Stress doesn’t take the summer off.
But neither do resiliency, wellness and healing.
That’s because counseling and psychological services (CAPS), in the UNMC Division of Student Success, doesn’t take the summer off, either.
Jeff Knapp, associate director of CAPS, said he recently took a phone call checking to see if the office was open when school was out.
"We absolutely are," Knapp said.
Students who were enrolled in the previous spring semester, and for the upcoming fall semester, are eligible for all CAPS services, even if they take no summer classes. Call 402-559-7276 to make an appointment or with questions. Or go to the CAPS website for more information.
Incoming students and recent graduates may not be eligible for direct services, but CAPS staff can help with a plan or point people in the right direction.
"Give us a call," Knapp said. "We’ll always help."
One thing to know, Knapp said, is that help is available more quickly at CAPS than at many other campuses or practices. It is one of the few places "ahead of the curve" of the crunch in mental health and wellness resources during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to its team of licensed therapists, CAPS has three master of social work student interns in training. They are often available to see patients the next day. Seeing an intern is strictly optional, but it’s a way to get into an appointment almost immediately, Knapp said.
"Even if that’s the intake appointment and you want to switch to a licensed therapist later, that’s fine," he said.
The wait to see CAPS licensed therapists is around seven days, whereas it can be weeks or even a month or more before appointments are available at many practices in the area.
A few things Knapp wants the campus to know about CAPS:
- CAPS is open 12 months of the year, unless the university is closed.
- After hours, if someone has a concern and needs help immediately, call the main line at 402-559-7276, and press "2" — CAPS has a contract for outside licensed counselors to take the call. "You are never without support," Knapp said.
- There is no cap to CAPS visits. But Knapp said, "We are a short-term solution focused model." The design is to get people feeling better and back to their best selves. If someone needs a longer-term solution, CAPS can help figure that out.
- CAPS is available to consult with faculty and staff who are concerned about students. If someone is unsure about a situation or just has questions, Knapp advises: "Call us." Maybe CAPS can help the student, or maybe CAPS can help the mentor help the student.
"We want to make sure our students are supported and the people who are supporting them have support," Knapp said.
Great work Jeff!!