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Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Why do students come to the Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)?
A: Many students come to CAPS when they experience life events or academic pressures that leave them feeling anxious, confused, lonely, angry, depressed or overwhelmed. When those feelings persist for more than just a few days, it is often helpful to speak with an unbiased "objective" professional. Some students come only for consultation about how to help a friend or family member. Any personal issue that is troubling a student may be discussed in counseling. Typical concerns include:
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Adjustment to GU |
Loneliness |
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Academic Concerns |
Low Self-Esteem |
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Anxiety and Stress Management |
Relationships with Family, Friends |
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Assertiveness Issues |
or Significant Others |
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Depression |
Sexual Abuse |
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Difficulty with Alcohol or Other Substances |
Sexual Assault / Date Rape |
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Discrimination |
Sexual Identity Issues |
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Food Preoccupation/ Problematic Eating Habits |
Suicidal Thoughts |
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Illness or Death of Loved Ones |
Test Anxiety |
Q: What are the signs and symptoms of stress in students?
A: Students may experience stress in variety of ways. Some common indicators of stress include:
- Inability to concentrate
- Excessive procrastination
- Infrequent class attendance
- Little or no work completed, or poorly prepared work
- Inability to make decisions
- Frequent nightmares, especially after traumatic events
- Pronounced irritability
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Lack of energy
- Changes in eating patterns -- a loss of appetite, or bingeing and purging cycles
- Sleep disturbances -- a loss of sleep or excessive sleep
- Bizarre or unusual behavior
Q: What is a Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA)?
A: Please visit our page on MLOA for more information.
Q: What kind of records are kept on students and who has access to these records? Do student visits go on school records?
A: All CAPS records are strictly confidential. No information about any student goes on any academic record. Although CAPS keeps minimal records for referral purposes, no information is released to an outside party (even parents) without the student's explicit written authorization. Typically, the only way others would become aware of your seeing a counselor would be if you told them.
Q: Who is eligible to use the CAPS services?
A: All full-time undergraduate or graduate students are eligible for services. Part-time students, faculty, and staff are eligible to receive limited services (consultation, evaluation, and referral). For couples therapy, significant others may be included in sessions.
Q: Do students have to pay for CAPS services? Will my insurance cover CAPS services?
A: Initial consultations, evaluation services and brief counseling are provided to students at no charge. A fee for extended counseling and medication management will be determined based on individual students' financial need. If you have the Georgetown University Student Health Insurance you can use your benefits at CAPS and pay a nominal co-payment. Other insurance may be useful depending on the specific benefits of the particular plan.
Q: How do students arrange to meet a counselor?
A: Students can call the Counseling and Psychiatric Service (687-6985) or drop in to see the Intake Coordinator between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Intake Coordinator talks with each student briefly to set up a time for the student to see a clinician for evaluation sessions. During these evaluation sessions, the clinician will make arrangements for ongoing counseling, when appropriate.
Q: How long will I have to wait...?
A: Generally, students can be seen within 72 hours of the time they call or come by to schedule an appointment. Every effort is made to accommodate students as quickly as possible. If there is an urgent need to be seen, efforts will be made for a consultation that same day; emergency situations will be given immediate attention.
Q: What should I do if I need help after business hours?
A: Routine requests for information, scheduling appointments, etc., should be handled during regular business hours. Two psychiatrists are available 24 hours a day including weekends, holidays, and vacation times to consult with persons whose concerns require immediate attention. These psychiatrists can be reached by calling the University Page Operator (202) 444-PAGE (444-7243) and ask to speak with the CAPS/Counseling Center doctor-on-call.
Q: What types of services...?
A: CAPS provides evaluation services, individual and group therapy, consultation to the university community, referral services to a variety of campus and local health providers as well as a variety of other professional services.
Q: Does CAPS provide medication consultation?
A: CAPS psychiatrists are available to provide medication consultation, evaluation and management. If you or your counselor feel that medication may be helpful to your situation an appointment for a consultation with a psychiatrist can be arranged. This meeting will allow the student and the psychiatrist an opportunity to explore the appropriateness of medication and discuss any other medical concerns that may be present.
Q: How do faculty and staff, or concerned students, refer a student to the Counseling and Psychiatric Service?
A: A student may be referred in the following ways:
- Suggest that the student make an appointment by calling or walking into the Counseling and Psychiatric Service any time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. For emergencies and crises on weekends or after hours, a CAPS/Counseling Center doctor-on-call is available by calling 444-6985 or 444-PAGE.
- Call CAPS directly (687-6985), and have the student speak with the Intake Coordinator to set up an appointment.
- Walk the student to the Counseling and Psychiatric Service, particularly in a crisis.
- When uncertain of what actions to take, call the Intake Coordinator to work out a specific strategy for getting help for a particularly reluctant or an especially troubled student.
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