A Casual Way to Connect, One Conversation at a Time
CAPS Chat is a free, informal drop-in service where you can meet one-on-one with a CAPS counselor to talk about everyday challenges — from academic stress and roommate drama to feeling anxious or unsure about college life. You don’t need to commit to ongoing counseling or even know exactly what you need — just sign up online the same day and talk it out. Sessions are 30 minutes, virtual or in-person, and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
This isn’t formal therapy, but it’s a great way to get support, ask mental health questions, or learn how to help a friend.
Fall 2025 CAPS Chat Schedule
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- 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
104 Pasquerilla Spiritual Center (Center for Collegiate Recovery) - 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
116 Bouck Building (Student Disability Resources)
- 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
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- 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Virtual CAPS Chat (Zoom Link Provided) - 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
21 HUB-Robeson Center (Paul Robeson Cultural Center)
- 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
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- 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Virtual CAPS Chat (Zoom Link Provided) - 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
9A Lewis Katz Building
- 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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- 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
LL011 HUB-Robeson Center (Center for Gender and Sexual Diversity) - 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Virtual CAPS Chat (Zoom Link Provided)
- 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
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- 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
102 HUB-Robeson Center (Flourishing Suite) - 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Virtual CAPS Chat (Zoom Link Provided)
- 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Sign Up for a Virtual CAPS Chat Session
Signing up for a CAPS Chat session is easy and only takes a few minutes. Virtual and in-person appointments are offered on a first-come, first-served basis and can be scheduled the same day you want to meet.
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- Starting at 8:00 a.m. on the day you'd like to attend, go to the CAPS Chat form.
- Enter the access code: chat2020
- Follow the on-screen instructions to choose your appointment time. Be sure to note your appointment time and save the Zoom link.
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- Before your meeting, make sure you have a stable internet connection, access to a webcam, and a quiet, private space.
- Your CAPS Chat counselor will ask for your location and a phone number at the beginning of your session for safety purposes.
- If you're unable to meet these requirements, or if you don’t see any open slots, call CAPS at 814-863-0395. We’ll help you find support that works for you.
CAPS Chat Across the Commonwealth
Some Commonwealth Campuses offers CAPS Chat opportunities to help all Penn State students find the drop-in support they need. Locations and availability vary across Penn State.
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
- Find other crisis intervention resources