Welcome Students!
We hope this section provides you with useful information about how to help yourself and your friends. Being a student at UCSD can be both exciting and stressful. It can be challenging to juggle the demands of classes on the quarter system, friends, family, and work.
CAPS has a wide array of resources that can help you to excel in your academic and personal lives. As a UCSD student, you know that the right resources can make a big difference in everything that you do. We are here to help you be healthy in mind and body. Check out our recommendations for useful books, participate in a workshop or group, talk to one of our counselors, or sign up to get hands-on experience as a peer educator .
CAPS Services for Students
- Contact Information
- 858-534-3755, FAX 858-534-2628
Galbraith Hall 190
Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:30pm
Crisis Counseling and Consultations (after hours): 858-534-3755, Option 2 - Individual Counseling
- CAPS provides short-term individual counseling for registered UCSD students. If your student comes for counseling, they will be assessed in the first meeting, and a treatment plan will be discussed with him or her. This plan may include individual counseling and/or a group at CAPS. For some students, long-term therapy may be recommended. For these students, we offer referral services to psychologists and psychiatrists in the San Diego community. If your student has SHIP insurance alone, the student can be referred by us to an outside provider. This involves completing official referral paperwork that is submitted to the insurance company. If you have other coverage, students must abide by the referral process for that insurer. If your student is double-covered (e.g., SHIP and another insurance plan), the non-SHIP insurance plan will be the primary insurance for referrals.
- Group Counseling
- CAPS is proud to offer over 20 unique groups, workshops, and forums each quarter. Groups range from traditional psychotherapy groups, to psychoeducational workshops, and drop-in forums. Recent groups have included the Building Social Confidence Group, Stress Management Workshop, and the Asian American Community Forum. Unlike individual counseling, students can come to as many group sessions as needed.
- Referrals
- CAPS provides referral services for students who are referred to outside providers. Reasons for referrals to outside providers include: need for treatment at a rate that would exceed our short-term service model, or a referral to a specialist for particular conditions. For students with SHIP insurance only, CAPS and Student Health Service administers the paperwork required for referrals. For students without SHIP or are double-covered with another insurance plan, they must comply with referral procedures required by the non-SHIP insurer. CAPS staff will assist in matching the student with a provider who can best meet their treatment goals. If you have any questions about our referral process, please contact our Central Office at (858) 534-3755.
- Consultations
- CAPS provides consultation to students who have general mental health questions or concerns about a fellow student or friend. We will provide as much assistance as possible. Due to confidentiality laws, however, we may not be able to provide information about your friend if she or he is utilizing our services. For more information about confidentiality limitations, click on the FAQ & Confidentiality tab, or call our Central Office to speak with one of our psychologists at (858) 534-3755.
- Referring friends to CAPS
- If you would like to refer your student to CAPS, please have him or her contact our offices at (858) 534-3755 to make an appointment. If the matter is urgent and your student must be seen immediately, she or he can come to our Urgent Care services at our Central Offices at Galbraith Hall 190.
- Emergencies
- If you have an urgent matter, please call our offices at (858) 534-3755 to speak with our Urgent Care psychologist for consultation. If you or your student has a life-threatening emergency, please take her/him to the nearest emergency room or call 911. For more information on Emergency and Crisis services at CAPS, please visit our Emergency page.
- Outreach
- CAPS staff provide presentations and trainings to student groups, residence halls, and organizations. Topics include stres management, assisting distressed students, and many others. For more information, visit our Outreach page.
Graduate Student Services
Welcome Graduate and Professional Students! CAPS realizes how busy our graduate and professional students are and we offer a variety of resources to help you manage your multiple demands. Mort Silverman, senior adviser at the National Suicide Prevention Technical Resource Center in Newtown, Massachusetts, indicates that graduate school -- with its competitive climate, relative seclusion in the lab or library, myriad of financial concerns, and constant worries about future employment--is rife with potential psycho-social triggers (US News & World Report, 2005).*
CAPS offers the following services specifically for graduate and profesional students navigate through these challenges. Graduate and professional students who have paid current UCSD registration fees are eligible for services. Below is a list of our offerings.
- Individual Counseling
- CAPS provides confidential, short-term individual counseling for registered UCSD graduate and professional students, including departments within the Office of Graduate Studies (OGS), Scripps Institution of Oceanography, School of Medicine, Skaggs School of Pharmacy, and Rady School of Business. Please visit our Services page for more detailed information about individual counseling services, appointments, and counseling process. To make an appointment, please call our Central Office at 858-534-3755.
- Group & Workshops
- CAPS is proud to offer over 20 unique groups, workshops, and forums each quarter. Groups range from traditional psychotherapy groups, to psychoeducational workshops, and drop-in forums. Visit our Groups page for detailed information. Groups and workshops specifically for graduate students include:
- Graduate Student Support Group
- Graduate Student Support Group. One of CAPS' most popular support groups. Meet fellow graduate students for support, feedback, and information. Runs all academic year. Do you ever feel overwhelmed? Wonder how you can balance all the demands in your life? Concerned about relationships with your roommates, colleagues or advisors? Wonder if you can make a love relationship work? Then come to this support group designed to help you live successfully as a graduate student at UCSD. You have invested years of work and study to reach your goals, why not invest a short time each week to help you function at your best? Contact Dr. Christina Lambert or Dr. Elise Curry at 858-534-3755 for more information.
- Questioning Career Workshop for PhD Students
- Questioning Career Workshop for PhD Students. A five-session series, aims to help Ph.D. students work through questions about continuing an academic career track, discern types of work and environment that match individual skills and personality, identify transferable skills developed as a Ph.D. student, and examine values, priorities, alternatives, and goals for career next steps. Leader: Christina Lambert, Ph.D. and Joe Cribari (Career Services). Please call Career Services to sign up (858-534-3750).
- Graduate Women in Science & Engineering Forum (WISE)
- Graduate Women in Science & Engineering Forum (WISE). A support group for women in the science fields where women are underrepresented. Discussion topics are selected by group members. This group will facilitate the development of: 1) a sense of community where each person enjoys a feeling of belonging, 2) support toward the attainment of goals, 3) self-empowerment in creating and maintaining visions for one’s personal and professional lif. Contact Dr. Judy Goodman Fermin at 858-534-3755 for more information.
- International Summit
- International Summit for Graduate Students. Come to meet with other international graduate students. This is an opportunity to network, share survival tips & relax in a friendly atmosphere. Meets at the International Center. Contact Dr. Rina Schul at 858-534-3755 for more information.
- Referrals
- CAPS provides referral services for students who are referred to outside providers. Reasons for referrals to outside providers include: need for treatment at a rate that would exceed our short-term service model, or a referral to a specialist for particular conditions. For students with SHIP insurance only, CAPS and Student Health Service administers the paperwork required for referrals. For students without SHIP or are double-covered with another insurance plan, they must comply with referral procedures required by the non-SHIP insurer. CAPS staff will assist in matching the student with a provider who can best meet their treatment goals. If you have any questions about our referral process, please contact our Central Office at (858) 534-3755.
- Consultations
- CAPS provides consultation to students who have general mental health questions or concerns about afellow student or friend. We will provide as much assistance as possible. Due to confidentiality laws, however, we may not be able to provide information about your friend if she or he is utilizing our services. For more information about confidentiality limitations, click on the FAQ & Confidentiality tab, or call our Central Office to speak with one of our psychologists at (858) 534-3755.
- Outreach
- CAPS staff provide presentations and trainings to graduate departments, including students, faculty, and staff. CAPS also provides training to College Writing Program staff and instructors (many of whom are graduate students). Topics include Red Folder Training, assisting distressed students, and many others. For more information, visit our Outreach page.
Graduate & Professional Student FAQs
*US News and World Report, April 11, 2005 Contents under pressure, by Carolyn Kleiner Butler.
Services for International Students
The staff at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) welcomes the international students to UCSD! We offer help and support in adjusting to this campus and the American culture. We are available to meet with students individually, as couples or in group settings. The following are services we offer to our international students:
- Liaison to Int'l Ctr
- Dr. Rina Schul is our liaison to the International Center and works with many international students in counseling and in her groups/workshops. Visit our Staff page for more information on Dr. Schul and our staff. To contact Dr. Schul, please call 858-534-3755.
- Individual Counseling
- CAPS provides confidential, short-term individual counseling for international students who have paid the UCSD registration fees. Our Staff are generalists and can provide services to all students. Please visit our Services page for more detailed information about individual counseling services, appointments, and counseling process. To make an appointment, please call our Central Office at 858-534-3755.
- Int'l Discussion Groups
- Int'l Student Discussion Groups & Workshops. International (and non-international) students can join in weekly conversations or workshops during the International Café over a delicious meal (provided for free to participants!). Visit our Groups page for detailed information. Groups and workshops specifically for international students include:
- Students Beyond Borders
Fall Quarter - The topics of discussion for "Students Beyond Borders" are chosen to reflect some of the specific challenges that international students may face (e.g., the effect of having difficulty with English, or how to make friends in a foreign culture), as well as other topics that are relevant to the general student population (e.g., how to deal with stress, or how to balance school and fun time). We hope to make our meetings a place where you can make new friends and get new ideas about how to maximize your experience at UCSD. These meetings are typically for undergraduate student, but graduate students can also join.
- Steps to Success
Winter Quarter - "Steps to Success" is a 4-session workshop designed to address the needs of international students who have academic difficulties. The discussion topics include identifying some of the obstacles to academic success, improving time management and study skills, dealing with stress, and understanding the social norms that would make your academic life more successful. This workshop is designed for undergraduate students.
- International Summit
Spring Quarter - "International Summit" provides a safe and inviting space for international graduate students to talk openly about some of the specific challenges they might be facing in their graduate school career. Some of the topics that were discussed in previous years include how to manage your relationship with your advisor, how to network, or your career plans.
- Students Beyond Borders
- Referrals
- CAPS provides referral services for students who are referred to outside providers. Reasons for referrals to outside providers include: need for treatment at a rate that would exceed our short-term service model, or a referral to a specialist for particular conditions. For students with SHIP insurance only, CAPS and Student Health Service administers the paperwork required for referrals. For students without SHIP or are double-covered with another insurance plan, they must comply with referral procedures required by the non-SHIP insurer. CAPS staff will assist in matching the student with a provider who can best meet their treatment goals. If you have any questions about our referral process, please contact our Central Office at (858) 534-3755.
- Consultations
- CAPS provides consultation to students who have general mental health questions or concerns about afellow student or friend. We will provide as much assistance as possible. Due to confidentiality laws, however, we may not be able to provide information about your friend if she or he is utilizing our services. For more information about confidentiality limitations, click on the FAQ & Confidentiality tab, or call our Central Office to speak with one of our psychologists at (858) 534-3755.
- Outreach
- CAPS staff provide presentations and trainings to graduate departments, including students, faculty, and staff. CAPS also provides training to College Writing Program staff and instructors (many of whom are graduate students). Topics include Red Folder Training, assisting distressed students, and many others. For more information, visit our Outreach page.
Mental Health Resources for UCSD Veterans
Welcome student veterans and student veteran allies. We hope this section provides you with useful information about how to help yourself and your fellow veterans. In addition to the services CAPS provides to all students, this page is designed to give you useful information on mental health resources for the UC San Diego student veteran. The list on this page, shows other mental health services available in the San Diego area.
We support your service to our country and welcome you as part of our UCSD community. We want to serve you as you have served us. If you have any questions about student veteran mental health issues, Dr. Jerry Phelps, our veteran services liaison, at (858) 534-5989.
The following is a list of CAPS, VA, and community services for UCSD veterans:
- CAPS Services
- Counseling, Group, and Crisis services for all UCSD student veterans.
- UCSD Veteran Resources
- Official UCSD site for veteran resources
- UCSD Veterans Benefits
- Financial Aid available for veterans.
- UCSD VA
- Supporting veterans in the UCSD Community.
- Veterans Affairs
- The official San Diego Veterans Administration website.
- San Diego Veterans Administration (VA) Mental Health Services
- La Jolla - (858) 552-8585 and Mission Valley - (619) 400-5108
- Veterans are eligible for no cost services up to 5 years after discharge. After 5 years, charges will be billed to insurance unless they are service connected. If veterans have not enrolled in the VA, have them contact member services at (858) 552-7523 to schedule an appointment. Or, veterans can walk-in to member services at either La Jolla or Mission Valley VA. To enroll, please complete the Application for Health Care Benefits. Print and complete the form and bring the form to our Member Services Office, located on the first floor of the medical center near the main lobby. When you come to enroll, please bring the following items:
- a copy of your DD214, "Armed Forces Report of Transfer or Discharge"
- a copy of both sides of your current insurance card (including Medicare or Medicaid)
- Purple Heart recipients only: a copy of your award letter if "Purple Heart" isn’t noted on your DD214
- Courage to Call
- Courage to Call is dedicated to helping current and former service members, including those who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. This dedication extends to military families and loved ones. All Courage to Call staff have been in the military or have been military family members. They have firsthand knowledge of the rigors of the military and military family life, constant deployments and transitioning out of the military. They are dedicated to helping veterans and their loved ones get the services and assistance they need and deserve. They can help you find supportive information, access and referrals throughout the San Diego County
- Same Day Mental Health Clinic
- Veterans can walk-in and be seen the same day at the La Jolla VAMC on the second floor, north wing (2N). La Jolla: Contact Lakemba Hinton, MS. (858) 642-3723. Veterans will be seen by mental health professionals (psychologists, social workers, nurses, pharmacists, and/or psychiatrists). Open M-F 8am -3pm. Accommodates 4 intakes per day. Arrive between 7:15 and 8:00 am and allow 2-4 hours to complete the full mental health intake.
- Alcohol and Drug Treatment Program (ADTP)
- For More Information Call ADTP (858) 552-7560. There are several ADTP programs. You need to be referred by your primary care provider or you can self-refer by reporting to the VA Medical Center (La Jolla) Urgent Care Center.
- Family & Friends Support Program
- This program is for family and friends of the veteran, as alcoholism and drug addiction can affect everyone around him/her.
- OEF/OIF Care Management
- OEF/OIF (Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan)/ Operation Iraqi Freedom (Iraq)) veterans can receive social work assistance and referrals to resources for a variety of life issues. Simply give them a call. In La Jolla call Anthony Matthews, MSW (858) 642-3615 and Mission Valley, Chula Vista, Imperial Valley call Michael Peppler, MSW (619) 400-5271.
- PTSD OEF/OIF
- Mission Valley: 8810 Rio San Diego Drive, Second Floor, San Diego, CA (619) 400-5199.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder care for Veterans
- VA San Diego Healthcare System provides comprehensive Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) treatment for Veterans, including screening, evaluation, and treatment. In addition to clinical care, our Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH) conducts extensive research on PTSD and treatments. VA San Diego also works closely with the three Vet Centers who provide readjustment counseling for Veterans and family. If you have any questions and need assistance, please contact your primary care provider.
- PTSD Care for Veterans, Military, and Families
-
- All VA Medical Centers provide PTSD care, as well as many VA clinics.
- Find a VA PTSD Program or a Vet Center near you.
- Call the 24/7 Veteran Combat Call Center: call 1-877-927-8387 (WAR-VETS) to talk to another combat Veteran.
- DoD Outreach Center for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury: Call 1-866-966-1020 or email resources@dcoeoutreach.org
- Military OneSource: call 24/7 for counseling and many resources 1-800-342-9647.
Veterans Crisis Services
Veterans Affairs and Community Resources
- A copy of your DD214, "Armed Forces Report of Transfer or Discharge."
- A copy of both sides of your current insurance card (including Medicare or Medicaid).
- Purple Heart recipients only: a copy of your award letter if "Purple Heart" isn’t noted on your DD214.
- All VA Medical Centers provide PTSD care, as well as many VA clinics.
- Find a VA PTSD Program or a Vet Center near you
- Call the 24/7 Veteran Combat Call Center 1-877-927-8387 (WAR-VETS) to talk to another combat Veteran
- DoD Outreach Center for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury. Call 1-866-966-1020 or email resources@dcoeoutreach.org.
- Military OneSource. Call 24/7 for counseling and many resources 1-800-342-9647.
Disability and Financial Assistance
- American Legion (858) 642-6452
- American Veterans (AMVETS) (858) 642-6453
- Disabled American Veterans (DAV) (858) 642-6454
- Military Order of the Purple Heart (858) 642-6455
- Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) (858) 642-6456
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) (858) 642-6457
- American Legion (619) 400-5301
- Blinded Veterans Association (619) 400-5306
- California Dept of Veterans Affairs (619) 400-5309
- Disabled American Veterans (619) 299-6016
- Military Order of the Purple Heart (619) 400-5317
- Paralyzed Veterans of America (619) 400-5320
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (619) 400-5322
San Diego, CA 92106
Phone: 858-642-1500 Or 877-927-8387
Transgender Student Services
CAPS, Student Health Services (SHS), and the LGBT Resource Center have worked together to develop counseling and medical services for transgender students. Below are details of these services. You can also download the information here.
- UCSD CAPS (the student counseling center) can provide an initial evaluation and short term counseling for transgender, transsexual and gender-nonconforming students
- Please be aware that certain providers have more experience in transgender counseling, therefore please indicate that you are interested in obtaining transgender counseling when making your appointment.
- To set up an appointment with a CAPS psychologist call 858-534-3755.
Counseling can help you to:
- Clarify and explore ideas around gender.
- Address the stress related to possibly changing your gender.
- Have a supportive place to discuss issues related to “coming out” as a transsexual, transgender, or gender-nonconforming individual.
Help a Friend
If you have concerns about your friend, the following resources are available to you. Please do not hesitate to contact CAPS for assistance at 858-534-3755. If the situation is life threatening, please call 911 or transport the friend the nearest emergency room.
- Warning Signs
- Below are signs that your friend may be need professional assistance, or may at risk to him/herself or others:
- Extreme and chronic sadness, anxiety, or worry.
- Extreme mood swings (periods of pronounced sadness, with periods of high energy and mood).
- Increased withdrawal from friends.
- Talking about wanting to die or to kill oneself.
- Looking for a way to kill oneself, such as searching online or buying a gun.
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
- Talking about being a burden to others.
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
- Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
- Sleeping too little or too much.
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated.
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
- What You Can Do
- Options to help your friend include:
- Talk to your friend.
- Let the student know you're aware she/he is feeling down and you would like to help.
- Reach out more than halfway and encourage the student to discuss how she/he is feeling.
- Encourage them to seek help, possibly suggesting CAPS..
- Do not ignore remarks about suicide. If you feel your friend is at risk to harm him/herself, refer or contact CAPS immediately for consultation.
- Consultations
- CAPS provides consultation to students who have general mental health questions or concerns about a fellow student or friend. We will provide as much assistance as possible. Due to confidentiality laws, however, we may not be able to provide information about your friend if she or he is utilizing our services. For more information about confidentiality limitations, click on the Services>FAQ & Confidentiality tab, or call our Central Office to speak with one of our psychologists at (858) 534-3755.
- Referring friends to CAPS
- If you would like to refer your student to CAPS, please have him or her contact our offices at (858) 534-3755 to make an appointment. If the matter is urgent and your student must be seen immediately, she or he can come to our Urgent Care services at our Central Offices at Galbraith Hall 190.
- Emergencies
- If you have an urgent matter, please call our offices at (858) 534-3755 to speak with the Urgent Care psychologist. If you or your student has a life-threatening emergency, please take her/him to the nearest emergency room or call 911. For more information on Emergency and Crisis services at CAPS, please visit our Emergency page.
- UCSD Emergency Rooms
- Below are local UCSD Emergency Rooms. San Diego also has several local emergency rooms as well.
CAPS Services for You and Your Friends
Additional Resources
- Self-Help Library
- Many self-help offerings for you and your student!
- Download Center
- Download forms, handbooks, brochures, relaxation audio recordings, and much more.
- UCSD TritonLink
- Official UCSD website for student information, deadlines, and registration.
- Well-Being Cluster
- The hub for the Recreation, Health, and Well-Being Cluster.
- Mental Health Links
- PHONE / APPOINTMENTS:
858-534-3755
FAX: 858-534-2628 - CENTRAL OFFICE & URGENT CARE:
Galbraith Hall 190 (Revelle College) - HOURS:
Monday-Friday (excluding holidays)
Business Hours: 8:00am-4:30pm
Urgent Care Hours: 8:00am-4:00pm - MAILING ADDRESS:
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
9500 Gilman Drive, 0304
La Jolla, CA 92093-0304
- URGENT CARE: 8:00am-4:00pm
- CRISIS COUNSELING 24-HRS: 858-534-3755
- EMERGENCIES: Call 911
- NATIONAL SUICIDE HOTLINE: (800) 273-8255