Mental Health
While some amount of stress, sadness, and anxiety is a normal part of life, we can all find ourselves in a place where we need a little bit of professional help to regain our balance, feel more at peace with ourselves, and feel more in control of our lives. At the University of Houston, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is available to help students on their journey to living life to the fullest.
First Visit (Triage)
To access CAPS services you will need to walk in for an unscheduled triage appointment. Triage appointments are brief assessment appointments intended to make sure you get connected to the right service. Triage appointments are always free and are offered between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
What happens at a triage?
At your initial visit, we will work with you to come up with a plan for change that capitalizes on your strengths and resources and tries to match you with a service that will most quickly address your needs. Sometimes this might mean trying a workshop, a therapy group, or a single session before being referred for more traditional counseling services. At CAPS, our philosophy is that life is the greatest teacher, and that therapy should always be a stepping stone and not a holding place.
How long does a triage appointment take?
Triage appointments are brief 15-30 minute appointments. A CAPS counselor will work with you to connect you with a service that will best meet your needs. If CAPS services are not appropriate to your need, your counselor can help facilitate a referral to an outside service, if necessary.
Should I also come for a triage if I am in a crisis?
Yes. If a CAPS counselor sees you are in a crisis, they are trained to provide crisis intervention and will work with you to make sure you are feeling calmer and better able to cope with your circumstances before you leave.
Can I schedule a triage appointment ahead of time?
No, all triage appointments are walk-in only.
Crisis
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room.
CAPS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phone at (713) 743-5454. If you are experiencing a crisis situation and need to speak with someone, you may call CAPS or walk in during business hours. If it is after business hours, please follow the prompts to be connected to the after-hours counselor on call.