During business hours (M-F, 8:30am-5:00pm), call us at (513) 556-0648 to schedule a free appointment with a counselor.
If you are in need of crisis support or after hours care, dial (513) 556-0648 and follow the prompts to be connected to care.
Meet with a Counselor
Our counselors are here to help you and are experienced working with students across a range of concerns. We will meet with you and collaborate in developing strategies and resources that best meet your individual needs. Get to know our staff and learn more about each of our approaches to working with students.
Ways to Connect with a Counselor
Initial Consult
Our initial consultation appointment is our first point of contact and is free. At this session, we will discuss the nature of your concerns and work together on next steps. CAPS provides solution-focused counseling services and many of your concerns can be addressed within this brief model. You may be connected with other CAPS services or referred to a community partner or external therapist.
Individual Therapy
Individual counseling is not easily described in general statements. At its core is a collaborative relationship that develops between you and the therapist (and members of a group). Psychotherapy is not like a medical doctor visit. Instead, it requires a very active effort on your part. In order for therapy to be most successful, you will need to work on things discussed in your sessions at other times as well.
Many students use individual therapy to address personal concerns. Students typically seek services for help with adjusting to new situations, managing stress, difficulties in relationships, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, family problems and personal identity. Sometimes academic difficulties may reflect an underlying problem in one of these areas.
Let's Talk
Let's Talk is not therapy. It is a free, confidential, 15-20 minute consultation with a CAPS clinician. Clinicians will listen to your concerns and offer support, information, and resources. Learn more and view the current schedule here.
Group Therapy
Group Based Services provide group-based counseling treatment services to UC students that address a variety of topics ranging from anxiety, depression, mindfulness to social justice. Group therapy is often a treatment of choice for many students’ concerns. By engaging in group therapy, students can expect improved overall well-being and connection with others.
Groups are free and confidential for all UC enrolled students. Talk to a clinician and ask about our group counseling program to get connected and learn more. A pre-group appointment with the facilitator(s) is needed before attending a group.
We offer a variety of groups each semester including support, theme focused, or general process therapy groups. Groups may be in-person or virtual.
Fall 2024 Therapy Groups
In-person, Wednesday, 5:00pm – 6:30pm
The ARISE group is a gender-inclusive group for all survivors of sexual and/or relationship violence. ARISE group provides a safe and empowering space for group members to connect with other survivors, talk about their experiences, and identify what they need to move forward in their healing journey.
In-person, Tuesday, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
The Art of Stress Management is a free Art Therapy group for students to engage in art-making activities to develop skills in expressing emotions, reducing stress, coping with burnout, exploring imposter phenomenon, and enhancing self-awareness. This group will focus on the process of expressing feelings in visual form using magazine collage, drawing, painting etc. No prior artistic experience or skill is necessary, only a willingness to experiment and make art. All art supplies provided.
Virtual, Thursday, 3:00pm – 4:00pm
This group offers a supportive, non-judgmental space for college students to explore their relationship with substances while prioritizing overall well-being and academic success. Using evidence-based harm reduction principles, we focus on practical strategies to minimize risks and enhance quality of life. Participants will learn valuable coping skills, engage in therapeutic practices, and develop personalized plans for balanced living. Whether you're looking to moderate your use or simply make more informed choices, this group provides tools and peer support to help you navigate the complexities of college life while promoting health, safety, and personal growth.
In-person, Thursday, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Bearcat Brothers is a place for men to come together and discuss their problems in an engaging and dignified way. Together, we will share tools to better manage our mental health concerns and develop skills that improve our ability to be men in a university setting.
In-person, Tuesday, 3:00pm – 4:30pm
A space for members to receive and provide support to one another. This group will also provide space for developing skills that assist with day-to-day functioning (Organization, time management, motivation).
Open to individuals with symptoms of neurodivergence, even if you have not been formally tested!
In-person, Monday, 3:00pm – 4:30pm
or
In-person, Tuesday, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
Learn effective strategies for a compassionate way to view yourself and others that improves mood, reduces stress, and builds healthy relationships.
In-person, Wednesday, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
A welcoming environment to explore your identity and share your experiences. A space to connect with others, build resilience, and explore personal growth.
In-person, Wednesday, 4:30pm – 6:00pm
This is a 4-week group focused on building skills focused on developing and enhancing romantic partnerships. Participants will learn how to recognize and nurture fulfilling relationships as well as develop strategies for effective communication, boundary setting, and conflict resolution. Considerations for monogamous and non-monogamous relationships.
In-person, Monday, 1:00pm – 2:30pm
An 8-week CAPS therapy group using SoulCollage®, a collaging process where you make a personal deck of cards, one card at a time.
Clients will make collaged cards, arranging self-selected images to represent aspects of themselves and their lives. This allows clients to access their intuition and imagination by entering into a Gestalt process, dialoguing with a card, using their own voice to discover the card’s narrative and its meaning for them in their lives.
Virtual, Thursday, 3:30pm-5:00pm
The Understanding Self and Others therapy group for Graduate Students offers a supportive space to explore personal and relational dynamics. This group is designed to help you gain deeper self-awareness, learn about your interpersonal style, and build meaningful connections with peers. Join us to foster personal growth, strengthen your relationships, build confidence, and share and receive feedback in this safe and welcoming community.
In-person, Tuesday, 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Or
In-person, Thursday, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Want to learn more about yourself, how to build healthy and fulfilling relationships, while trying new ways of connecting with others? This group provides the opportunity to gain a better understanding of yourself, share personal experiences, and receive support and feedback.
In-person, Wednesday, 3:00pm – 4:30pm
Interpersonal process group that offers support to women-identified students. This group offers a space for exploration and experiential learning of what helps women feel connected and disconnected from self and others. Discussion may also touch on the intersection of gender identity and individual experiences. Open to women-identified students. Inclusive of all other identities.
Community Wellness Groups Fall 2024
Community Wellness Groups are open to all UC Students. Community Wellness Groups are not therapy groups and focus on skill-building, psychoeducation, and fostering connections and inclusion with students who hold similar identities and/or share similar experiences within the University of Cincinnati. Students can drop-in as needed throughout the semester with no commitment to attend every week.
In-person; Weekly Tuesdays, 5:30-6:30pm
CAPS 225 Calhoun Street Rm. 256
The Bearcats Recovery Community hosts an open and anonymous weekly meeting for any UC student who is interested in peer recovery support or has the desire to change their alcohol, cannabis, or other substance use. There is no sign up necessary to join, just show up.
Zoom; Weekly Tuesdays starting 10/1, 5:00pm-6:00pm
Sign up on GetInvolvedUC
Clinical Placement Support Network (CPSN), is a dedicated community for college students navigating the challenges of clinical work placements. We understand the pressures and challenges of clinical placements and are here to help you thrive both academically and personally. Join us to gain confidence, build resilience, and make lasting connections as you embark on this pivotal stage of your educational journey. This is a drop-in group. Students may attend as desired and may join before their placement begins for the semester.
In-Person, Biweekly Wednesdays beginning 9/25 1:00pm-2:00pm
Teachers-Dyer 320
This is a bi-weekly event for CECH students who love plants, want to meet new people, and want to learn how to care for themselves through caring for plants. The event will involve potting plants and chatting about how, just like with our plants, we must take care of ourselves to survive and thrive. RSVP on GetInvolvedUC is required.
In-Person, Weekly Tuesdays starting 9/17, 2:30pm-3:30pm
Lindner Hall 2375
The International Student Wellness Group welcomes all students within the UC Community. No registration is necessary- just drop in!
In-person, the following Wednesdays: 11/6, 11/13, and 11/20 from 3:00pm- 4:30pm
Located at 225 Calhoun St., Suite 200
A space for women-identified students at UC to find support through community with other women. Open to women-identified UC students. Inclusive of all other identities.
You do not need to be a client of CAPS to attend. Just drop-in!
Need more information about groups?
What costs are associated with group therapy?
All of our groups are free to currently enrolled students at the University of Cincinnati.
What time commitments are associated with group therapy?
All of our groups require weekly 90 minute meetings. Groups typically meet for the duration of a semester for an average of ten meetings per semester.
How many members are in a typical group?
Group membership can vary by topic and semester. Groups typically include 5-8 student group members with one to two CAPS clinicians acting as group facilitators. If you are interested in the exact number of group members of a specific group, feel free to ask the group facilitator for the group you intend to join.
I’m nervous about sharing my concerns in a group setting. Is this okay?
Absolutely! It is normal to feel nervous about starting a new group. Most new group members experience fears of rejection and embarrassment when starting group. Fortunately these feelings typically subside within a few sessions. You will never be forced to share anything you do not want to share.
What would happen if a group member is also my friend/roommate/acquaintance?
We understand that it can be awkward to have a friend, roommate, or acquaintance in your group. If this would occur, you could inform your group facilitator(s) of the situation. The group facilitator(s), in conjunction with group members, would attempt to find a solution that maximizes the benefit and minimizes the risks for group members. In some cases, both group members may remain in the same group. In other cases, one group member may be asked to join another group.
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Support Services
UC CAPS provides support for UC students who have survived rape, sexual assault, harassment, intimate partner violence, stalking, sexual orientation or gender discrimination, and are seeking therapy to focus on the impact of sexual violence through the ARISE (awareness response intervention support empowerment) program. Students receive mental health services at no cost. To participate in ARISE, you are not required to report your experiences to the Office of Gender, Equity and Inclusion (formerly Title IX) or anyone else on campus.
Case Management
For clients who have other needs, we provide case management services, helping them identify on-campus or community resources. This may include financial, legal, academic, or housing issues as well as support with referral to specialized mental health care.
UC has many offices that assist students with academic and personal needs. These include Learning Commons, Women's Center, African American Resource Center, Ethnic Programs and Services, LGBTQ Center, Center for Access and Transition, Career Center, Financial Aid, University Health Services, Accessibility Resources, Office of Equity and Inclusion, and others.
Psychological Assessment Services
The assessment team offers a specialized service conducting psychological assessments on a referral basis. Students participating in CAPS services may receive a referral from their primary therapist to clarify diagnosis. Mandated assessments such as alcohol or other drug evaluations required by the university or the court system are outside of the scope of Psychological Assessment Services.
Students who are participating in CAPS services are also eligible for assessment services. Students who are self-pay or have private insurance, the initial assessment interview is $100. If a full assessment is completed (regardless of the number of testing appointments) the fee is $400. For those students who have UC Student Health Insurance they will be billed $20 for the Initial Assessment Interview and $80 for the test administration.
- Referrals: A referral for assessment Services is completed by the primary clinician regarding those concerns that require further assessment. The Assessment Coordinator will then contact clients in order of receipt prioritizing those clients with urgent needs first (e.g., graduating soon, failing coursework). The student will then be scheduled with one of the Assessment Team providers for an Assessment Interview.
- Assessment Interview: The student will arrive 30 minutes to complete assessment specific paperwork. The student will then meet with the Evaluator for 2 hours regarding presenting concerns, relevant history, and specific diagnostic criteria. If after this appointment the referral question has not been answered additional data will be gathered in a more comprehensive assessment. The process of testing, feedback, and expectations will be provided at this time.
- Testing: Evaluators will review collaborative data and self-report measures in conjunction with the Assessment Interview to determine appropriate performance based testing to be administered. This could include measures of attention, memory, intelligence, and achievement.
- Report Writing and Feedback: Following the gathering of assessment data and history, the Evaluator will create an integrated, comprehensive report with specific recommendations. This process should take between 2-4 weeks after the testing has been completed depending on the level of the clinician and whether they are independently licensed.
The feedback appointment is focused on helping the student understand the diagnoses and findings of the assessment, guide students in finding strategies that are effective for them, and inform them of specific recommendations. A signed copy of the report is available for students. However, if test data is requested, that information is only given to professionals with the training to interpret the data.