About the Center

COUNSELING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES (CAPS)
CAPS is a department of University Health and Counseling Services designed to provide free personal counseling and psychological services for MSU students, as well as referrals and consultations for faculty and staff.

CAPS goals include:

• allowing students to make the most of their academic education helping prevent future problems helping students develop to their fullest potential by learning new skills and resolving issues that may limit their performance assisting and supporting faculty and staff through consultation promoting wellness through workshops, presentations and major campus events
• providing a positive training environment and close supervision for graduate students in counseling and psychology

ELIGIBILITY FOR SERVICES
CAPS services are free, voluntary and confidential, and available to all MSU students.  While a brief wait for services may occur at busier times of the year, urgency of need is always taken into consideration when scheduling an appointment.  Depending on the student's needs, he or she may choose to attend counseling sessions a couple of times or throughout the semester.  In some cases, after an initial appointment at CAPS, a referral will be made to an off- campus agency or private practitioner.  This would most likely be the case if the student’s needs can be better met off-campus, or if longer-term services are deemed more appropriate.  Additionally, CAPS offers short-term consultations and referrals for faculty and staff.

MAKING AN APPOINTMENT
CAPS is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday.  Students can arrange for an appointment by stopping by Gilbreth House (behind Freeman Hall) or by calling (973) 655-5211.  Urgency of need is always taken into consideration when scheduling. Limited evening hours are available during the semester by appointment only.

The initial appointment, called an “intake”, is generally 50 minutes.  It is very important, however, that students arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the intake appointment time to complete paperwork.  During this time, students are asked to read and sign a Rights and Responsibilities form which provides important information about CAPS. 
To review this form, click here