Student Affairs

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and crisis debriefings. CAPS also provides consultation services to assist students, faculty
and staff members with projects or specific situations where the advice of a mental health
professional may be helpful.
Services to Student Athletes
Recognizing the special needs of student athletes, CAPS in partnership with Athletic
Department, has embedded psychologists in Nieri Student-Athlete Enrichment Center.
Although the emphasis is on improving mental wellness, performance enhancement is
a corresponding outcome.
Services to Student Veterans
CAPS has an established, collaborative relationship with Military and Veteran Engagement
within the Department of Community Achievement and Student Empowerment that serves
student veterans. CAPS supports student veterans by providing counseling services as well as
facilitates referrals and connects students with various resources on campus.
CAPS on Call
For psychological emergencies, counselors are available for crisis assistance and consultation
24/7. After hours and on weekends, a CAPS counselor can be reached by calling the Clemson
University Police Department at 864-656-2222 and asking for the on-call counselor.
Training Programs
CAPS is home to a doctoral internship program accredited by the American Psychological
Association. This program provides a capstone experience for students in counseling
and clinical psychology doctoral programs. CAPS also provides a counseling internship
experience for master’s counselors-in-training. Both training programs provide services
under direct supervision. Undergraduate internships offer an introduction to the mental
health service delivery system.
Given that leaving home and entering a new educational environment can be a time of
transition, paying attention to your student’s mental health is important. Responding to this
time of change with some anxiety and a low mood is very normal. Most students rise up to
the challenge and, with your support and encouragement, can regain their balance. However,
sometimes these issues can worsen and may require more attention.
As much as therapeutically possible, CAPS involves the parents as we collaborate to enhance
the mental health of the student. However, know CAPS honors each student’s right to
confidentiality and others are only involved with the student’s consent. Given that some
mental health needs also require medication, CAPS works collaboratively with Medical
Services for medication management. CAPS also provides psychiatric services.
Recognizing Signs of Concern
In learning about our many services on campus to support healthy living, you can be our
partner to help prevent any issues for your student. Staying alert and in tune to any signs or
symptoms of concern will help keep students healthy — both mentally and physically. Below
is a list of signs of concerning behaviors to keep in mind, but also know many of these are
common to the student’s experience. You will want to look for persistent patterns of behavior
that are out of character for your student:
• Changes in sleeping or eating habits
• Recurring colds or minor illnesses
• Frequent muscle aches and/or tightness
• Being more disorganized than usual
• Increased difficulty in getting things done
• Greater sense of persistent time pressure
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT
• If you are concerned about your
student and want them to seek help,
encourage them to go to Counseling
and Psychological Services (CAPS).
CAPS is located in Redfern Health
Center and services are confidential.
For the initial visit, students are seen
through the walk-in clinic, Monday-
Friday, from 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on a
first-come, first-served basis.
• Based on the initial assessment,
follow-up treatment options include:
skills-building workshops and group,
couples or individual therapy. A
physician or psychiatrist consultation
may also be recommended. If the
issues of concern are related to
academics, behavior, emotional
health, finances, personal wellness,
adjustment or other concerns, you
may seek support for your student
through the Office of Advocacy and
Success by completing an online
CARE Report at
r by calling 864-656-
0935. A staff member will follow up to
offer resources and support. If it is an
emergency, call 911.
• If you have reason to suspect your
student’s well-being is in immediate
danger, you can contact the Clemson
University Police Department at 864-
656-2222 or 911.