CAPS to transition to new care model

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — In response to student concerns about timely access to service, Purdue University’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) will implement a new model of care at the beginning of the spring 2020 semester. The new care model is being implemented in response to consistent increased demand for CAPS services, which have risen by 22% since 2016.

CAPS’ new model of care is based on an approach where treatment intensity is determined by the level of client distress, clinical need and readiness to engage actively in the growth process – decisions that are made collaboratively between provider and client. This model has been successful in the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom.

The approach begins with a 15-minute rapid screening phone consultation scheduled within 1-3 days of a student’s initial contact with CAPS. The phone appointment will replace the previous in-person initial assessment, or IA. This new approach allows the student quicker access to a clinician who will assess the nature and urgency of a student’s concern and identify the appropriate clinical recommendation best for the student. If the student is experiencing an emergency, immediate care remains available.

“The change will provide intervention that is more tailored to each individual and is designed to meet a larger demand,” said Susan Prieto-Welch, CAPS director. “The goal is to meet and match the level of readiness and need from the student as assessed during the phone call.”

During the scheduled call, students will be invited to talk about their situation with a clinician who will make appropriate treatment recommendations. Options for next steps may include referral to campus resources, group counseling, workshops, assessments, short- to mid-term counseling at CAPS and, in some cases, referrals to community agencies and resources.

Community resources can provide long-term, ongoing individual treatment, intensive outpatient or partial hospitalization services, hospitalization and inpatient treatment and more. In cases where an external resource is determined to be the best fit for the student, CAPS will work directly with the student to identify and recommend providers, taking into consideration factors such as the student’s insurance and the type of service needed.

Students seeking medication or medication consultation should follow the new process and will be referred as appropriate.

The new model of care is consistent with Steps to Leaps, a collaborative, campus-wide effort to foster lifelong habits and promote a growth mindset in areas of well-being, leadership, impact, network building and grit.

For more information on CAPS, visit purdue.edu/caps/.

Media contact: Tim Doty, 765-494-2080, doty2@purdue.edu

Writer: Matt Vader, 765-496-3572, mvader@purdue.edu

Sources: Susan Prieto-Welch, slprieto-welch@purdue.edu; and Kyle Kittleson, kkittles@purdue.edu