Counseling Services
CAPS offers free, confidential counseling and other services in person, via phone, and using telehealth.
Enrolled students may call 402.554.2409 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, to schedule an appointment. CAPS counselors are also available for faculty/staff consultations. The main office is in H&K 101. Appointments are available in Mammel Hall by request.
UNO students experiencing an After-Hours Emergency may contact 402.554.2409 and press "2" after the prompt to speak with someone directly.
CAPS counselors are unable to provide counseling to anyone outside of the state of Nebraska at this time. Students living outside of Nebraska can request a consultation with CAPS to discuss alternative options for counseling accessible in their state.
CAPS policy states we are unable to write letters for emotional support animals or ESA accommodations for housing (on or off campus). If you are interested in this service, please see a therapist in the community for support.
Offered by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
- Short-Term Counseling
- Consultation
- Emergency Services
- After-Hours Emergency Services: Call 402.554.2409, press 2
- Group Counseling
- Couples or Partners Counseling
- Prevention Services and the Collegiate Recovery Community
- University Gatekeeper Program
- Outreach Education
- Wellness Education
- Victim and Survivor Advocacy
CAPS is dedicated to assisting students with challenges that impact their overall well-being. These may include adjusting to life events, relationship issues, and mental health changes. Counselors work with students individually, in relationship or couples counseling (subject to availability), as well as in psycho-educational groups. CAPS also provides connection to a trained Victim and Survivor Advocate for those navigating systems and finding safety, both on campus and with support of greater Omaha area resources.
CAPS uses a short-term therapy model to assist students in addressing issues in fewer sessions. We have competent staff that are trained in these methods (meet the staff). UNO counselors have a large referral network for individuals needing longer-term support. Participation in support groups has no session limit.
Some of the areas of concern commonly addressed in short-term counseling include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Loneliness
- Grief
- Life transitions
- Accepting self
- Effects of trauma
- Alcohol and Drug support services
The goal of CAPS is to provide services to best meet the needs of the students within our current scope of practice. Short-term counseling may not be the best method to meet the needs of all students. Some areas of concern might be better addressed by a provider with more specialized expertise or by someone who can provide long-term treatment.
The staff will work with each individual to determine the best option, such as referral to a UNO counselor, referral to a group, and/or referral to a community provider.
Counseling staff works closely with Nebraska Medicine Health Services to provide on-campus referrals and collaboration with their services. In the case that an outside referral is recommended, counselors will assist in providing a community referral that will best meet the needs of the individual.
The decision for a community referral will typically occur within the initial intake assessment but may also occur during the course of counseling services as appropriate. If you, or a friend, are not a student at UNO, and therefore not eligible for our services, counseling is available through the College of Education, Health and Human Science's Community Counseling Clinic in Roskens Hall.
University Gatekeeper Program
Anyone can help prevent suicide by learning the risks, warning signs, and how to intervene in a crisis. The UNO suicide prevention gatekeeper training program is designed to help the UNO community prevent suicide by teaching faculty, staff, and students how to recognize signs and empower them with skills and action steps. Visit the link below to learn more and sign up for a training now.
University Gatekeeper Trainings and Suicide Prevention
On-Campus Support Groups
Mavericks ask for help when they encounter difficult academic and personal situations. There are so many caring people and resources dedicated to supporting your success.
View all on-campus support groups.
Your First Appointment
Your first appointment will consist of a 60-90 minute intake assessment. Before you arrive, you will be given a few forms to complete. Once you arrive and the forms are reviewed, your counselor will bring you to their office. During this initial intake, counselors will gather information through a conversation with you, in order to build a bigger picture of your primary concerns. The intake is the start of counseling and is the best place to determine the direction of services.
After the initial assessment, the counseling staff will discuss with you the options for moving forward. This may include setting up an appointment with a UNO counselor, a referral to a community provider, a referral to a group, or other referrals as appropriate.
Things You Will Need for Your First Appointment
For your first appointment, it is helpful if you arrive approximately 15 minutes early to make sure forms are filled out. The paperwork will allow us to get some background information from you prior to your appointment.
In Nebraska, Legislative Bill (LB) 982 states that individuals 18 years of age and older can consent to their own mental health services. If you are not yet 18, you must have a parent or legal guardian sign a Consent to Treat a Minor Form.
The form can be downloaded below and brought to your first appointment. Questions related to the Consent to Treat a Minor Form are always welcome. Please call 402.554.2409 during regular business hours.
Confidentiality
We pride ourselves on making every effort to protect your personal information. It is important that you feel comfortable in sharing information with us as it will make your counseling experience more beneficial. Information you share with the staff at CAPS is governed by professional ethics and state law.
The records of CAPS are not a part of your academic records. Information will not be released except for the following circumstances:
- Imminent threat to harm self or others
- Child or elder abuse
- Written release from you
- Court ordered subpoena
- Specific legal circumstances
The Age of Majority in Nebraska is 19 years old for medical appointments. To seek counseling services, a bill was passed that you may be 18 to sign your own consent for mental health treatment. If you are under the age of 18, we will need to get signed consent to treat from a parent or guardian. In addition, we will need their signature to release information.
Mandatory reporting laws exist for child abuse issues related to abuse, neglect, and sexual assault of a minor (child). The links below can be used to find out more related to Nebraska Law and reporting issues related to minors. If you have any questions about confidentiality, your counselor will be happy to discuss them with you.
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=43-2101
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-711
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-320
http://www.nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-710
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=43-2922
http://nebraskalegislature.gov/laws/statutes.php?statute=28-707