Psychiatry Services

The psychiatry team at CAPS is comprised of three psychiatrists and a nurse practitioner who are trained to evaluate students for psychiatric medications, assess physical problems, prescribe medication, and monitor pharmacological treatment for students receiving other services at CAPS.

It is not unusual for students to be referred to a psychiatrist by their counselors. In fact, over one-third of the students who receive their counseling services at CAPS use our psychiatric services. Many common psychological concerns, such as anxiety and depression, are known to have biological components, and early intervention has been shown to greatly improve the chances of a full recovery. You may be referred by your counselor to a member of our psychiatric team because medical factors are suspected of contributing to your problem, and you may benefit from medications that a counselor is unable to prescribe. However, at CAPS, medication is never prescribed as the sole treatment modality.

Psychotropic medication will likely help alleviate the intensity of symptoms and allow you to work with your counselor in therapy to address the underlying issues. If a medication is recommended, it is in your hands to decide whether or not to take this form of treatment. However, we encourage you to be open with your psychiatrist about any concerns you may have; declining medication may interfere with your ability to get better.

Appointments with members of the psychiatric team vary from 20 to 50 minutes. In these meetings, we will review of your medical and mental health concerns. We'll ask questions about your family history, your general development, and your feelings and functioning. Your psychiatrist may request your consent to get laboratory tests or past treatment records to inform any recommendations. At the end of the appointment, we will discuss treatment options; follow-up visits may or may not be recommended.

Note: if you receive individual counseling at CAPS, you will receive your medication management from us as well. If you receive counseling from a community clinician, you will be referred to a community psychiatrist or nurse practitioner for your care.