Today’s students face a barrage of challenges when entering college. On their own for the first time, many enter this new phase of campus life with little emotional support.

Counseling and Psychological Service (CAPS) aims to give students a safe space to turn to in crisis. A recent initiative plans to have the phone number for CAPS printed on Student ID cards students will have easier access to help when they need it.

This new initiative was inaugurated by Director of Wellness Affairs for ASOSU, Madison Rae Gerber after attending an Annual Conference for Active Minds. Active Minds is a national organization which has a chapter here on campus. It is run by a group of dedicated students and is sponsored by CAPS. Their goal is to change to the conversation about mental health.

Positive psychology is the undercurrent of what CAPS stands for, and their goal is to help students flourish. Their four main initiatives are Suicide Prevention and Risk Reduction, Mindfulness, Stress Management, and Sexual Assault Support.  

Bonnie Hemrick Mental Health Promotions Coordinator of CAPS said that the main issues that most students face are stress, depression, relationship issues and school stress.

“We want to ensure students have the ability to talk to someone about their concerns,” said Henrick.

The Counseling and Psychological Services number offers 24 hour  assistance to any student who needs emotional support. The hope is that by having the CAPS hotline printed on something students have regularly in their possession, they will be more likely to reach out when they are faced with an emergency.

“We’re trying to capitalize on the very short amount of time that we have when people are suicidal, but they’re seeking help,” said Henrick. “So if we can actually reach them during that small period of time we have a much better chance of being able to save their lives.”

The CAPS office is located on the 5th floor of Snell Hall which is on Jefferson Way.