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Want to learn more about CAPS? Check out our FAQs below, call, or stop by our office (717-948-6025, SEC suite 205). CAPS’ services are confidential and provided by mental health professionals. Student information is private and not accessible to those outside of CAPS except in rare circumstances. 

Most CAPS services are provided free of charge to students. 

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What services does CAPS offer?

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides students with short-term mental health counseling confidential services in person or virtually, provided by mental health professionals. Some services include individual, group, or couples counseling, drug and alcohol assessment, consultation, coping skills, crisis counseling, referral to our telepsychiatry provider, and assistance with outside referrals in the community. CAPS also can consult with faculty and staff of students of concern. CAPS also provides outreach and education to the campus community on mental health and wellness topics.

What happens in an initial appointment?

All new students meet with a CAPS clinician to discuss concerns and focus areas. Based on this meeting, early goals and needs are identified, and appropriate services that can meet these goals are outlined.

How long will I meet with a CAPS clinician?

We make every attempt to address student needs with our services. The duration and frequency of meetings often varies based on individual goals and concerns presented. While CAPS is not a long-term service and we have no session limit for our services, we tailor short-term services based on individual unique concerns and needs. If more regular long-term counseling is needed, the CAPS Counselor will help students get connected with outside therapy referrals in our community.

Are my concerns important enough to meet with a counselor?

Yes! All students’ concerns and feelings are valid. Attending college can bring many concerns, stress, worries, uncertainty, and sense of loneliness among other concerns unique to our diverse students. If concerns are impacting attending classes, making or keeping relationships, sleep or appetite, well-being, motivation or more, please schedule a time to meet with a counselor at CAPS. Students do not need to have a diagnosis to talk to a counselor.

If you are struggling with thoughts of keeping yourself safe, we strongly encourage you to contact CAPS right away as we have counselors available to talk with you the same day. We recommend students reach out earlier in the semester before concerns may get worse, so they are established with CAPS to help them as things arise. 

How is my personal information managed and stored?

CAPS uses an electronic medical records (EMR) system to manage student information. All CAPS forms, communication and records are stored in the EMR, which is only accessible by CAPS staff. Our EMR and records-keeping process is HIPAA-compliant and secure. All student files are deleted (or previous paper charts shredded) after seven years of inactivity. 

Does CAPS services appear on my transcript? Will my parents know? 

Our services are confidential, so there is no indication on University records of your work with CAPS. Similarly, unless in emergency situations, the only way that others will know of your interaction with CAPS is if you tell them or ask us to communicate with them on your behalf.

I’m worried about someone close to me. Am I able to speak with someone at CAPS about them?

CAPS staff are happy to consult with students, faculty, and staff. Our administrative assistant can schedule you for a brief, confidential consultation with one of our clinicians to discuss your concerns. For concerns occurring outside of CAPS business hours (8-5 M-F), please call or text the Penn State Crisis Line (Phone: 877-229-6400; Text: send “LIONS” to 741741), which is staffed by mental health professionals and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Please note that outside of very few circumstances, we are unable to contact students to perform unsolicited “check ins.”

Is there a charge for counseling? 

CAPS services are free for all registered Penn State Harrisburg students with few exceptions. Many of our virtual resources, such as Mantra Health (medication management), are free for a set number of hours per year or semester. There may be charges associated with these services beyond the allotted free hours, or for other services, such as our BASICS training. 

How quickly can I be seen? What if I have an emergency?

Our goal is to meet with students requesting services as quickly as possible. At times we may be able to meet with you on the same day, and other times there could be a brief wait depending on the time of the semester, your schedule/availability, etc. CAPS will also assist with emergencies or crisis situations during normal operating hours when able. If our clinicians are assisting other students at the time of an emergency, and the situation cannot wait for further attention, students can call or text the Penn State Crisis Line, which is available 24/7/365 and staffed by mental health professionals. The Crisis Line will then coordinate with CAPS staff about the situation.

Penn State Crisis Line 
Phone: 877-229-6400
Text: send “LIONS” to 741741

What is considered a clinical emergency or crisis?

Emergency/crisis situations vary greatly based on individual circumstances. CAPS differentiates between emotionally intense scenarios and clinical emergencies. Please contact us or come to our office if a student is experiencing any of the following:  

  • Imminent suicidal thoughts and/or a plan/intent to act
  • Imminent homicidal thoughts and/or a plan/intent to act
  • Severe emotional disturbance or dysregulation
  • Gross impairment in thinking or cognitive functioning
  • Exhibiting bizarre behavior
  • Recent trauma