UNMC and UNO have combined their counseling resources and services to strengthen and expand Counseling and Psychological Services for all enrolled students seeking support for mental health and well-being.
UNMC Counseling and Psychological Services (formerly Counseling and Student Development) began working with UNO Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) in March. The shared counseling resources provide enhanced support for all students as they pursue their academic and career goals.
CAPS Behavioral Health Medical Director Steve Wengel, MD, said the expanded structure allows for increased access for students needing help.
“CAPS is committed to providing the same free and confidential support always provided to UNMC students with an increased focus on culturally-sensitive counseling, outreach, and prevention services in collaboration with our campus partners,” said Dr. Wengel, who also serves as assistant vice chancellor for campus wellness.
“With the enhancement of these critical services, access for students has increased from three practitioners with limited hours to 10 full-time, licensed counselors who are both gender and racially diverse and multilingual,” said Cathy Pettid, assistant vice chancellor for student success. “UNMC students have the choice in delivery sites and modalities for mental health care including in-person sessions at either UNMC and UNO campus and/or by telehealth appointment.”
In addition to personal counseling, crisis support and psychiatric referrals, CAPS-UNMC will begin offering:
- Clinical and social support groups
- Substance use evaluations and counseling and a campus recovery community
- Outreach and education events centered on mental wellness and reducing stigma
- Collaboration with campus prevention, equity and diversity and academic success partners
- Suicide prevention, postvention and education
- 24/7/365 crisis and emergency support by licensed mental health practitioners
- Creation of the Student of Concern Rapid Response Team for immediate response and ongoing case management in student situations needing wrap-around support
- Ongoing program and needs assessment and training so that CAPS can provide intentional, up-to-date services relevant to our diverse campus population.
Some of the areas of concern commonly addressed in counseling include anxiety, depression, loneliness, grief, relationships, life transitions, self-esteem and effects of trauma.
“We work with each student to assess their individual needs and determine the best therapeutic approach for their mental wellness including personal counseling, relationship counseling, substance use counseling and evaluation, support groups and purposeful referrals to campus and community resources,” said Katherine Keiser, interim associate director, CAPS-UNMC. “Counseling needs may change over time, and students will continue to have access to mental health support throughout their academic journey.”
This summer, CAPS-UNMC will move from Bennett Hall to the Student Life Center. For questions or to make an appointment, call 402-559-7276.