Services

For Students

Counseling services are scheduled by appointment and on a walk in basis when a therapist is available. CAPS is open from 9:00 – 5:00 Monday through Thursday. 9-4 on Friday. However students who are experiencing a psychological or emotional crisis can receive crisis intervention services 24-hours per day. After hours contact with a CAPS psychologist can be arranged by contacting security at extension 8111.

If you are concerned about a student who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol, has taken an overdose of medication, you feel a suicidal gesture or attempt is imminent, or may be in need of IMMEDIATE medical attention, one or more of the following numbers should be contacted before or instead of CAPS:

  • Police or Ambulance Service: 911
  • Florida Tech Security: 674-8111
  • Holmes Regional Medical Center ER: 434-7206
  • Florida Poison Information Center:1-800-282-3171
  • Circles of Care Crisis Intervention: 722-5257
  • Residence Life RA

What Services Does CAPS Provide?

When a student comes in for a visit, the counselor may provide for one or more of the following services:

Individual Counseling

Individual and relationship counseling are the most frequently used services at Counseling and Psychological Services. Individual counseling can focus on concerns such as anxiety and tension, anger, depression, procrastination, grief due to the loss of a loved one, loneliness, lack of self-esteem, lack of self-confidence and eating disorders. Relationship counseling focuses on improving or understanding relationships and communication skills between roommates, friends, spouses, and parents. Relationship counseling can also help a student develop better social and living skills. This may be especially useful for students in the residence halls.

CAPS offers opportunities for people to better understand themselves and to grow in their ability to be effective in relationships with others. This may involve changing self-defeating behavior thought patterns, understanding uncomfortable feelings, or enhancing personal strengths and abilities.

Counseling services also help in:

  • developing greater independence and maturity
  • attaining greater self-understanding to better handle life situations
  • accepting self-responsibility for behavior
  • managing stress and anxiety appropriately
  • living by a personal value system
  • creating a healthy and satisfying balance in life
  • developing mature sexuality
  • creating a healthy and satisfying balance in life
  • developing and maintaining satisfying interpersonal relationships
  • enhancing self-esteem and self-confidence
  • resolving conflicts and improving decision-making skills

Common problems students bring to CAPS:

  • depression or problems with mood
  • difficulties with anger or conflict management
  • bereavement or unresolved issues
  • suicidal thoughts
  • sexual concerns or sexual harassment
  • clarification of values
  • anxiety, panic attacks or excessive stress
  • social isolation or limited social skills
  • test anxiety
  • academic pressures or fear of failure
  • unassertive behaviors
  • perfectionism
  • eating and dietary behaviors
  • sleep disturbances
  • abusive behaviors toward self or others
  • gender differences
  • cultural issues regarding adjustment and adaptation
  • communication problems
  • financial stress
  • transferring out of Florida Tech
  • de-individuation from family
  • loss due to unemployment, divorce, custody, death, changing partners, physical illness and life transitions

Relationship / Couples Counseling

Relationship counseling can help couples improve communication, self-awareness and insight, and relationship skills. Two CAPS therapists generally work with a couple providing a variety of interventions to assist in problem solving. Couples may be given joint or individual homework assignments and both partners will be given the opportunity to explore intrapersonal as well as personal issues. Couples counseling is available to help the student and his/her partner cope with the unique stresses of student life.

Vocational Counseling

Vocational counseling can aid in career development. It facilitates students in exploring realistic career options, choice of major and appropriate fit, as well as prediction of job fit or satisfaction.

Testing Services

Psychological assessment is typically conducted to aid in the assessment of a client's concerns. It is also useful in the development of the counseling treatment plan. Testing areas include psychological, intellectual, vocational and learning disability evaluations.

Consultation Services

CAPS can facilitate faculty departments and students resolve problems, questions or concerns by helping: Define problems, assist in conflict resolution and cooperative problem solving, goal setting, team building and empathic listening. The staff at CAPS also offers a variety of seminars to assist various university organizations or teams.

Group Counseling

Based on interest and need within the community, group therapy can be provided on a wide range of topics or issues. These include:

  • Domestic Violence
  • Spouses of Combat Veterans
  • Healthy Aging/Caregivers
  • Eating Disorders (ongoing)
  • Panic Disorders
  • Relationships
  • Teens
  • Parenting Skills

Family Therapy

Based on interest and need within the community, group therapy can be provided on a wide range of topics or issues. These include:

  • Premarital Counseling
  • Marital Counseling
  • Divorce Therapy
  • Stepfamilies
  • Child Behavior Problems
  • Parenting Skills
  • Conflict Resolution/Problem Solving

Referral and Other Services

  • Referral to Community Mental Facilities
  • Referral to a Psychiatrist Health System
  • Referral to Inpatient Services
  • Referral to Private Practitioner
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Emergency Response Service

For Faculty and Staff

Mental health services for faculty and staff members can be obtained through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), offered by Magellan Health Services. This is a free benefit to all employees of Florida Tech. For more information, please refer to the links below: 

This link will direct you to the EAP portion of Florida Tech's Human Resources website at Magellan Health Services or you can call 1-800-416-0835.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              If a faculty or staff member experiences an emergency stressor that is affecting their ability to work during working hours, Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) staff is available to address immediate needs. In this case, please contact: CAPS  at (321) 674-8050, or if after hours, contact Campus Security at (321) 674-8111.