- What are the Counseling Center’s hours?
Monday, 9-4:30
Tuesday, 9-4:30
Wednesday, 10-6
Thursday, 9-4:30
Friday, 9-4:30- Where is the main office located?
We are located at 17 Senior Street, New Brunswick, NJ.
- How can I make an appointment?
Call the Counseling Center at 848-932-7884.
- Can my parents call and ask questions about me?
They can call; however, all information is confidential. We cannot confirm or deny if you are a client or disclose any information unless we have a signed release from you. The only exception is if you are in danger.
- Are counseling services confidential?
Yes. Counseling is confidential. If you are 18 or older, what you share in counseling stays between you and your counselor. Your counselor cannot tell anyone that you are in counseling or share details about your sessions unless you give written permission.
Sometimes, it may be helpful for your counselor to talk with another professional (such as a past or future therapist, doctor, or a staff member). This only happens if you agree and sign a form called a Release of Information, which you can get from the CAPS office.
State and federal law states that there are four exceptions to this general rule:- You may request (by means of a signed release) that your counselor disclose information to other individuals or agencies of your choice.
- In instances where there is imminent danger of serious harm to yourself or others.
- In cases involving physical and/or sexual abuse of children or endangered adults.
- Where otherwise requested by subpoena or mandated by court order or state/federal law.
- Will my professors or advisor know that I'm coming to counseling or what I'm discussing? Will counseling attendance be on my academic record?
Counseling attendance will not be included in your academic record. Information you reveal to your counselor will remain confidential. In general, your counselor cannot discuss your status as a client of our Center or your situation with anyone unless you have given written permission for them to release information about you. However, there are certain situations in which we must break confidentiality and report information to the appropriate person or agency. These situations are as follows: (a) if what you share indicates you're in imminent danger of harming yourself or others; (b) if what you share reveals evidence of child or elder abuse or neglect; or (c) if we receive a court order or subpoena.
- Should I seek professional counseling?
RU students seek counseling for a wide variety of emotional health concerns, from transition and relationship concerns to concerns about depression, anxiety/stress, and eating and body image, to name only a few. We encourage students to seek counseling when emotional health concerns are negatively impacting their academics, personal relationships, physical health and safety, or any other aspects of their day-to-day lives. If you believe counseling could be helpful to you in any way, we encourage you to contact our office. Know that if you decide to seek counseling, you are not alone.
- What do counseling and psychiatry appointments cost?
Counseling Services (individual and group therapy) are free for all RU students who have paid the Student Health Fee. Psychiatry appointments are billed to students’ insurance plan.
- Can I receive ongoing counseling from Counseling Services when I am studying abroad, or at home over winter or summer breaks?
We do not provide distance counseling for students who are studying abroad, living out of the state of New Jersey or who are away from campus during extended breaks.
- What if my concern is urgent?
The Counseling Center has urgent support available 24/7. During business hours, crisis support is available in person at our office (17 Senior Street, New Brunswick). At all other times, crisis support is available by phone at 848-932-7884. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
- Do you provide virtual services?
The Counseling Center provides both in-person and virtual services. You can speak to your provider about different options.
- What if I need more than short-term services?
If you would benefit from longer-term services, we will assist you in locating community providers that will best fit your needs. Talk to your counselor, or, if you don’t have one, get started by scheduling an initial appointment.
- What should I expect in my first appointment? And in subsequent appointments?
In your first CAPS appointment, you will meet with your counselor to discuss your concerns as well as any other information that will help your counselor better understand you and your situation. You and your counselor will then work together to identify how to move forward.
Sometimes a concern can be resolved in one meeting; other times more appointments can be helpful. Ongoing counseling appointments are typically scheduled every other week and include you working together with your counselor to address what brought you in, and/or other concerns that may surface along the way. We do not adhere to session limits but do emphasize the student’s agency in tandem with their counselor in deciding when their work is done. If you need weekly and/or long-term therapy, your counselor will discuss this with you.- What if I have to cancel my appointment?
CAPS is a community resource and there is a high demand for sessions. It is important to give us 24-hour notice when you cannot attend a session so another student may use that time. You can cancel through the online health portal, sending a message to your counselor through the health portal, or calling us at 848-932-7884.
- How long do I have to wait to see a therapist?
Students can schedule their initial appointment within 24-48 hours. We are generally able to schedule students on a day and time of their choice. CAPS tracks all scheduling requests, but feel free to contact us about your scheduling. CAPS has a walk-in policy for urgent needs, and you can come to our office and request a same-day appointment. In addition, you can call our On Call services at any time and immediately speak to a counselor.
- Can I see a therapist who shares my identity?
If you would like to meet with a specific type of therapist, please let us know. We will do all we can to match you with the type of therapist you request. However, we cannot meet every need, and if this is the case, we can help you locate resources off campus.
- What if I don’t feel comfortable with my counselor?
From time to time, you may not feel comfortable with your therapist. Please try to speak directly to your therapist or reach out to CAPS @ 848-932-7884 and we will follow up with you. The center will make every effort to switch you to another counselor if you feel unable to remedy the situation.
- Are counselors mandated reporters under Title IX?
No, CAPS counselors are not mandated reporters.
Groups/Workshops
- How many groups and workshops do you offer?
The Counseling Center offers a variety of workshops and support groups. Please see our group and workshop offerings for more details.
- What are the benefits of support groups?
Validation, mutual support, and a safe environment to support each other. Additionally, students often feel like they are the only ones struggling. Being in a group is very validating and reduces isolation. Group therapy is also an excellent addition to individual therapy for many students
- What can I expect in support groups and workshops? Are they confidential?
Workshops and groups offer you a chance to expand your knowledge and learn new aspects or skills that correlate to each theme associated with each workshop or group. You do not have to share everything when you attend a workshop or support group. Co-facilitators strongly encourage full confidentiality.
- How long can I come to support groups and workshops?
Students may attend as many support groups and workshops as they'd like!
- How many people are usually in groups or workshops?
Groups tend to average 5-7 individuals but tend not to exceed more than 12.
- How long are workshops and groups?
60 to 90 minutes.
- I am a student leader (or faculty/staff member). How do I request a workshop on mental health for my group?
Please email the Counseling Center and include topic information, date, time, and number of students. Email: manda.gatto@rutgers.edu
Additional Questions
- Does anyone on your staff conduct psychological testing to diagnose learning disabilities?
No, but we do make referrals here for comprehensive assessments.
- I’m worried about a friend/student/my child, what can I do to help?
We encourage you to Report a Concern here.
For Faculty and Staff
- How can I make a referral?
There are several ways to make a referral. You can provide information to student(s) about our services and encourage them to make an appointment. You can also walk a student over during business hours.
See also: Consultations & Referrals
