Frequently Asked Questions

CAPS' primary purpose is to provide psychological support to students as they pursue their academic and personal goals, and to enhance the quality of their experience at Oberlin College. One of the services provided to students is short-term counseling and psychotherapy. Counseling is an educational process in which one can gain new perspectives of themselves and others and acquire skills that enable them to function more effectively. At CAPS, one may discuss and explore freely, in confidence, any problems, feelings, or fears that are important to them. The ultimate goal is to help students grow in self-understanding so that they can better cope with their immediate situation and with future decisions.

CAPS staff has a strong commitment to maintaining the confidentiality of the information students share, and Ohio law requires it. The law states that counseling information must remain confidential unless the client indicates in writing that they wish the information to be communicated to specific persons outside the center. The only exceptions are that psychologists are required to report child, elder, and disabled persons abuse and to make appropriate notifications when there is an imminent risk to life or safety. Information on a student attending a session will not be given out to someone who has not been given permission to receive that information. CAPS records do not become a part of your college record, as clarified by the Buckley amendment.

Call our office, 440-775-8470, or stop by during business hours. CAPS is centrally located on campus in Dascomb Hall, Suite B. We discourage the use of email communications particularly in an emergency. Email is not a secure means of communication, nor is it an appropriate or reliable way to address your student concerns. The most effective way to receive prompt attention is to call the office during business hours. When CAPS is closed, the after-hours support line is available by calling 855-256-7160. Additional resources include the Lorain County Mental Health Hotline, available for emergency assistance or consultation 24/7 at 1-800-888-6161.

There are no charges for visits at CAPS. Students may use the center for assessment and short-term, issues-oriented counseling and pychiatry services.  In the event that longer term therapy is indicated, you may be referred to a private practitioner in the community to better serve your needs. Oberlin College offers a Sickness and Accident Insurance Plan as a supplement to your individual or family policy, or for students who are uninsured or underinsured.  For more information, please contact Academic Health Plans, 1-888-308-7320.   

CAPS does not have a set number of sessions per person. Due to high demand, we are mainly a short-term facility. If there is a situation that requires long-term therapy or maintenance, we have colleagues in the community who could better accommodate those issues and we can help you connect with them.

Psychotherapy is very much based on the relationship the client has with their therapist. If you do not feel comfortable with your therapist or have another problem with the therapist, you are able to switch providers within the center. If there continues to be a problem, you will be encouraged to talk to the center's director to better assess your needs and to find the right person for your specific issues.

The atmosphere in our waiting room is welcoming and friendly. We offer coloring pages and pencils, and a number of intriguing puzzles and gadgets to student visitors. We pride ourselves in having warm, inviting offices that are bright, private, and comfortable. Each office reflects the personal style of the provider (see example above). 

Depending on the time of year, students are generally seen within a week of calling for an initial appointment. During peak usage times, such as in November and April, students may have to wait a little longer. Our staff is aware that situations requiring immediate attention do exist. Because of the demand on our services, we are not usually able to meet with most students on the same day. We do offer same-day crisis services that are designed to assist students who are confronting life-threatening circumstances, current or recent traumatic crises, and or serious emotional distress. A counselor will work with the student to stabilize the situation and schedule a follow-up appointment as needed. Requests for specific therapists may result in a small wait time if that person’s schedule is full.

Students come to CAPS for many reasons. Many have concerns related to common developmental issues that arise during the college years; including adjustment to college, dependence, independence, autonomy, making friends, dating, identity, career, and changing values.  At times students have more significant problems coping and may be struggling with depression, anxiety, difficulties with eating or sleeping, eating disordered behavior, substance abuse or addiction, and serious problems with school work. Our staff can meet with students to come to a mutual understanding of counseling needs in these situations, some of which may warrant long-term counseling and consultation about psychiatric services. CAPS staff also provides assessment and referral services.

Oberlin College has contracted with University Hospitals of Cleveland to provide psychiatric services for Oberlin students.  Please see Psychiatric Services for more information.

CAPS psychiatrists will only prescribe stimulant medication for ADHD to students who have had a full psychological assessment and received a diagnosis of ADHD by a qualified provider within the previous three years. 

CAPS welcomes parents’ calls. Our staff understands that parents may have concerns, and wish to communicate information or consult with us about their concerns. In the event that a parent wishes to speak to their student’s therapist, a signed release of information must be obtained from the student.  If a release is not signed, no information or even confirmation of the student’s participation in the center’s services can be confirmed.  The center has a strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality, in fact, Ohio law requires it. The only exceptions are that psychologists are required to report current child, elder, or disabled person’s abuse and to make appropriate notifications when there is an imminent risk to a person’s life or safety.

In the absence of a release of information, parents are directed to speak with another therapist in the center. Parents are always free to convey information to us, inquire about counseling and psychological services at Oberlin, and consult with us about any other issues related to their student’s care and well-being.

We offer consultation for faculty, staff, and students. If you are concerned about a student and unsure about how to handle the situation, give us a call and set up either an in-person or a phone consultation. Let the office manager know what you prefer. Expect a response the same day you call.

The following are reasons that CAPS at Oberlin College does not write letters of evaluation for students requesting ESAs. Writing letters of evaluation for ESAs exceeds the scope of our services.  As therapists who advocate for our clients, writing these letters could be a conflict of interest. Evaluating the need for an ESA requires that the assessor be neutral and objective to determine if the person has a disability that would justify special accommodations.  This type of evaluation could be most effectively performed by a neutral third-party clinician who is not directly involved in the treatment of the client. APA Monitor (Sept. 2016, 47, 8:38) Professional Psychology Research and Practice (2016, 47, 4:255-260)