Counseling Options

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling provides an opportunity to talk with an objective, caring professional about your concerns or problems. Concerns discussed range widely, but might include feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, academic concerns, substance use, issues with friends and family, or relationship concerns. Counseling sessions last 45 minutes (they start quarter after the hour and end on the hour). 

Information about appointments

Couples Counseling

Couples Counseling is provided for any couple with at least one enrolled University of Michigan student and who might be dealing with concerns and difficulties within the relationship.

Information about appointments

Group Counseling

Group counseling offers an opportunity for students to meet others who may have similar experiences and want to pursue personal growth in a safe, supportive environment. Groups usually meet once a week and have 5-10 members, and often have a specific focus, i.e. self-esteem, graduate student issues, building relationships, and women's issues.

Urgent/Crisis Services

If you are in a crisis or have an urgent need to be seen, our Counselor on Duty can meet with you between 10AM-6PM Monday-Thursday or 10AM-4PM on Friday during the Fall and WInter semsters.

You will need to come to CAPS,  fill out the Welcome to CAPS form and check the box next to "Do you need to be seen today?" and complete the computer intake forms.  If you are experiencing a great deal of stress we'll ask you to complete some brief basic information and then you'll be able to see a counselor right away.

Examples of reasons to see the "Counselor on Duty" include:

• If you are not feeling safe
• If someone close to you has died recently
• If you have a difficult decision to make in the next 2-3 days
• If you have been sexually assaulted within the past 72 hours
• If you have been experiencing a lot of stress for a long time and feel like you really must speak with someone today 

Daily "Common Concerns" Meetings

These are drop-in sessions that require no appointment.  This is an opportunity for students to meet with a senior staff counselor to share information and talk about strategies and resources for working through the most common concerns of U of M students.

These sessions meet EVERY Monday-Thursday from 4:15-5:30 at CAPS during fall and winter semesters on days when classes are in session.

• Mondays-Managing Anxiety
• Tuesdays-Beating the Blues
• Wednesdays-Peak Performance/ Series
• Thursdays-Relationship Enhancement SeriesII

Information about Common Concerns for Winter 2013

Drop-In Workshops

No appointment is needed for these workshops:

• International Student Discussion Group- The group will meet from 4:00-5:00 pm on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of the month at the International Center.  During this time, students will have informal discussions covering a variety of topics such as: adjusting to U of M, cultural adjustment, making friends/relationships, and managing academic stress. Staff from CAPS, International Center, and other invited guests will facilitate these discussions.

Mondays 1/21, 2/11, 2/25, 3/18, 4/1, 4/15

• My Brothers: Lunch Series for Men of Color-This is a lunch series for men of color by men of color and will address topics relevant for men of color at the University of Michigan. These luncheons will provide a blend of food, fellowship, dialogue and mentoring. Invited speakers will facilitate rousing, animated discussions on topics that impact men of color. You will have a chance to express your experiences here at U of M and build connections with other men of color.  MY BROTHERS is a safe space open to all self-identified men of color. Free lunch provided.

Tuesdays, 1/15, 2/12, 3/12, 4/9  12:10-1:30 PM in CSG Chambers in the Michigan Union

• Nourish: Lunch Series for Women of Color-This is a lunch series for women of color by women of color! Invited speakers facilitate rousing animated discussions on topics that impact us as women of color. Topics include but are not limited to: issues of identity, sexuality, relationships, career demands, etc. Free lunch provided.

Thursdays 1/17, 2/14, 3/14, 4/11  11:30-1:00PM in CSG Chambers in the Michigan Union

Down the Stretch (managing end of term stress): 4/3; 5:00-6:00 pm  4/12; 11:00 am-12:00pm, 4/16; 2:00-3:00pm

Referral Services

Sometimes what a student needs from CAPS is direction in securing services at another place on campus or in Ann Arbor.  Examples of reasons to seek referral services from CAPS:

• When you know you want longer-term treatment
• When it's unclear which resource on campus or in Ann Arbor is best for you
• When you need help with insurance coverage questions.  We can work with your insurance and ensure a good 'fit' with where you might want to seek services in the community

To receive assistance for these or other referral issues you will need to  come in and tell our front desk staff that you would like to make an appointment with our Case Manager.  You will need to fill out the intake form and then an appointment will be scheduled with you. 

Or, you can navigate the Community Provider Database which provides detailed information of therapists in the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area on your own.