CAPS Chat provides informal, drop-in consultation for students with counselors from Penn State Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS). Meetings are free and no call to CAPS is necessary: same day scheduling is available online from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM for both virtual and in-person meetings! Timeslots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Meetings are no longer than 30 minutes.
When you attend a CAPS Chat appointment, you will be able to share your needs and concerns. Not sure what you need? No problem. CAPS Chat counselors can help you figure that out too.
Are you enrolled at a Commonwealth Campus? CAPS Chat is available at some Commonwealth Campuses!
Concerns may include:
- Stress or Anxiety
- Adjusting to college life
- Family problems
- Relationship issues
- Roommate difficulties
- Academic pressures
CAPS Chat IS for...
- Discussing specific concerns in a one-on-one environment
- Learning more about what counseling might be like
- Understanding how to help a friend
- Getting mental health questions answered
CAPS Chat IS NOT for...
- Formal therapy or counseling
- Crisis services
- Severe or longstanding concerns
Scheduling a same-day CAPS Chat appointment
You can schedule a CAPS Chat session on the day you would like to attend! Simply review our instructional video or follow the instructions below. Appointments are listed daily, and all CAPSChat appointments are scheduled same-day (8:00 AM to 4:00 PM) using the form in the instructions below.
- Starting at 8:00 a.m. the day you wish to attend a CAPS Chat meeting you can click the link to our online scheduling form
- Enter the code: chat2020
- Follow the instructions on the screen
Please note sessions can be in-person or virtual depending on the time you select, and please note down the location and room number of your appointment.
If your appointment is virtual, please make sure to copy the Zoom link. Safety is our #1 priority: at the beginning of your meeting the CAPS Chat counselor will confirm your current location, as well as a phone number where you can be reached in the event of technological difficulties. Before your session, please make sure you have:
- A stable internet connection
- Access to a webcam
- A private location with no distractions
If you are unable to access any of the above, CAPS can still help you navigate to services that can meet your needs! Call us at (814) 863-0395.
If openings are unavailable, you will be presented with a message indicating that no appointments are available and inviting you to visit the CAPS website or contact the CAPS main line for assistance to best meet your needs: (814) 863-0395.
CAPS Chat Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
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While CAPS Chat is not formal counseling, information discussed is confidential. If you have questions about this, ask a CAPS Chat counselor.
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If you feel you need to be seen sooner for your concern because problems have intensified, it is best to contact CAPS at 814-863-0395. If you feel your concern has improved and feel an informal consultation meeting would meet your needs, CAPS Chat might be a good option for you. After meeting, if you would like to be removed from the wait list, let the CAPS counselor know.
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Discussing concerns with your current therapist is strongly recommended. If your next appointment is not soon enough, it is best to contact your counselor directly to see if he or she can see you sooner.
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Call CAPS at 814-863-0395. They can help answer your questions or find resources that may help meet your needs.
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If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, immediately contact the Penn State Crisis Line at 1-877-229-6400 or call 911.
