Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) offers a range of in-person and telehealth professional services to undergraduate and graduate students seeking help with personal concerns. Counseling services are available for all registered UCSC students and are confidential. There is no out-of-pocket fee for CAPS services and UC SHIP or CruzCare is not required to participate in any CAPS services.

We help students with academic and personal stress, anxiety and depression, relationship and family issues, drug and alcohol problems, psychological problems, and crisis situations. Psychiatry services include diagnostic evaluations or prescribing of medication in certain situations. Depending on a student’s needs, a student may be provided with brief individual or couples counseling, group counseling, psychiatric services, crisis intervention, case management services, or a referral for open-ended or long-term therapy off campus.

  • Let’s Talk, a drop in confidential service for consultation, support, and advice
  • Psychoeducational programs and workshops on a variety of mental health topics, such as stress and coping skills, managing anxiety and depression, andtrauma
  • Same-day crisis services (8-5) and after-hours crisis support
  • Campus Mobile Crisis Team (CMCT) a mobile mental health crisis response service for all members of the UCSC community
  • Consultation for staff, faculty, individuals, or family members for assistance in helping students in distress

Information provided to any CAPS professional staff member is confidential within Student Health Services and cannot be released without a student’s permission except in specific circumstances involving risk and safety. All services are aimed at helping students gain greater personal effectiveness and academic success. Professional staff members are available at various locations on campus, including the Student Health Services building, the Porter CAPS Annex, and the colleges.

For more information visit the Counseling and Psychological Services website or call (831) 459-2628.