A Triage is a 30 minute treatment planning appointment. Students meet with a CAPS counselor who talks to them and asks questions to gain an understanding of what brings the student to CAPS. The clinician makes recommendations about next steps that may include care at CAPS, referral to on-campus supports, or a referral to an off-campus mental health professional.

Brown is lucky to have a group of students who tend to be eager to seek mental health treatment when needed. In order to ensure that all students who want therapy during the school year have access to therapy, Brown CAPS works with TimelyCare to provide all currently enrolled Brown students with 12 sessions of therapy each school year. TimelyCare is an extension of CAPS, and TimelyCare and CAPS both provide students with access to licensed therapists who are trained in mental health treatment for university students. Students can  access TimelyCare directly, and register with their Brown email here: http://timelycare.com/brown

CAPS clinicians are licensed in the state of RI.  CAPS providers will not be able to provide psychotherapy for students not in the state of RI.

Because TimelyCare is an extension of CAPS, Brown ensures that we always have available therapy options for students. CAPS clinicians do build their caseloads throughout each semester, but CAPS clinicians are always available to engage in Triage conversations and discuss treatment options. Additionally, CAPS On Demand is available 24/7, 365 to support students experiencing a mental health crisis;  students can access CAPS On Demand  by calling the CAPS phone number (401-863-3476) on the back of their Brown ID cards. 

CAPS is available On Demand 24/7, 365 days/year,  to support students experiencing a mental health crisis;  students can access CAPS On Demand  by calling the CAPS phone number (401-863-3476) on the back of their Brown ID cards.

No, CAPS services are covered by the health fee that is part of tuition. 

No, CAPS services are confidential. Outside of an acute emergency, if any one asks CAPS if a student has been to CAPS we share that we can not confirm or deny whether a student has been to see us. 

That said, if students want someone in their lives (ex: parents, a dean) to be part of their care, students can sign a Release of Information giving CAPS permission to talk to someone else about their care.

Yes, CAPS offers a number of groups to support students as they manage their mental health.  Unlike individual psychotherapy, Groups sessions are unlimited and students can attend for as long as they are interested.  Please refer to our website for up to date information about our group offerings.

Students requesting an appointment for a psychiatric medication evaluation need a referral.  Students can be referred for a medication evaluation by a mental health provider or primary care provider.  Providers must complete a medication evaluation form: https://caps.brown.edu/sites/default/files/HandWReferral%20for%20Medication%20Evaluation-Aug2024.pdf in order for a student to be seen.  For questions about the referral process, please contact Counseling and Psychological Services at 401-863-3476.