Getting Started - Initial Brief Assessment

All appointments will be done over the phone/Zoom until further notice. 

 

How to get started

The best way to get connected to CAPS is to have an Initial Brief Assessment. When you are ready to explore options for mental health services, please call CAPS (805) 893-4411 or submit a CAPS Services Request Form. Brief assessments are usually done remotely (on phone or Zoom) but other acomodations can be made for in-person support: Monday thru Friday, 10am-12pm and 1pm-3pm. 

At the time of your Brief Assessment, you will be asked to fill out a questionnaire that asks you about your concerns and emotional health that will be reviewed by the clinician before your Brief Consultation. The questionnaire takes about 10 minutes to fill out.

What happens in a Brief Assessment?

During your Brief Assessment, you will talk privately with a mental health clinician in their office, have a chance to share your concerns, and develop a plan that will best meet your needs.  You and the clinician will discuss the many mental health resource options both on and off campus to determine a plan that best suits your needs. Some options include brief therapy at CAPS, long term therapy off-campus, group therapy, workshops, peer counseling, and/or other campus and community resources. The clinician will guide you through potential next steps depending on your unique needs and situation. The goal of the brief consultation is to have you leave with a supportive plan in place. 

Please take a look below at the different options that you and the mental health clinician may explore during your Brief Assessment. If you have a sense of what would be best for you, please feel free to share your preferences with your clinician at the start of the Brief Assessment. 

Please click here to access more information on Frequently Asked Questions.

As always, if you have any questions about the process give us a call at 805-893-4411.