Frequently Asked Questions

In general, counseling is a collaborative, confidential process designed to help individuals address their concerns, come to a greater understanding of themselves and learn effective personal and interpersonal coping strategies.

Counseling involves a confidential relationship between you and a trained therapist.

Because counseling often involves sharing sensitive, personal and private information, it may at times feel difficult or challenging. During the course of counseling, you may experience periods of increased anxiety or confusion.

While the level of satisfaction for any individual is not predictable, the outcome of counseling is often positive.

Students use counseling services for a wide variety of concerns, including:

• Managing relationships
• Coping with stress and/or anxiety
• Navigating life transitions
• Addressing depressive symptoms
• Handling a crisis
• Exploring identity 
• Dealing with sexual assault and relationship violence
• Tackling self-esteem and confidence concerns

All currently enrolled undergraduate, graduate and post-baccalaureate Agnes Scott students are eligible for services.

The frequency of counseling sessions depends on the needs of the student. Sessions tend to be every other week and are 45 to 50 minutes long. During the initial care consultation, a CAPS counselor will determine the most appropriate treatment option (short-term, on-campus counseling or referral to off-campus services). On-campus counseling is short-term and often goal-oriented and solution-focused.

On-campus counseling or psychiatric services are available to all Scotties, free of charge. However, due to CAPS' model of care and the large volume of requests for services, on-campus therapists can see a limited number of students. Because of this, we often make referrals to off-campus providers. Students who use their insurance may be responsible for co-pays and deductibles for off-campus mental health services.

Student health visits are also free of charge to all Scotties. However, associated fees or copays may apply you need lab tests or prescriptions. You'll also be responsible for a $25 no-show fee if you miss an appointment.

If you would like to schedule an initial appointment, called a Care Consultation, please email CAPS at CAPS@39680a.com.

If you are a returning student who has completed a Care Consult for the academic year, you can email your counselor directly or send them a secure message through Medicat.

We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. We are closed on weekends and all holidays observed by the college. Please note that the Wellness Center is closed during the summer.

At CAPS, your sessions and records are confidential, but there may be exceptions. Clients and client information may be discussed by staff within CAPS for treatment, administrative, supervisory, and training purposes. Release of information outside of CAPS requires your written permission with the following exceptions:

1. When there is a clear and present danger to you or to others. This includes potential suicide or homicide, as well as abuse of children, elderly or disabled persons.
2. If your are a minor (under 18 years old) or incapacitated, we may release information to a parent or guardian.
3. When a court order is received that orders the release of information.
4. Please note that we are required by law to report all cases of current abuse, abandonment, neglect, or exploitation of a child or vulnerable adult. Past abuse must be reported when any possibility of current danger exists for any child, elderly or disabled person (for example, a child living with the abuser).
5. We may be required to disclose your health information to authorized federal officials who are conducting national security and intelligence activities or providing protective services to the president or other important officials. By law we cannot reveal when we have disclosed such information to the government (for example, the Patriot Act).
6. In the event of a no-show fee for or late cancellation by an Agnes Scott student, information indicating that you were scheduled to receive services at CAPS will be disclosed to your parent or guardian for the purpose of collection. The charge will be posted to your student account as a service fee. No sensitive client data will be disclosed.

CAPS adheres to the American Psychological Association's code of conduct and ethical principles, as well as Georgia state law on this matter. In Georgia, the confidential relations and communications between a licensed mental health clinician and client are the same as those provided by law between attorney and client. However, there are some exceptions to this that are detailed in our informed consent form.

We may involve a student’s parents with the student’s permission when it seems important to treatment. Decisions regarding parental involvement in cases of emergency are decided on a case- by-case basis. Parents/guardians must provide their written consent to allow students under 18 years old to receive counseling.

Dr. Michael Conley is our psychiatrist on staff. He has limited hours and is available by appointment only. A care consultation with a CAPS counselor is required before meeting with Dr. Conley unless you one of his pre-existing clients from the academic year.

There is no charge for these appointments. However, you are responsible for the cost of any medications prescribed. There is also a no-show fee of $100 for psychiatric initial intake appointments. There is a $50 no-show fee for follow-up appointments.

There are some mental health-related services that we are unable to provide — for example, learning disability assessment and long-term psychotherapy. If you need one of these services, we will refer you to therapists in the area. Please be aware that these services generally involve a fee. In some cases, health insurance may cover some of the costs. 

If you are dealing with a mental health emergency, please call the Counselor Support Line at 404.471.7100 and press option 1 to speak with a counselor 24/7.

If you are on campus and experiencing a mental health emergency, please call Public Safety at 404.471.6400.

The following emergency resources are also available:

• GA Crisis and Access Line: 800.715.4225
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800.273.8255
• Trevor Project: 800.488.7386
• Trans Lifeline: 877.565.8860
• Crisis Text Line: 741741
• Day League: 404.377.1428