Psychiatric Services

Psychiatric services are available for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) clients who may benefit from medication in addition to counseling. Students must be referred to a psychiatric provider by a member of the CAPS staff.

Psychiatric services are offered on a limited basis. The time frame and number of visits will be determined depending on the individual student's needs. Some students are best served by beginning treatment with a psychiatric provider in the State College community who they can see long-term throughout their academic career. Others may start psychiatric care at CAPs and be referred to the community once it is determined that they will need longer term care.  

CAPS services are available in a variety of modalities at this time. Please call to learn more about your options.
 

What to Expect From Your First Visit

If a CAPS staff has referred you to one of our psychiatric providers, then you will be scheduled for an initial one-hour appointment. Prior to that appointment, you will be asked to complete a medical/psychiatric history form and a depression questionnaire. The appointment will consist of a diagnostic interview after which we will share with you our diagnostic impressions and recommendations. We will describe the risks and benefits of treatment. We expect you to ask questions and play an active part in making decisions about your treatment.

If You Are Prescribed Medication

If medication is initiated as part of your treatment plan, you will be scheduled for regular follow-up visits to determine how you are tolerating and responding to treatment. These visits average 20 minutes and occur approximately every 2-3 weeks until your symptoms improve and you are stabilized on medication. Meanwhile, you should pursue your psychotherapy at CAPS. Medication works best in combination with psychotherapy.

Fees

Psychiatric evaluation and follow-up visits are charged $30 per visit. It can be paid upfront or charged to your student account. If you are insured under the United Healthcare - Student Resources plan through Penn State, CAPS will bill the insurance directly.  We do not bill other insurance directly though can provide you with a billing statement to submit to your insurance company.  

Treatment for ADHD

ADHD is a developmental disorder that may persist into adulthood, thus requiring long-term care. Unfortunately CAPS does not have the resources to provide treatment for many students needing long-term treatment for ADHD or other mental disorders. CAPS does provide some short-term treatment which may include medication for students who are determined in the course of treatment at CAPS to suffer from ADHD.

Read more about options for Evaluation and Treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).