Psychological Services at Kent State University is enhancing its mental health services, and, in the process, is changing its name to better reflect its scope of practice.
Unveiling Counseling and Psychological Services – or CAPS – comes at a time when, over the summer, the Division of Student Affairs underwent a reorganization process. According to the Director, Counseling and Psychological Services, Dr. Pamela Farer-Singleton, it signaled the right time to make a change. “With Psychological Services reporting to [Dean of Students] Dr. Talea Drummer-Ferrell, this was a good time and opportunity to establish a new identity and increase visibility for our office,” she said.
Farer-Singleton also pointed to the fact that mental health is now more important than ever, which factored into the name change. “In an effort to enhance mental health services [on campus], it is crucial that the department be visible, discernible and accessible to the university community,” she said. Drummer-Ferrell agreed. “The title ‘Psychological Services’ is hard to distinguish from an academic department and does not fully convey the resources provided by our clinicians,” she said. “By adding counseling to the title, it depicts a more accurate picture of the services and helps as people search for resources.”
The updated department name will also signal the beginning of a partnership with IMPACT Student Assistance Program, who will assist CAPS in an expanded capacity by providing additional counseling support to students, including an after hours line. “We will now be able to provide teleservice support to our out-of-state students and other students in an effort to minimize wait lists,” said Drummer-Ferrell. “This is an exciting initiative to provide this service, and I know it will have a positive impact on our students, especially during such a critical time!”
CAPS Services include:
TELEPSYCHOLOGY
CAPS counselors and psychologists offer telepsychology via phone and/or video. While walk-in services are currently unavailable in an effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19, crisis intervention, counseling, assessment and consultation services are provided through telepsychology. The clinical staff in CAPS will complete an initial assessment for students requesting services, and will guide students to services based on their needs.
Students on the Kent Campus can call 330-672-2487 if they are interested in seeking services or want to consult with a mental health professional. Office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. As usual, students on the regional campuses may contact the mental health providers on their campuses for mental health services. Students have six sessions that are covered in a year.
VIRTUAL GROUPS
Free virtual groups are offered to students via Microsoft Teams. Students may register for groups here.
Anxiety and Stress during COVID-19: Tuesdays, 4 – 5 p.m.
Art of Coping: Building Emotional Resilience: Wednesdays, 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
AFTER HOURS CARE
When students call into the Counseling and Psychological Services main line at (330) 672-2487 after hours, over the weekends, or during holiday breaks, students will have access to opt-in to our after hours care services. Students will be able to choose to speak with a licensed counselor from Impact Solutions. This service will be available across all eight campuses through each campuses’ mental health provider area.
ONLINE MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING
A free, confidential, online mental health screening is available 24-hours a day throughout the year. Upon completion of the screening, participants are provided with feedback, referrals, and resources for mental health treatment if appropriate. The online screening can be accessed here.
As always, if you or someone you know is in imminent danger, and/or you need medical attention, you should dial 9-1-1 for immediate help.
For more information on Counseling and Psychological Services, please visit https://www.kent.edu/CAPS