Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) FAQ
Who is eligible for counseling services?
All Agnes Scott students who have the college insurance plan are eligible.
How much do services cost?
There is no charge to students for on-campus counseling services. These services are billed directly to Markel Insurance or TW Lord Insurance. Medication and lab tests may require additional fees. You must pay for off-campus services although Markel or TW Lord generally will defray some of the cost. Be sure to check your insurance policy carefully.
What services are offered?
Services include individual, couples and group counseling; consultation and referral services; and outreach programming.
How can I make an appointment?
Complete a Counseling Request Form.
What are your hours?
Counseling hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Who has access to counseling records?
In general, the confidentiality of all communications between a client and their mental health professional (and treatment records of that communication) are protected by law. Information can only be released with your written permission. However, there are a few exceptions that are covered in detail in our Informed Consent Form.
Will my parents be notified if I seek counseling?
CAPS adheres to the American Psychological Association's code of conduct and ethical principles as well as Georgia state law on this matter. In Georgia, the confidential relations and communications between a licensed psychologist and client are the same as those provided by law between attorney and client. There are some exceptions to this detailed in our Informed Consent Form. Other administrators are not bound by these same standards. We make every effort to involve a student's parents when it seems important to treatment. Parents must provide their written consent to allow students under age 18 to be seen for counseling.
What if I or another student has an emergency?
During regular business hours, students may walk in or call the Wellness Center at 404 471-7100. After hours, individuals experiencing mental health emergencies should call the Dean of Students emergency number at 404 216-0942 or ASC Public Safety at 404 471-6400.
What if I have a concern about my counseling?
If you desire a change and another counselor is unavailable, you may be placed on a waiting list or referred to a private mental health practitioner.
Why do students come to counseling?
Students use counseling services for a wide variety of concerns including managing relationships, handling family problems, coping with stress, homesickness, depression, anxiety, handling a crisis, eating and/or body image concerns, improving communication, learning to be assertive, study skills, time management, increasing self-esteem, understanding one's sexuality, managing time, decision making and dealing with alcohol and/or drug concerns.
What is counseling and are there any risks?
Different mental health practitioners have different approaches to counseling but, in general, counseling is a collaborative, confidential process designed to help individuals address their concerns, come to a greater understanding of themselves and learn effective personal and interpersonal coping strategies. It involves a confidential relationship between an individual and a trained therapist.
Because counseling often involves sharing sensitive, personal and private information, it may at times be distressing. During the course of counseling, there may be periods of increased anxiety or confusion. The outcome of counseling is often positive; however, the level of satisfaction for any individual is not predictable.
How long do sessions last?
Individual counseling involves meeting one-on-one with a counselor for approximately 45 minutes.
What is the typical length of treatment?
During the initial appointment, a counselor will determine the most appropriate treatment option (i.e. short-term, on-campus counseling or referral to off-campus services). On-campus counseling is short-term (usually five to six sessions) and is customized to your needs.
What services are you unable to provide?
There are some mental health-related services that we are unable to provide (e.g., learning disability assessment, long-term psychotherapy). If you require one of these services, we will help with the referral process. Please be aware that these services generally involve a fee. In most cases, health insurance will cover some of the costs. Our services are unavailable during the summer break and other college holidays. We can help you find referrals if you would like to continue counseling during these times.
Do you offer psychiatric services?
We have a contractual relationship with a psychiatrist who offers a limited number of appointments on the Agnes Scott campus. Appointments with the psychiatrist are by referral only from counseling staff. Visits are covered by the college insurance plan although additional fees may be incurred for medication, lab tests, etc.
Can parents use your services?
While parents are not eligible for counseling services, they may call CAPS regarding concerns about their daughter or other issues related to dealing with college students and mental health. Confidentiality requirements prevent us from disclosing whether or not a student is in treatment with us. A student’s treatment may only be discussed with parents if the student has provided written consent.
What if I have additional questions?
Contact us at 404 471-6117 or personalcounseling@agnesscott.edu.