• Seton Hall University
• Counseling and Psychological Services

Why do I fill out an intake form?
When you arrive for your intake, we will ask you to fill out an intake form. This form asks background information that is helpful to your counselor. No one outside of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) has access to this information without your written permission.

How does counseling work?
Counseling is not something that is done to you, nor will your counselor tell you what to do. Working with a counselor can be hard work but counseling provides an opportunity for you to learn more about yourself. University Counselors can use different forms of therapy, like relaxation or meditation, as well as more traditional forms of counseling. Remember, the more you put into your counseling sessions, the more you get out of them.

Who finds out about these sessions?
Your visits to CAPS are confidential. No one outside of our office finds out information that you have revealed to your counselor—or even knows that you had an appointment. Visits are not a part of your official college record. Any exceptions to this rule are listed on the Client Informed Consent form.

Suppose I have to cancel an appointment?
If you do, please let us know when you know! By canceling an appointment in advance, you will allow us to utilize the time to provide counseling services to another student. Also, please remember to arrive on time for your appointment.

How long are the sessions?
Typically, the sessions run 45-50 minutes for individual counseling and group counseling sessions.

How often will I be seen?
Group counseling occurs weekly. Frequency of individual counseling sessions varies according to need and availability.

How much does counseling cost?
Services are free to all eligible SHU students.

How long will I be in counseling?
Counseling and Psychological Services provides only short-term individual counseling. The exact number of sessions is determined by the counselor and student following an intake assessment. Most students complete individual counseling in less than six sessions. When a student requires longer term treatment, the staff at CAPS will work with the student to locate a provider off-campus. Students may obtain longer term counseling by participating in a counseling group when referred by a staff member.

Suppose I don't feel comfortable with my counselor?
If this happens, please discuss this in your session. The issue may be resolved during the session or your counselor can help you switch to a different counselor.

Who are my counselors?
All of our counselors are graduate-level mental health professionals and master's and doctoral level students working under the supervision of a professional staff member.

Are there virtual options that fit my schedule?
Yes, CAPS has partnered with Uwill, the leading student mental health and wellness solution, which offers students free immediate access to teletherapy and wellness programming through its easy-to-use online platform. This allows students to meet with mental health professionals virtually that fits their schedule outside of normal office hours.

Suppose I have a psychological crisis?
During regular office hours, Monday-Friday 8:45 a.m.- 4:45 p.m., call 973-761-9500 or drop-in to CAPS in Mooney Hall Room 27 to speak with an on-call counselor. Do not use e-mail in an emergency situation. 

Students with an urgent need to speak with a counselor may also choose to contact the SHU 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 973-275-Help (4357). This service is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

After hours:
After Hours and on weekends, students experiencing a psychological emergency should call CAPS at 973-761-9500 or the SHU 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 973-275-Help (4357) to speak immediately with a trained mental health counselor.

If you are having serious thoughts of killing yourself or hurting someone else go to the nearest Emergency Room or call 911.

Does anyone care what I think?
Everyone at CAPS does! Your opinion matters a lot to us. During a three-week period at the end of the Spring semester we will ask you to provide us with feedback anonymously through our Client Satisfaction Survey. Please feel free to share your thoughts about how we may improve services to you at any other time as well by talking to your counselor or to any of the staff.