Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is located in Building 27 next to Student Health Services at the UCF Main Campus. Visit the Contact Us page for the latest hours of operation and contact information.
CAPS supports the academic, personal, and interpersonal development of UCF students by providing brief individual therapy, and group counseling, career exploration, couples counseling, and crisis counseling. We also offer outreach and presentation services to the campus community, psychiatric referral for medication evaluations, and consultation services for faculty, staff, students, and parents.
Counseling Services are free to all currently enrolled UCF students who pay the student health fee.
Students come to counseling with a wide range of concerns. Many students have issues related to their normal development, such as identity or relationship issues. Others are dealing with more specific concerns such as depression, anxiety, stress, past trauma, grief and loss, substance abuse, or eating and body image concerns. Some students are not sure what the problem might be – they just know they are having a hard time studying, concentrating, eating, sleeping, adjusting, or getting along in general. A counselor can help a student sort out what’s wrong and suggest ways for them to get back on track.
CAPS is composed of a professional staff of licensed or license-eligible psychologists, mental health counselors and social workers. CAPS also serves as a training site for graduate students in counseling or psychology programs. Graduate trainees are under close supervision by licensed professional staff member.
Making an appointment at CAPS is simple. If you are visiting CAPS for the first time, you will be scheduled to meet with a counselor for an initial assessment. Students may call CAPS to schedule this appointment in advance. You will be able to schedule an initial assessment at a day and time that is convenient for you wither in-person or via telehealth. Ongoing appointments are available between the hours of 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. If you are in crisis, please inform the receptionist and we will make every attempt to respond to you as soon as possible. To schedule a first appointment: Click here
Ongoing individual counseling sessions are limited and normally scheduled on a bi-weekly basis depending upon the nature of the concern. Sessions are typically 45-50 minutes long. The average number of sessions used by students is typically between 4-6 sessions a year (some use a bit more and some use less). If students have met their individual therapy limit in a year, and want to continue with counseling, Students can join a therapy group in the next semester. For more information, see CAPS Scope of Service.
NO ONE, without your written consent. Everything you say in counseling is kept confidential, unless your counselor is required by law to break confidentiality to protect you or someone else from harm. If you have questions about confidentiality or its limits, your counselor will answer them.
The fact that a counselor is not a friend or family member actually makes it easier for them to help you. Unlike friends or family members whose advice is often colored by biases and preconceptions, counselors work to be non-judgmental and objective helpers.
This may be true, especially in the beginning. You may feel anxious or awkward, perhaps even a bit self-conscious. Counselors understand that it is normal to feel uncomfortable and cautious during the first meeting and they try to help by promoting an accepting environment in which you will feel more at ease. As you gradually begin to trust your counselor you’ll probably find that it becomes easier to be relaxed and open.
If you don’t feel a connection with the counselor you’ve been assigned you may request a different counselor. You may also request to speak with a male or female counselor depending upon your preference.
This is far from the truth! For the most part, students who use our services are interested in their personal growth or resolving a particular concern. It is common and perhaps expected for students to encounter some struggles, pressures, and stress at times while in college. The fact that so many students seek our services reflects just how common these issues are.
Once this decision pursue counseling has been made the mechanics for change have been set in motion. In terms of benefiting from counseling we encourage students to:
If you are having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please call CAPS or walk in. Be sure to let the receptionist know that you are experiencing a crisis. In the evening or on weekends, contact Lifeline of Central Florida at 407.425.2624, the UCF Police Department at 407.823-5555, or simply dial 911. Refer to Crisis Information for additional emergency resources and phone numbers.
No. Only psychiatrists or medical doctors can prescribe medication. The CAPS staff will often refer students to the UCF Student Health Services for assessment when it appears they might benefit from medication to supplement their counseling or when students are interested in obtaining additional information regarding medication options.
CAPS staff is available during working hours to consult about a concern that a third party might have about a student. Strategies for helping the student and, if appropriate, getting the student in to see a counselor can be discussed.
By law, and according to ethical principles, information about counseling is strictly confidential except in extenuating circumstances.
CAPS staff have a legal obligation to disclose client information, even without consent, in the following situations:
Otherwise, no information can be released, including whether or not a student is attending counseling, without written consent from the student. If it seems that there would be some therapeutic benefit to release information to a third party, the counselor and student will discuss this issue and come to a mutual understanding about the nature of such a release.
Once you feel less overwhelmed and have gained some insight into your issues, you and your counselor will talk about how and when to transition or end your counseling. YOu may transition into group therapy or want to continue individual therapy with a long-term provider in the community. Ideally, the personal awareness you’ve gained and the efforts that you’ve made in establishing a trusting relationship with your counselor should provide an effective model for self-help long after counseling has ended.
Substance Use Disorder Clinic (within UCF Student Health Service) offers support, counseling, assessment, and evaluation and referral services to UCF students who have issues around alcohol and other drug use, misuse, abuse, or addiction. Please call 407.823.2924 for more information or to make an appointment with a licensed certified counselor. Also, Peer Educators at WHPS provides a wide variety of educational programs. Professional Health Educators, as well as peers, are available to assist students. WHPS provides needle free HIV/AIDS testing, pre and post test counseling and education. They can be contacted at 407.823.5457.