Information for Parents

Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) is MSU’s resource for students’ mental health and developmental needs. We provide free counseling, consultation, and informational seminars to benefit students and the MSU community. CAPS and its training programs are accredited by the American Psychological Association and the International Association of Counseling Services, and is a member of the Association of Counseling Center Training Agencies.

Who We Are  

The CAPS staff is comprised of Master’s and Doctoral-level counselors and psychologists. Licensed by National and State agencies, CAPS professionals are schooled in the fields of counseling and psychology from accredited training programs and have a special interest/expertise in college student development. CPS also hosts advanced graduate interns and professionals completing requirements for their degrees or licensure who are supervised by licensed staff members.

Services  

Students can receive free counseling services at CAPS provided they are enrolled in at least 7 credits. Students who have fewer than 7 credits can receive services if they opt in to pay the Student Health Fee.

Counseling Services

Free group, individual, and couples counseling is available for students on a variety of issues. Most students who utilize counseling discuss concerns related to anxiety, depression, relationships, past trauma, substance use, adjusting to college, academic/career choices, and identity. 

Referral Services

Because of the high demand for counseling services, we utilize a short-term counseling model that aims to resolve the student’s major concerns with a brief course of treatment. Should students need additional services, they may be able to receive them at CAPS, while at other times a referral to community agencies/providers might be provided. Such decisions are based on the resources available at the time and the unique needs of the student. CAPS has a dedicated Care Manager to assist with off-campus referrals, and students can also use our Thriving Campus referral network. 

Continuation of Counseling or Medication Referral/Management

Many new students have had prior counseling or take medication. Students are encouraged to meet with a CAPS counselor to determine the best course of action for establishing care at CAPS for counseling or Student Health Services for medication management.

Students in Distress/Emergency Situations

CAPS is available to students and MSU staff in emergency situations. If you are worried about your student, you can consult with a CAPS staff member to discuss your concerns, learn how to be supportive, and discuss ways to encourage your student to seek help. While we don’t have the resources to “check in” on students who may be having difficulty, we will see students who come to our office in distress. Additionally, we work with concerned parties to determine appropriate resources for students in distress. 

The Dean of Students Office is also a resource. If you remain concerned about a student and feel they need outreach, you can call Dean of Students staff at 406-994-2826, or use their online referral form.

If you are helping a student who is in imminent risk (threatening immediate suicide, self-harm, or harm to others), or are unsure if they are safe, call UPD at 406-994-2121.

Confidentiality

Montana law grants invididuals who are 16 years or older the legal right to obtain confidential mental health services. 

Services at CAPS are confidential, and staff are legally and ethically bound to maintain students’ confidentiality. This means that CAPS staff cannot disclose whether or not a student is receiving services, details of their concerns, or what transpires in counseling to anyone, including parents. Such disclosures can only be made if the student grants written permission at the time of services allowing us to do so.

In emergency or life-threatening crisis situations, confidentiality can be broken in order to protect the student. This can include university staff, community responders, or parents, depending on the nature of the situation. In such cases, the information disclosed is limited to what is necessary to protect the student and disclosed only to those best able to help. Efforts are made to help the student utilize all available resources, including parents and family.