Individual Counseling

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides primarily short-term, individual counseling to eligible Kent State University students.  Students meet individually with a therapist for an intake assessment to discuss presenting concerns, mental health history, and background.  Specific goals are established early on and addressed in subsequent sessions, usually during every other week counseling sessions.  Individual counseling at CAPS is generally intended to be solution-focused and brief.  Students seeking longer-term therapy or more frequent sessions are assisted in locating appropriate community resources.

CAPS is staffed by licensed counselors and psychologists, as well as trainees in the same fields. All trainees are supervised by licensed staff members.  All services are private and confidential.

What kind of concerns are a good fit for a course of individual counseling? 

All students are welcome to schedule a CAPS consultation to discuss their concerns and establish a personalized care plan.  Specific recommendations will be made, and students will be linked to appropriate resources.  Individual counseling is one of many services offered and is not always the most clinically appropriate option for every student.  Individual counseling at CAPS can address a wide range of issues including, but not limited to:

• Academic concerns
• Mild to moderate anxiety and depression
• Adjustment and development concerns
• Relationship concerns (with friends, family, roommates, romantic partners)
• Transition-related concerns (e.g., to college or graduate school) 
• Identity development related to sexual, racial, ethnic, religious, gender, and other identities
• Mild to moderate eating concerns and/or body image issues
• Recent traumatic experiences and experiences of discrimination
• Mild to moderate substance use concerns

Some students require more specialized services or more support than CAPS is able to provide.  In those instances, students will be provided appropriate referrals and when necessary, assistance in scheduling a follow-up appointment with an off-campus partner. 

Will my counseling visits be virtual or in-person? 

If you and the counselor decide that individual counseling at CAPS is the best fit for your needs, we offer options for both virtual and in-person sessions.  During your CAPS consultation – which will be a virtual appointment – you may discuss your preferences, including your preference for virtual or in-person appointments. 

Please note that students who have symptoms of, or exposures to, COVID-19 will be asked to reschedule in-person appointments or be seen virtually. 

How can I maximize my counseling experience? 

• Attend your sessions regularly and take an active part in them.
• Be open to the process.
• Be willing to trying new or different approaches to dealing with your concerns.
• Share at your own pace. You don't have to talk about everything, and your boundaries will be respected. 
• Think about what you want to talk about before sessions.
• Practice strategies/skills outside of sessions.
• Share any concerns you may have about the process.

Can I get medication if I need it?

Students may discuss medication requests with their therapist and may be referred to DeWeese Health Center to see a physician, nurse practitioner, or psychiatrist.  A referral from CAPS is not necessary for students who only want medication.  Those students may call DeWeese Health Center at 330-672-2322 to schedule a medication evaluation. 

Students with an established primary care physician may chose to follow-up on their own for medication.  Students may also be referred to a community provider if they choose.  CAPS staff will collaborate with outside clinicians as appropriate. 

In emergency situations, students may be referred to a local community mental health agency for evaluation, stabilization, and possible hospitalization.