CAPS FAQs

How do I pay for services at CAPS?

Currently there is no charge for meeting with a therapist at CAPS. However, there may be associated costs for recommended treatment outside of psychotherapy. This may include visits with our nurse practitioner regarding psychiatric medication, as well as charges related to outside referrals.

How do I make an appointment?

New Clients: New clients (or previous clients who wish to meet with a different therapist) can schedule a 30-minute triage counseling appointment online or by calling the front desk at (931) 598-1325. To schedule online, visit your patient portal. Click on the "Appointments" tab, then select "Schedule an Appointment."

 

Returning Clients: If you saw a CAPS therapist in previous years and wish to continue working with that same therapist, OR if you have already been seen this academic year, you do not need to schedule a triage appointment. Please call the front desk at (931) 598-1325 to schedule.

What if I need to cancel my appointment? Are there any penalties if I don't show?

If you need to cancel your appointment, you must call or email in advance of your scheduled appointment. This allows another student to use the time. Please be aware that if you do not show for your appointment, you will be charged $25.00 for a missed CAPS appointment and $50.00 for a missed Psychiatry appointment. If you miss an appointment and we have not heard from you, we will try to contact you either by phone or email.

What if I need to be seen by a professional sooner than my appointment or I am having an emergency?

If you are experiencing a mental health emergency during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday), a counselor at the center will see you that same day. You can call (931) 598-1325 for a same-day appointment, or just walk in to our office in the Wellness Commons. 

 

If you experience a mental health emergency outside of business hours, you can reach our 24-hour crisis line at (931) 598-1700. 

 

For reference, mental health emergencies would include:

  • Serious thoughts of suicide
  • Thoughts of harming someone else
  • Recent assault or abuse
  • Hallucinations
  • Recent death of a loved one or other significant loss
  • Witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event
  • Other personal safety concerns

 

For immediate emergency care, call 911, call Campus Police at (931) 598-1111, or go immediately to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Is CAPS confidential? Will the Deans or my parents know what we talk about?

In Tennessee, what we discuss in session is considered a privileged communication afforded the same status as an attorney-client communication. However, there are limits to the privilege of confidentiality. These situations include:

  • suspected child, elderly person or disabled person abuse or neglect
  • if you become a clear and imminent danger to yourself
  • if you report that you intend to physically injure someone
  • when otherwise required by law or court order

 

With these exceptions, unless you specifically sign a release of information authorizing us to talk to someone, all privileged communications here are kept private, and confidential. The UWC Notice of Practices to Protect the Privacy of Your Health Information provides more details about confidentiality and its limitations.

 

Information obtained by a psychologist, social worker, counselor, nurse, nurse practitioner, physician, or another member of your health care team will be documented in your electronic medical record and used to determine the course of treatment most appropriate. Information is shared within the UWC on a strict “need to know” basis. The UWC staff works as an integrated team to provide the highest quality medical and behavioral healthcare. Information is documented in an electronic record; however, your psychotherapy records are recorded in an electronic record that is separate and distinct from your medical record. If it is deemed necessary by your therapist that a medical team member have access to your behavioral health records in order to coordinate care, this will be discussed with you first.