Counseling & Psychological Services

Students seek individual counseling for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to:

• Relationship concerns
• Stress
• Chronic mental health issues
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Homesickness
• Grief and loss
• Students who schedule an intake session for CAPS will meet individually with a staff therapist to determine the services which will best suit their needs.

Counseling sessions may be spaced out across the academic year.  We will also facilitate referrals to practitioners in the community when it is appropriate and/or upon request.

We are unable to provide psychological assessments for emotional support animals/comfort animals, housing accommodations, and academic accommodations.  We will facilitate a referral to practitioners in the community who can provide these services and encourage students to utilize home providers when appropriate.

Couples counseling is also offered. At least one partner must be a full-time registered SMCM student. Similar to individual counseling, relationship counseling also follows our short-term approach. If the couple requires on-going or longer term treatment, we will facilitate referrals to practitioners in the community.

Group Therapy is intended for students to gain peer support in dealing with personal or interpersonal challenges. It can be especially effective for people interested in exploring their interpersonal style and enhancing their approach to relationships in such areas as trust, intimacy, anger, conflict, assertiveness, taking risks, or improving self-esteem.
One of the most important aspects of Group Therapy is the trust that is built between members. Each member must be prepared to make a commitment of confidentiality and respect for each of their fellow members. Depending on the group, some other commitments might include agreeing to come for a minimum number of sessions, coming to every group meeting or calling if you have to miss a group. As in any relationship, the development of trust, cohesion, and a sense of safety allows people to talk personally and honestly. Group offerings change throughout the academic year.

A licensed psychiatric nurse practitioner is available for eligible students 8 hours a week during the academic year. Students are referred to the psychiatrist through CAPS staff only. In order to continue utilizing psychiatric services a student must continue therapy with a counselor in the center no less than two times a semester or as determined in consultation with the psychiatrist. Students must be over the age of 18 to meet with the psychiatric nurse practitioner. Resources are available for those who are not eligible due to age. Students are also eligible for psychiatric services if currently enrolled with an off campus therapist and continued care is coordinated between both providers via a signed release of information. At this time our psychiatric nurse practitioner does not prescribe controlled prescribed medications. For referrals to off-campus providers who prescribe controlled medications please visit our Off-Campus Resource tab on our website or schedule an appointment with our case manager by completing the case manager referral form at:

• Case Manager Referral Form

CAPS staff are available to students, families, faculty, and staff who may be concerned about a student, friend or loved one. CAPS is bound by limits of confidentiality when participating in consultations.

CAPS will facilitate referrals to practitioners in the community when it is appropriate and/or upon request.

A variety of outreach programming and workshops are offered to the campus community. Trainings are typically requested by residence halls, student groups, and student leaders. Upon request, we can plan specific presentations of interest to particular organizations or individuals. We invite you to contact us at (240) 895-2159 for information and to discuss the needs of your group. We request at least a two week notice for all requested programs and workshops. We are also available as trainers for campus activities such as new-student orientation, staff and faculty development programs, Mental Health First Aid Adult, and as guest lecturers in the classroom.

In partnership with Southern Maryland Center for Family Advocacy

-24/7 Response to survivors via the crisis hotline at 240-925-0084
or contact the on-call advocate through Public Safety (240) 895-4911

-Transportation and support for SAFE hospital exam (& follow up)

-Accompaniment and support for Title IX cases and off-campus criminal cases

-Emotional support and help navigating services on and off campus

Case Management services are offered to students through The Wellness Center. If students are interested, they may contact Counseling and Psychological Services at 240-895-2159, Monday-Friday from 8:00 am-5:00 pm to make an appointment or complete the Case Management Referral Form . Students will be seen for a variety of short-term intervention services to include advocacy, support, and referrals to community partners on and off campus. A referral may be submitted if the student is not in an immediate crisis or the reason for referral is not specifically a mental health issue.