Montclair State University

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Student Toolbox
Section Name

CAPS Services

Short-Term Individual Counseling
Group Therapy
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


GROUP THERAPY
Group therapy provides opportunities for interpersonal growth and exploration with the goals of gaining a better understanding of self and others and developing healthier ways of relating with others. This often results in more rewarding relationships outside of therapy. A wide variety of concerns are addressed in group therapy including interpersonal issues, family dynamics, and adjustment to university and post-university life. Some groups have a specific focus such as anxiety reduction, grief and loss, exploring substance use, or eliminating self-defeating behaviors. Group therapy is confidential. Groups are facilitated by one or two CAPS clinicians who provide structure and support as members work toward their interpersonal goals.

Groups currently forming at CAPS include:

"Understanding Self and Others – Women Only"
For women 18 to early 20's who seek to increase self-awareness, boost self-esteem, and improve relationships.

"Life Transitions and Adult Issues"
For women late 20’s and older who are seeking more self-awareness and a greater understanding of their relationships.

"Building Stronger Connections with Others"
This group is for men and women 18 to mid-20's who would like to gain greater self-awareness, understand their relationships better, and improve existing and future relationships.

"Understanding Self and Others"
This group deals with a broad range of issues facing students, including academics, peer or romantic relationships, family issues, personal growth, and self-esteem. Group goals are expressing feelings, giving and receiving feedback, learning trust and improving interpersonal relationships.

"Healing from Parent Loss"
This is a support group for students who have experienced the death of a parent. Coping with the loss of a parent can be challenging during the college years. It can be helpful to connect with other students who may have had similar experiences, feelings, and family circumstances. Group members support each other, share their experiences, and help each other to feel less alone in their grief process.

"Choices and Changes: Substance Use" *
Choices and Changes is a group that provides an opportunity to explore how alcohol and other drugs may impact your life. You do not have to be an "addict" or "alcoholic" to participate. It is open to all persons who are looking to explore their relationship(s) with alcohol and/or drugs. *Please note that this is not a 12-step group.*

For more information about group therapy at MSU, please call 973-655-5211 and review "Group Therapy: What It Is and Why It Works"



CONSULTATION AND REFERRAL
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 concerns you, 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.  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.  After a referral has been provided, CAPS mails an "Off Campus Referral Survey" with the client's permission in order to gather feedback regarding how the student, faculty, or staff member experienced the referral process and whether or not he or she is satisfied with the off-campus provider (psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker). 


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

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 to CAPS services
  • Stress Management
  • Time Management
  • Multiculturalism/Diversity
  • Recognizing signs and symptoms of distress and how to refer
  • 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 trainings, 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.