Counseling service takes on broader spectrum of issues

Counseling and Psychological Services

CAPS Basics:

Location: Watkins Health Center, second floor.

Phone: 864-CAPS (2277)

Contacts:pbotts@ku.edu;

http://www.caps.ku.edu

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Thursday, Friday; 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday.

CAPS Fees

Fees apply to currently enrolled students who have paid the CAPS fee.

First session at CAPS: $15

Individual and couples (50 minutes): $15

Group sessions (1.5 hours): $15

Psychiatric evaluation (1 hour): $65

Extended psychiatric visit (1 hour): $65

Brief psychiatric visit (15 minutes): $25

For students struggling with depression or anxiety, Kansas University makes counseling available for these and other mental issues and disorders.

KU’s Counseling and Psychological Services office has undergone a bit of a transition through the decades, said Frank DeSalvo, associate vice provost for student success who oversees the program.

He also previously served as its director.

“The major change has been a shift from a very narrow mental health focus to a very broad focus,” to helping students with issues like studying for tests and negotiating relationships, he said.

Today, the center offers group therapy, sessions for issues like anxiety and depression, couples therapy and other interpersonal and psychological issues.

Appointments are available by calling the office at 864-2277.

The office has added a couple of staff members in recent years, DeSalvo said, including one who has expertise in handling issues involving sexual violence.

DeSalvo said it was important for students to realize that they shouldn’t feel shame in seeking help for a mental issue — that there’s no shame in trying to make yourself better.

“No one thinks twice about going to the doctor when you’re feeling sick,” he said.

Improving students’ mental health is important not only for their own well-being, but also in keeping with Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little’s goals for retaining more students, DeSalvo said.

“There’s a very direct relationship,” he said. “If a student is overwhelmed by anxiety, depression or difficulties in a relationship, it’s very difficult for them to do well in academic exercises.”