CAPS Services

The primary function of CAPS is to support students’ mental health needs in order to meet their academic goals within a time window framed by service eligibility, class schedules, student obligations and CAPS resources. Individual counseling allows students to meet one-on-one with a counselor for an average of approximately 3-5 individual consultations/counseling sessions per student, with some flexibility to extend intervention up to 10 sessions per academic year.

In an effort to fulfill the CAPS Public Health Model and serve as many students as possible, at high-traffic points in the semester, CAPS services switch to a single-session focus. During these times, the option to schedule multi-session meetings will be suspended in lieu of one-time, goal-focused sessions to address specific needs in a single 50-minute meeting with a counselor. These collaborative sessions address specific, solution-focused strategies based on individual students' needs and are not suited to addressing more chronic concerns or patterns. Students needing ongoing support following the session may be connected to additional CAPS or community resources.

First-time appointments at CAPS are scheduled through the CAPS Student Portal and will take place by phone.

Note: We are here to serve our students. If you do not see a time that works for you in our online scheduling system, please call us at 979-845-4427, and we'll work to get you connected with a counselor.

Students in need of immediate emotional support may visit CAPS for crisis intervention anytime 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, when the university is open.

For after-hours assistance, HelpLine can be reached at 979-845-2700 from 4 p.m. - 8 a.m., Monday-Friday, and 24 hours a day on weekends when class is in session.

Note: Individuals currently experiencing a life threatening situation or safety risk should call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room immediately. Visit our Emergency Resources page for additional information, including links to local mental health resources, local emergency room and police department details and crisis hotlines.

CAPS is still providing career counseling services to assist students in identifying the steps in their career development and exploration, which may include incorporating career assessments.

Focus 2 is a self-paced, interactive career planning program designed to help you explore college majors and plan your career based on your interests, values, skills, personality, and professional goals. It is provided free of charge for currently enrolled Texas A&M students.

For First-Time Users, please log into the CAPS Student Portal to retrieve the access code found on the homepage of the portal. Then you can create a new user account using your TAMU email address.

For Returning Users, please sign in to Focus 2.

Note: If you believe someone's life is in danger, please call 911 immediately.

For guidance and resources on identifying and addressing concerning behaviors, CAPS provides resources for faculty/staff, family and other students. In the event that a student is exhibiting concerning behaviors or speech, CAPS counselors also are available to consult with concerned individuals (to include staff/faculty, family and other students) as needed. Consultation requests can be made by calling CAPS at 979-845-4427. During consultations, CAPS counselors maintain the confidentiality of students who are clients to the fullest extent of the law.

One-time, 30-minute appointments assess students’ levels of stress, anxiety and depression to identify targeted interventions that meet individual needs. These collaborative sessions unpack specific, solution-focused strategies to empower students in their mental health journeys. Appointment slots will open same day and be available up to 2 hours prior. (Access the CAPS Student Portal to check availability.)

While not suited for addressing more chronic concerns or to initiate counseling, these appointments help participants identify specific tools for symptom management and relief. Individuals who need ongoing support following this session can be connected to additional resources either at CAPS or in the community.

Note: These quick-access visits occur during counselors’ crisis blocks, meaning urgent unscheduled events may delay meetings, and you may be rescheduled for a later time and/or an alternative counselor. We appreciate your patience. 

CAPS offers a variety of telehealth groups. Learn more about the benefits of group counseling.  Spring 2022 schedule will be coming soon.

CAPS offers a variety of telehealth workshops. Students can self-enroll for a workshop through the student portal. Workshops also are available anytime in video format here.

CAPS maintains Community Referral resources for students in need of assistance in locating counseling, psychiatric, medical or other social service needs in the community.