers are licensed clinical social workers who provide students with support and guidance on treatment planning, especially in situations of complex mental health needs. Our case managers assist different levels of care that might be needed.