New staff, outreach efforts expand accessibility of CAPS services

As part of a campuswide investment in well-being, Counseling and Psychological Services is increasing accessibility to mental health resources available to Purdue students.

In conjunction with support from the Action Council on Student Housing and Wellbeing, founded by Purdue President Mung Chiang, CAPS has increased staff in many areas. The new staff members improve CAPS’ staff-to-student ratio to those recommended by the International Accreditation of Counseling Services. Over the past three years, CAPS has doubled the size of its high-risk team and added a psychiatric provider and nurse as part of its expanded staffing capacity. 

CAPS has also added specialized coordinator positions, including staff who concentrate in dialectical behavioral therapy and therapy for students with eating disorders. Positions such as these help CAPS to better serve the specific and diverse needs of Purdue students while continuing to maintain same-day and next-day access for any student seeking services.

“We have received support to grow and serve students better,” says Chris Hanes, director of CAPS. “More students are coming in with different types of needs. We’re creating multiple, flexible and accessible ways for students to connect with us and match services to student needs.”

The increased staffing is part of CAPS’ efforts to enhance its services over the last several years, which also include new flexible and accessible services and expanded campus-based prevention programming and partnerships. These expansive efforts include the ability to provide culturally inclusive care in languages other than English and partnerships with cultural centers on campus.

CAPS continues to offer same-day/next-day services for any student seeking care, with no predefined session limits, and most services are free. Treatment services are brief and based on need. CAPS also offers 24/7 access to crisis services; call their main line at 765-494-6995.

Purdue Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is a team of mental health professionals who deliver accessible, culturally competent and high-quality psychological services to Purdue students. CAPS helps Purdue students maximize the value of their life experiences by developing collaborative relationships in a safe and respectful environment. CAPS’ portfolio of professional services includes individual, group and couples psychotherapy; psychopharmacology; crisis intervention; drug and alcohol programs; outreach and consultation; and the training of helping professionals.