Counseling and Psychological Services

Making a Referral to CAPS

Presenting yourself as knowledgeable about campus services can ease a student’s discomfort about seeking help. Here are some suggestions for non-crisis and crisis (a student needs to be seen right away) situations:

Non-Crisis Referrals:

    • The best first step is to encourage students to drop-by CAPS to set up a consultation appointment during our office hours (8 am - 5 pm).
    • Use the CAPS website to get answers for FAQs and what to expect at the first session

Crisis Referrals:

    • If a student is in crisis during CAPS business hours, call 785-532-6927 and ask to speak to the Counselor on Duty.
      • Our business hours are Monday through Friday 8 am - 5 pm when school is in session. During school breaks, including summer, our hours are Monday - Friday, 8 am - 12 pm and 1 pm - 5 pm.
    • Provide the counselor with a description of the situation.
    • The counselor will help you with appropriate actions to take. Same day appointments are always available for students who need to be seen right away.
    • If the crisis situation occurs outside of CAPS business hours call 785-532-6927; your call will be forwarded to a mental health professional who can provide you with consultation.
    • If the student or another person is in imminent danger, or when you believe a student is out of control, call 911.

It is often a good idea to FOLLOW-UP with students after the referral was made. Please be aware that sessions with CAPS staff are confidential. Our ability to share information is governed by ethical limits of confidentiality.

We can

  • Answer your general questions about making referrals
  • Offer you information about psychological concerns and problems in general
  • Take information from you about the student

We cannot

  • Give information about the student or specifics about the situation
  • Discuss content of counseling sessions

In some cases, a student may find it in their best interest for a counselor to share information with a faculty, staff, family member or significant other. Disclosing counseling-related information can occur with a student’s written authorization.