By: Riley Click
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – As coursework, jobs and personal responsibilities stack up, students at the University of Arkansas turn to campus mental health resources for support.
Counseling and Psychological Services, commonly known as CAPS, offers a range of programs designed to meet the academic, developmental and preventive needs of the campus community. Most services are included in the Student Health & Wellness Fee, though missed appointments that are not canceled by the end of the previous workday are billed to a student’s UAConnect account.
Located on the second floor of the Pat Walker Health Center, CAPS is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday.
Getting started with CAPS
Students begin with an Initial Consultation, a 30-minute appointment that helps clinicians match students with the most appropriate care options. The consultation is not a full counseling session but instead serves as an information-gathering meeting to discuss concerns and possible next steps.
Initial Consultations are offered on a first-come, first-served walk-in basis Monday through Thursday from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m., and Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m.
Based on the consultation, students may be referred to individual counseling, group therapy, workshops, case management or community providers. Availability for ongoing individual counseling may be limited at times during the semester. CAPS uses a care-matching model to help connect students with appropriate resources.
Individual and group support
CAPS offers time-limited individual counseling that is tailored to each student’s needs. If longer-term care is necessary, clinicians assist with referrals to providers in the community.
Group therapy and workshops are another option for students. Workshops address topics including stress reduction, managing anxiety and mindfulness.
In addition to therapy services, CAPS provides psychological assessments, consultation services, outreach presentations and training programs for graduate students in counseling and mental health disciplines.
Informal consultations and outreach
For students who may not want ongoing counseling, “Let’s Talk” offers brief, informal consultations with a mental health clinician at various campus locations. CAPS also hosts outreach events and classroom presentations to promote mental health awareness.
The Hogs for Mental Health resource page provides information about campus events, tools and support services available throughout the semester.
CAPS contact information
Same-day appointments are available for urgent or emergency mental health situations. Students can call CAPS at 479-575-5276 to inquire about availability. CAPS also operates a 24/7 emergency phone line at the same number.
Students can contact CAPS or visit the office on the second floor of the Pat Walker Health Center for more information.
QuickLinks:
CAPS Services
CAPS Outreach Programs and Events
Let’s Talk
988 Lifeline