Frequently Asked Questions

• Does CAPS have walk in hours?

  As a result of COVID-19 and public health recommendations, CAPS is temporarily suspending our walk in hours.  Appointments will be via telehealth platforms (phone or video).  You can schedule an appointment by contacting CAPS at 631-632-6720 or use our online self-scheduler to make an appointment for an initial consultation.

• How do I make an appointment with CAPS?

  To make an initial consultation appointment, please use our online self-scheduler. If all appointments are taken for the day you want to be seen, you may also contact  us at (631) 632-6720 and schedule an appointment. 

• What if I am having a crisis and I can’t just walk into CAPS? What are my options?

  If a student is experiencing a mental health crisis they can call CAPS at 631-632-6720 and speak with a counselor immediately, or if in imminent danger a student should call campus police at 631-632-3333. Students can also call the CAPS Crisis Line directly at (855) 509-5742 and speak to a licensed mental health counselor anytime, day or night.

• What if I don’t have a laptop or phone to use for a telehealth session?

  Students may borrow a laptop from the campus library for free, anywhere from a few hours to a full semester.

• I don’t have a private space to have my telecounseling session - what do I do?

  If you do not have a private space for your telecounseling session or to speak with a counselor, please call us at 631-632-6720 and we will work with you to make arrangements for you to have a private space.

• What if I want to talk with a counselor outside of regular office hours?

  Please know that you can speak with a mental health professional 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  CAPS is open 9 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday.  When CAPS is closed, simply call CAPS Crisis Line at 631-632-6720 or 24/7 at 855-509-5742.

  New This Fall: TimelyCare, 24/7 Free Virtual Healthcare for Seawolves 

  TimelyCare is a new telehealth platform that provides 24/7 free virtual access to  mental health services, right from your mobile device or computer. This service is open to all Stony Brook  undergraduate or graduate students, taking online or in-person classes. 

  • TalkNow: 24/7 on-demand access to speak with a mental health professional about anything on your mind.
  • Scheduled Counseling: scheduled mental health counseling appointments to speak to a licensed counselor of your choice, at a time convenient for you (up to 12 visits per year).

  For more information and frequently asked questions, visit

  STONYBROOK.EDU/TIMELYCARE 

• I’d really like to participate in a group. Will CAPS still offer group counseling?

  CAPS will continue to offer group counseling via our telehealth platform.  Please contact us at 631-632-6720 or check out the group section to learn more about group offerings.

• Is there a fee at CAPS?

  No, there is no fee for our services, including psychiatric services. Students must be registered for classes, enrolled in 6 or more credits and  have paid the health & counseling fee.  Students who are not currently enrolled for 6 credits may ask for a consultation for a referral to an outside therapist or psychiatrist.

• Are there charges for medications?
  Yes. You may pay for your medication or use your insurance. Please read your insurance policy to learn about your medication coverage.  Many of the prescription medications our psychiatrists prescribe are carried in the Student Health Services pharmacy, with the exception of controlled substances. Prescriptions may also be filled at pharmacies near campus.
• Will my academic records indicate I've been in therapy? Will any of this show on my transcript?
  No. Therapy records, academic records and transcripts are completely separate.  Your legally protected confidentiality prevents disclosure of counseling information to academic offices or personnel.
• Are my counseling sessions confidential?

  It is important that all students know that their sessions are confidential—strictly between you and your counselor, with other CAPS or Student Health Services staff involved only as needed for consultation.  The only exceptions to confidentiality occur:

  1. 1. If you request, by means of a written, signed release that you want your counselor to reveal information to others who you name, such as to an outside therapist.
  2. 2. When we have a concern about your immediate safety or the safety of another.
  3. 3. In cases involving physical and/or sexual abuse of a child.
  4. 4. Where requested by subpoena or mandated by court order of state/federal law.
• Will my parents find out about my counseling?

  No. By law, we cannot tell anyone, including a parent, if a student is in counseling except when we have a concern about a student’s safety or the safety of another. When a student is legally a minor (under age 18, unmarried, without children of his/her own, and has not been legally emancipated), informing parents is not automatic and will be discussed with you first.

• What concerns can CAPS help me with?

  At CAPS we offer different treatment options based on your unique needs. To learn more about what we can assist you with click here.

Other Questions? Call Us at 631-632-6720.