Montclair State University

CAPS Services

Short-Term Individual Counseling
Group Therapy
Psychiatry
Let's Talk
Consultation and Referral
Emergencies
Outreach Programs

SHORT-TERM INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING

Personal counseling provides a chance to understand and change problematic feelings, behavior and situations. Most students seek counseling when their usual ways of handling problems are not working effectively in a particular situation. Students come to CAPS for many different reasons, including, but not limited to:

relationship issues
decreased academic performance
personal identity issues
stress management
feelings of depression or anxiety
eating problems
substance abuse
family concerns

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GROUP THERAPY

Why Join a Group?

When issues involve relationships (family, romantic, peer), group therapy can be very effective. Members can try out new ways of relating to others that can be applied to relationships outside of the group.

Here are some of the possible benefits of participating in group therapy:

Discovering ways to improve unsatisfying, frustrating, or disappointing relationships
Feeling supported by peers
Gaining increased self-awareness
Increasing self-esteem
Enhancing social and intimacy skills
Decreasing loneliness and isolation
Learning how to deal with losses effectively
Feeling more hopeful and less hopeless
A chance to experiment with ways of relating to others and to talk about the results
An opportunity to help others who, in turn, help you
To discover you aren’t the only one who….(fill in your issue here)

The more you are willing to participate and commit to the group, the more you will benefit from it.

Types of Groups

Counseling Groups A counseling group at CAPS typically has 5-8 members and 2 co-leaders (group-trained CAPS professionals). Group sessions are usually 1 ½ hours long, and are held weekly during fall and spring semesters. What group members talk about and when is up to each individual. Most find that once they feel comfortable in the group, they benefit from discussing issues that led them to counseling. All members agree to keep group work and content confidential. This means that as the group develops and members get to know and trust one another, members can safely discuss their important concerns and issues, making the group more meaningful for all members. Group becomes more helpful as this trust develops.

For more information about how Counseling Groups work click here.

Psychoeducational Groups This type of group is more structured than a counseling group and each session will revolve around a particular topic related to the general theme of the group (for example: Anxiety Reduction). Psychoeducational groups are not necessarily held at CAPS and may be conducted at other campus locations. Goals usually include providing information and learning skills or new ideas. Psychoeducational groups may run for a specific number of sessions and may be 1 hour or less in format.

Support Groups Support groups are created so that individuals can meet around a specific shared theme. Support groups provide a time to gather and discuss issues of mutual concern, to meet others who share similar issues, and to network and learn about helpful resources. Support groups may or may not be held at CAPS.

For a list of current CAPS group offerings click here.

I think I’m interested in group therapy, how do I get started?

It is normal to have questions when trying something new. CAPS offers group screening appointments so that you can meet with prospective group leaders, discuss your concerns and goals, and learn about the group. You and the group leaders will decide if a group is right for you. For more information, call 973-655-5211. For counseling groups an initial intake appointment will also be needed.

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PSYCHIATRY

CAPS provides psychiatric evaluations and medication management for students who have been seen by a counselor at CAPS. Clients who are referred to the CAPS psychiatrist will be scheduled for a one-hour appointment for the initial evaluation and for 30-minute follow-up appointments as needed.

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LET'S TALK

CAPS Off-Site Walk-In Consultation Hours

What is "Let’s Talk"?

"Let's Talk" is a program that provides easy access to informal, confidential consultations with CAPS counselors. Walk-in hours will be held three times a week at three different sites on campus.

Fall 2011 Let's Talk Hours and Locations

Let’s Talk Hours and Locations:

Mondays, 1:00-2:30pm
Recreation Center, Room 2103 (2nd Floor Fitness Center)
Tuesdays, 3:00-4:30pm
SC, Center for Student Involvement, 104 Student Center Annex
Wednesdays, 4:00-5:30pm
Sinatra Hall, Community Office (1st Floor Lobby)
Thursdays, 4:30-6:00pm
Morehead Hall, 3rd Floor (Rooms 329 and 332)
Fridays, 11:00am-12:30pm
Bohn Hall, Student/Staff Office (1st Floor Lobby)

** All locations are open to all students.

There is no appointment or fee necessary. All sites are open to all students.

Do students schedule appointments for "Let’s Talk"?

No. Students are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. There may be a wait of 5-10 minutes if the counselor is currently meeting with a student, but every effort will be made to service all students who wish to be seen that day.

How is "Let’s Talk" different than seeing a counselor at CAPS?

CAPS is located in the Gilbreth House and provides formal, on-going counseling, which usually consists of 45-50 minute weekly or bi-weekly appointments. "Let's Talk" is not formal counseling; it is a walk-in service at various sites on campus where students can have an informal consultation with a counselor from time to time. The counselor will talk through issues with students and help determine the best way to assist them. If a student feels comfortable with the counselor and would like to be seen on a regular basis, it may be possible to meet with him or her at CAPS.

Who might benefit from "Let’s Talk"?

"Let's Talk" is often the best fit for those students who:

are not sure about counseling and wonder what it's like to talk with a counselor;
are not interested in on-going counseling but would like to get a counselor’s perspective;
have a specific problem and would like someone with whom to talk it through; or
have a concern about a friend and want some guidance on what to do.

Although "Let’s Talk" counselors are CAPS professionals, it is not a substitute for psychotherapy or formal counseling and does not constitute mental health treatment. "Let’s Talk" counselors provide informal consultations to help students with specific problems and to introduce them to what it’s like to speak with a counselor. "Let’s Talk" counselors can help students determine whether formal counseling at CAPS would be useful and, if appropriate, assist the student in scheduling an appointment.

"Let's Talk" was developed by Cornell University, Gannett Health Services

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CONSULTATION AND REFERRAL

Off-campus referrals are also provided to students who request a referral, present with an issue best suited for specialized treatment or long-term care or in those cases when a student’s schedule is not compatible with CAPS' hours or therapist availability.

Staff members are available to consult with individuals and groups in the University community: students, faculty and staff. Consultation may be about a particular person whose behavior is concerning, or about ways to improve the effectiveness of a group or service on campus. Specifically, CAPS is available to provide organizational consultation and team building services to MSU departmental and student organizations.

Faculty and staff may also utilize CAPS for consultation regarding a personal matter. If appropriate, referrals to off-campus providers are provided to interested faculty and staff who elect to seek on-going therapeutic support.

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EMERGENCIES

For immediate assistance
MONDAY-THURSDAY, 9 to 5;
FRIDAY, 8:30-4:30:
Call CAPS at (973) 655-5211

AFTER HOURS:
Call University Police at (973) 655-5222 or Mountainside Hospital Emergency at (973) 429-6200

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OUTREACH PROGRAMS

CAPS Outreach and Community Intervention Services

In addition to counseling services, CAPS is committed to promoting a healthy climate at MSU by extending services beyond the Gilbreth House. Through prevention and education, CAPS aims to reach a wide range of students, including those who are interested in learning more about CAPS services, those who may want to know more about how to help a friend, and those who do not feel comfortable seeking therapy at CAPS. CAPS also provides support and consultation to staff and faculty who are concerned about a student.

Providing psychoeducation and prevention programming to students, faculty, and staff across campus is referred to as "outreach". Outreach is a broad term which includes facilitating workshops related to enhancing students’ personal growth, mental/physical health, academic success, and overall well-being; forming collaborative relationships with other departments focused on assisting students; providing community programs across campus around a variety of themes; providing support to students in the campus community; and being present at campus wide events.

Outreach Programs

CAPS is available to conduct outreach programs for MSU students, faculty and staff throughout the semester. Outreach programs may include workshops, presentations, tables/fairs, and CAPS participation in campus-wide events. Topics frequently requested include:

Overview of CAPS services
Stress Management
Time Management
Multiculturalism/Diversity
Recognizing signs and symptoms of distress and knowing how to refer to CAPS
Helping a Friend
Alcohol and Other Drugs
Anxiety/Depression/Suicide Prevention
Relationship Issues
Conflict Resolution
Eating Disorders
Performance Enhancement: Academics, Sports and Performing Arts
Other topics available on request

If you feel your student organization, class, or faculty/staff community would benefit from such programs, please feel free to call CAPS at (973) 655-5211 to inquire further or complete the following on-line outreach request form. A minimum of 2-3 weeks notice for workshops and presentations is requested.

Other Community Interventions

CAPS also provides other services across campus to the MSU community including: