Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University
Eastern Michigan University
Banner

Information for Parents

Introduction

Welcome to our CAPS Parents web page. Our goal is to provide you with information about issues, concerns, and other important information that will assist you in supporting your daughter or son while they are a student at Eastern Michigan University.

CAPS is located in the Snow Health Center. We offer a variety of personal short-term counseling, crisis intervention, workshop, and consultation services to EMU students.

Our Staff

CAPS staff are experienced mental health professionals. In addition to our professional staff, graduate students from the departments of Psychology, Social Work, and Leadership and Counseling are also available to work with clients.

Eligibility

Eligibility for our services extends to currently enrolled EMU students.

Confidentiality

For the person seeking psychological therapy, privacy is vital for a successful counseling experience. As a parent, it is understandable that you would want to know about the services that your son or daughter might be receiving at CAPS. However, confidentiality in the mental health arena is a professionally and legally complex issue. Treating information confidentially means not releasing it to anyone outside of CAPS without written consent, including parents. Our staff keenly recognizes that this may be difficult for some parents; however we are legally and ethically required to maintain these standards of confidentiality. What may be helpful to know is that in many instances, students are more than willing to sign a release of information that would allow the therapist to discuss their situation or concerns with their parents.

However, for any number of personal reasons, there are students who are not willing to sign a release of information. In these cases, we cannot release information without our client’s permission, unless we determine that the student is a danger to self or others, in situations involving child or adult abuse or neglect, court orders or the subpoena of records.

How much does counseling cost?

No fees are charged for therapy services. Students seeking medication at Snow Health Center will have expenses for office visits and medications.

How does my child make an appointment?

To schedule a first appointment, they will need to come into our office at 313 Snow Health Center, between the hours of 8:00-5:00 Monday-Friday, or call 734.487.1118. The first appointment will be scheduled for an hour and a half, so they can complete paperwork and meet with a counselor. When they meet with a counselor they will be asked questions to clarify their current situation and past history. The counselor will discuss treatment options with them. We will make every effort to see that they receive the best available care, whether it is on or off campus.

What can I do if I suspect that my daughter or son could benefit from professional help and support?

It might be helpful to say something like "You don't seem to be yourself lately and I’m worried about you. Have you thought about going to talk to someone about your concerns? I think it would be really good for you to talk with an objective person who can help you sort out whatever is bothering you. Will you go to Counseling and Psychological Services and make an appointment?"

Does Counseling and Psychological Services provide walk-in services?

Yes. Emergency consultation and crisis counseling are available to students in person or by telephone. If a student is dealing with an urgent situation or crisis during regular business hours, they can come into the office and request to be seen by a counselor as soon as possible. Students needing an emergency appointment should arrive no later than 4pm so we have time to help them.

After 5:00 p.m. and on the weekends, the following resources are available:

  • Call 911
  • Go to the local emergency room
    • St. Joseph Mercy Hospital: 734.712.5637
    • Psychiatric Emergency Services, University of Michigan Hospital: 734.996.4747
  • Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK

Can I talk to a counselor at Counseling and Psychological Services?

Yes. One of our Senior Staff will talk to you about concerns regarding your son or daughter. However, remember that once the student is receiving our services, counselors can only talk with you in general terms unless we have written consent from the student.

My son is a first-year student and is coming to EMU already diagnosed with a depression and needs medication monitoring. Where does he go?

Your son can call EMU University Health Services at 734.487.1122, and ask to make an appointment with a medical doctor. It may take a while for a student to connect to psychiatric services or medication management, so it is important that he comes to EMU with enough medication to last until he can receive services.

Additional Resources