Counseling and Psychological Services

CAPS Purpose

Our purpose is to help SUU students achieve their educational, career and personal goals.

**SUU students who are currently seeking a practicum experience with CAPS, or who may seek a clinical practicum experience in the future with CAPS, are not eligible to receive clinical services. This provision or limitation is intended to prevent the likelihood of dual relationships which can be damaging to individuals in need of mental health support**  

We understand that students’ first priority is to successfully earn a degree and we are here to assist them in addressing the stress and conflicts that may distract them from achieving their full potential. CAPS is staffed with experienced licensed mental health professionals including psychologists, social workers, and mental health counselors who work with students to reduce the interference of everyday stress and also treat more serious conditions.

CAPS regular services include:

All of our regular services are confidential* and free* to SUU students. We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment for all students.

*There are some limits to confidentiality and some uncommon fees which your counselor will review during the first appointment.

If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911. Contact SUU Police Office at 586-7793 or Dispatch at 435-586-1911, or go directly to the nearest emergency room. If you are in Crisis, please visit our Crisis Resources for additional numbers to call. 

CAPS Scope of Practice

Due to increases in Southern Utah University (SUU) enrollment and to honor our commitment to supporting as many SUU students as possible, SUU Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is implementing a Scope of Practice.  SUU CAPS serve a unique role on campus in providing Brief Mental Health Counseling and related services. Our services are available to eligible/enrolled students with concerns and needs that fall within our Scope of Practice. Not all students with very real needs can be accommodated within our treatment model. CAPS will work with students to identify other resources. An outside referral may be made following the Triage/Initial appointment with a counselor, or it might occur after some treatment if student needs do not fall within our Scope of Practice. Please review the following to determine how you will be impacted:

  • CAPS will no longer see benefits-eligible students employed by SUU, as they can access counseling services through their SUU benefits.
  • In addition to an 8-session yearly limit on individual counseling, CAPS will have a 30-session lifetime limit on individual counseling.
  • Couples sessions will be limited to 12 lifetime per couple.
  • Students with Eating Disorders will be carefully assessed and potentially referred for specialized care.
  • Student who are involved in a Legal Process; CAPS are unable to write letters or do specialized treatment that may be needed per court order.
  • Students seeking Emotional Support Animals; CAPS are unable to assess or write letters for support animals.
  • Other conditions or situations may require long-term or specialized care. CAPS will consult and assist students to identify treatment options that better fit their needs.

If you fit into one of the above-listed categories we will work with you to make an appropriate referral. This might entail looking into counseling options in the community and/or preparing for a transition from individual counseling to group counseling. The Clinical Director and CAPS team will consider each student on a case-by-case basis and determine the best way to meet student needs.  Crisis services will continue to be available for all students. To learn more, please refer to our Scope of Practice at suu.edu/CAPS.

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