FAQS

CAPS short for Counseling and Psychological Services is CSUSB’s on-campus mental health service that offers confidential support to students. We provide counseling, crisis help, and wellness resources in a safe and supportive environment to help you succeed personally and academically.

• If your appointment is in person:
  • Check in at the front desk and show your Coyote ID (physical or digital).
  • You’ll complete a short digital questionnaire about how you’ve been feeling over the past two weeks.
  • Then you’ll meet with your counselor to talk about your concerns and goals, using the info from your intake form.
  • If it feels like a good fit, you’re welcome to continue with the same counselor. If not, you can contact CAPS to request someone new—no problem!
• If your appointment is virtual:
  • A Zoom link will be sent to your student email before your session.
  • On the day of your appointment, log in a few minutes early.
  • Make sure your internet connection, microphone, and speakers are working.
  • Once your counselor joins, you'll complete a short digital questionnaire about how you've been feeling over the past two weeks.
  • After that, your session will continue just like an in-person appointment.
  • You can continue with the same counselor or ask to meet with someone else later—whatever works best for you.

• Individual sessions: 1 hour
• Couples counseling:
  • First session: 90 minutes
  • Follow-ups: 1 hour each
• Group counseling duration varies. However, a majority of them are 90 minutes. 

We ask that you call us at least 24 hours ahead to cancel. If you miss it, contact us to cancel or reschedule. Our office phone number is (909) 537-5040.

If it’s life-threatening, call 911, go to the ER, or contact Campus Police at (909) 537-5165 or (909) 537-7777.

If you are NOT in crisis but need to talk with a counselor now, call (909) 537-5040 and select the option to speak with a counselor.

Yes! We have walk-in times available Monday-Friday for urgent needs. Call (909) 537-5040 or stop by our office at HC-162.

For a crisis, call our main line at (909) 537-5040 and press #8 to reach the after-hours line. In an emergency, call Campus Police at (909) 537-5165 or 7777, or dial 911.

Unfortunately, CAPS is only approved to provide care to CSUSB students.  Please review our resource list for services in your area or call 911.

We offer individual (1 on 1) counselling, couples counseling (as long as both parties are CSUSB students who are enrolled for the current semester), and group sessions. Contact the office at (909) 537-5040 for details.

Yes! Call the Student Health Center at (909)537-5241 to make an appointment.

Yes, we offer virtual sessions through Zoom. If you wish to make a telehealth appointment, be sure to notify the front office when scheduling your appointment.

Counseling and Psychological Services does not diagnose or medically treat students. For all diagnosis related matters, be sure to contact the Student Health Center at (909)537-5241 to make an appointment to see the psychiatrist.

Yes. All counseling sessions are confidential and won’t be dispersed to any departments without your consent. Certain restrictions apply.  See our Notice of Privacy Practices.

No, using counseling services at CAPS will not negatively affect your academic standing, grades, or future opportunities. 

Yes! Counseling and Psychological Services does not release any information regarding whether a student has used the service nor matters discussed in counseling. Except under certain specific circumstances, no parent, dean, faculty member, or other student can gain access to information about a client without express written permission.

Contact our office to request your records.  Fill out the release form and CAPS can send your records to various departments or provide them to you directly.  Please give CAPS 5-7 business days to process and complete your request.  We’ll notify you when your request has been completed. Bring a government ID to receive your records. There’s no cost for the release of records

Yes. Counseling and Psychological Services offer services in various languages other than English. Please see our Meet the Staff page to find counselors that speaks the language you identify with.

Yes, CAPS provides letters of support for your various needs. Please contact the office to make your request (909) 537-5040.

Here’s what you need to know:

• You must have an established a clinical relationship with a therapist at CAPS
• Letters are given at your clinician’s discretion, based on your treatment history and current needs
• We follow ADA guidelines for disability-related documentation
• Requests must be made at least 5 business days in advance
• A Release of Information (ROI) form must be completed before we can provide the letter
• If you are a former student, you can still access your records if you meet the requirements above.

No.  Though we love animals and many of our providers have important animals in their lives, CAPS clinicians do not have training in the assessment of animal behavior or impact to complete necessary documentation for ESAs. Therefore, CAPS is unable to provide letters and other documentation for emotional support animals. However as noted above, there are some circumstances in which CAPS can provide documentation when indicated for established clients about the student's mental health symptoms and diagnosis.

Yes, simply contact the front office to schedule an appointment with our case manager to receive a referral.

CAPS supports students of all identities. We also do not discriminate based on sexual origin.