Please note that in order to provide your counselor with comprehensive information we must have completed screening tests, your parents' completed questionnaire, and copies of your school records before a counseling appointment can be scheduled.

To begin the evaluation process we ask you to: complete 3 screening tests; complete a Release of Information form so that we can send your parent or guardian a questionnaire about their observations of you; gather report cards from your elementary, middle, and high schools.

Later you might be asked to: allow a CAPS therapist to speak with your parent or guardian to gather further information about your childhood and family history; allow us to get medical records from physicians and others who may have treated you in the past.

There is a $25 fee that covers the preliminary assessment. It is payable at the time of your initial visit to CAPS to complete the assessment instruments.

What Can I Expect After Meeting With A Counselor

After the counseling appointment you and your counselor may decide one or more of the following would be helpful:

• further assessment and treatment for depression or anxiety;
• further assessment for learning disabilities
• counseling focused on stress reduction or academic and organization skills;
• career counseling to enhance your motivation;
• referral to a CAPS psychiatrist for further assessment of possible ADD/ADHD, depression or other problems for which medical attention is necessary.

ADD/ADHD Myths Myth: Adderall and Ritalin are safe "booster" medicines that anyone could take. Fact: Adderall and Ritalin are controlled substances regulated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration. They are available only with a doctor's prescription and should be taken only with a physician's guidance. Though generally safe at the doses doctors prescribe, these medicines may cause a variety of side effects including: insomnia, nightmares, headaches, nausea, stomach aches, diarrhea, increased irritability, depression, increased nervous habits (like hair pulling, nail biting, stuttering), muscle twitches, teeth grinding and drug dependency. Rarely, these medicines may cause psychosis and paranoia. Prescribing physicians must take into account the student's medical history and other medications.

NEVER TAKE SOMEONE ELSE'S MEDICATION.

Myth: If I have to study harder than some of my friends and their grades are better, I must have ADD/ADHD. Fact: As with other human differences, some of us just have to work harder and may not achieve high grades as easily as others. In a similar way some people can attain athletic feats more easily than those who might practice more. Myth: All I need is medication to help me study. Fact: If you have ADD/ADHD, medication alone is not enough. You may need to work on a variety of study skills, organization habits and other problems that hinder your academic performance. Your therapist may recommend resources available through the Student Academic Center.