Counseling Services

Students seek individual counseling for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to:

• Relationship concerns
• Stress
• Chronic mental health issues
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Homesickness
• Grief and loss

Students who schedule an intake session with CAPS will meet individually with a staff therapist to determine the services which will best suit their needs.

Counseling sessions may be spaced out across the academic year or be scheduled regularly for as long as the support is needed.  We will also facilitate referrals to practitioners in the community when it is appropriate and/or upon request.

To read more about our scope of service please click here SMCM Scope of Service 3.14.19.

We are unable to provide psychological assessments for emotional support animals/comfort animals, housing accommodations, and academic accommodations.  We will facilitate a referral to practitioners in the community who can provide these services and encourage students to utilize home providers when appropriate.

Couples counseling is also offered. At least one partner must be a full-time registered SMCM student. Similar to individual counseling, relationship counseling also follows our short-term approach. If the couple requires on-going or longer term treatment, we will facilitate referrals to practitioners in the community.

Group Therapy is intended for students to gain peer support in dealing with personal or interpersonal challenges. It can be especially effective for people interested in exploring their interpersonal style and enhancing their approach to relationships in such areas as trust, intimacy, anger, conflict, assertiveness, taking risks, or improving self-esteem.
One of the most important aspects of Group Therapy is the trust that is built between members. Each member must be prepared to make a commitment of confidentiality and respect for each of their fellow members. Depending on the group, some other commitments might include agreeing to come for a minimum number of sessions, coming to every group meeting or calling if you have to miss a group. As in any relationship, the development of trust, cohesion, and a sense of safety allows people to talk personally and honestly. Group offerings change throughout the academic year. Check out our Groups page for information regarding our current groups.

St. Mary’s College has a psychiatrist available for eligible students 6 hours a week during the academic year. Students are referred to the psychiatrist through CAPS staff only. In order to continue utilizing psychiatric services a student must continue therapy with a counselor in the center no less than two times a semester or as determined in consultation with the psychiatrist.

CAPS staff are available to students, families, faculty, and staff who may be concerned about a student, friend or loved one. CAPS is bound by limits of confidentiality when participating in consultations.

CAPS will facilitate referrals to practitioners in the community when it is appropriate and/or upon request.

A variety of outreach programming and workshops are offered to the campus community. Trainings are typically requested by residence halls, student groups, and student leaders. Upon request, we can plan specific presentations of interest to particular organizations or individuals. We invite you to contact us at (240) 895-4289 for information and to discuss the needs of your group. We are also available as trainers for campus activities such as new-student orientation, staff and faculty development programs, and as guest lecturers in the classroom.

The Advocate is a confidential resource for student affected by any unwanted sexual experience or form of interpersonal violence. The Advocate provides support and referrals to on-campus resources including:

• Counseling and Psychological Services
• Filing a report with the college
• Housing assistance
• Academic support

The Advocate provides support and referrals for any other survivor services and resources, both on and off campus.

The Advocate supervises the Sexual Misconduct Advocacy and Resource Team (SMART) and works with them to provide education and outreach programming to aid in the campus’ efforts to prevent sexual violence. Learn more about Advocacy Services here.

MySSP provides immediate 24/7 counseling support, crisis intervention, and referral to other services. My SSP can help you anytime with adapting to new challenges, being successful at school, stress and worry of daily life, relationship concerns, sadness and loneliness, uncertainty and much more. Students have access to texting and phone support from licensed clinicians through the MySSP app available to download for free on your smart phone.
MySSP Helpline: 1-866-743-7732

The My SSP app provides free access to a variety of wellbeing resources:
• Articles
• Assessments
• Podcasts
• Videos
• Virtual fitness sessions
• 24/7 real-time phone and chat support
• Multilingual support available
• Match with a professional counselor
• Short-term phone and video support by appointment