Group or Individual Therapy

Group therapy is often the best way to work on problems, especially when the problems deal with issues about your relationships. Being a member of a group allows you to interact with peers who are not part of your everyday life. These interactions, along with those of the therapist, can give you useful feedback that you may not get from friends or family. Group is also a safe environment where you can safely try out different ways of interacting with others, such as initiating conversations or improving your listening skills.

The specific groups available each semester vary in theme and time commitment, but in recent semesters we have offered groups for students struggling with anxiety (including social anxiety), depression, emotional regulation, eating issues, grief and loss, sexual identity, and general interpersonal issues for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Individual psychotherapy and counseling at CAPS are interventions for college students who are experiencing depression, anxiety, loss, or situational difficulties such as adjusting to transition and change. The goal is to enhance the individual’s ability to manage their feelings and behaviors, make sound decisions, achieve personal goals, realize potential, and feel more in charge of their life.

The nature, approach, and concerns encountered in individual therapy vary greatly depending on the particular student’s issues and concerns. For college students going through significant developmental changes, individual therapy may be designed to address a particular challenge or to assist them gain insight to their current behaviors and feelings.

 Make an appointment.

 

Let's Talk & Tele-Talk

Let’s Talk is available in-person or by phone. Conversations with CAPS counselors are private and confidential. To schedule an appointment, call 848-932-7884 and choose option 2.

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

Let’s Talk is currently, by drop in or by appointment, being offered in person and via telehealth. Please note that drop in times might be filled, so consider making an appointment. Please call 848-932-7884, press #2 to schedule an appointment. In person locations can be found on the CAPS website: http://health.rutgers.edu/medical-counseling-services/counseling/therapy/community-based-counseling/

 

Psychiatric Evaluations

Psychiatric Services is a clinical program staffed by psychiatrists (physicians specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems). You will usually meet with a CAPS counselor prior to meeting with the psychiatrist, and the two will work together closely to provide the best possible treatment. An initial appointment with a psychiatrist usually take between 60 and 90 minutes. During this appointment they will review your medical and mental health concerns, and ask questions about your family history, your general development, and your feelings and functioning. They will also request your past treatment records and laboratory tests.

At the end of the first appointment, the psychiatrist and you will discuss treatment options, which may or may not include a recommendation for medication and/or follow-up visits. If medication is recommended, the CAPS psychiatrist can provide a prescription, but ultimately, the decision on whether to take medication is yours.

Services at all three health centers are open and available. Make an appointment online: nbstudenthealthportal.rutgers.edu

If you are unable to find an appointment online, please call 848-932-7402.

 

Crisis Situations

Students who are experiencing a psychological or emotional crisis often need immediate help and intervention. An on-call counselor is available for crisis intervention/emergencies every day during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm, except university holidays). Students can access the on-call counselor by visiting 17 Senior Street on the College Ave Campus or calling 848-932-7884.

Crisis situations include:

  • Suicidal or homicidal thoughts or impulses
  • Sexual or physical assault
  • Hearing voices (other than your own thoughts) or otherwise misperceiving reality
  • Overwhelming loss, such as a death in the family
  • Inability to provide for your own food, clothing, or shelter
  • Having a reaction to a psychiatric medication

If none of these apply but you still believe that a crisis appointment is necessary for you, please let the receptionist know and you will be seen that day. If your situation, though upsetting, is not a crisis, we encourage you to schedule a regular counseling appointment instead. If you schedule a regular appointment, you will be given the next available time.

 

Next Step Program

Next Step is a campus-based treatment program tailored to students who need enhanced care. Students attend a combination of four psycho-educational groups and psychotherapy groups, one case management session, and one individual therapy session per week. Providing these services on campus allows many students to continue with their academics while also participating in a more intensive treatment program.

Students with needs beyond the scope of the Next Step Program will continue to receive referrals to external higher levels of care. When they return to the university, the Next Step Program can serve as a step down program, providing students an appropriate and supportive option for transitioning back to campus life.

Benefits of the Next Step Program

  • No need for transportation other than the Rutgers’ buses.
  • Group schedules are designed to accommodate student schedules.
  • Treatment specializes in meeting the needs of college students struggling with mental health issues.
  • Case management services directly connect you to other supports such as Dean of Students, Office of Disability Services, Residence Life, etc.
  • Warm, friendly, and supportive environment with other students who can relate to your struggles.

For more information or to find out how to refer a student to Next Step, call CAPS at 848-932-7884.

Students who are experiencing a psychological or emotional crisis often need immediate help and intervention. A CAPS on-call counselor is available for crisis intervention/emergencies every day during regular business hours (Monday – Friday, 8:30am–4:30pm, except university holidays). Students can access the on-call counselor by visiting 17 Senior Street on the College Ave Campus or calling 848-932-7884.

If any of the following apply to your current situation, it is appropriate for you to come in for immediate support, and you will be seen that day.