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Counseling (CAPS)

We’re here to listen

Need to talk to someone who cares? Our trained, professional staff will give you the confidential support you need.

CAPS is currently offering services by phone/video only. In-person visits have been suspended due to the ongoing pandemic. Check out these tips for getting the most out of your virtual session. We are only authorized to provide virtual counseling to students in the states of Indiana or Illinois at the time of the session. However, we can provide consultation to assist students with identifying resources in their area.

We will continue to provide updates as they become available regarding returning to normal operations.

Find a provider

Make an appointment

Students may schedule 30-minute virtual visits with a counselor by calling 812-855-5711.

The crisis line is available to students 24/7 by calling 812-855-5711 and choosing option 1.

Have an emergency?

Students can contact us 24/7 to speak to a crisis counselor. Call 812-855-5711, option 1 or contact your local hospital emergency department. You may also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

If you’ve experienced a sexual assault, call 812-855-8900 at any time.

CAPS’ statement of support for students responding to and affected by recent incidents of police brutality, violence and protests.

Indiana University’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is committed to the mission of Indiana University. IU’s mission explicitly states IU “strives to achieve full diversity and to maintain friendly, collegial, and humane environments…”.

In alignment with the University’s mission, CAPS supports all students, and we support students who experience discrimination, harassment, and trauma related to violence often because of the color of their skin. Systemized, historical and recent violent acts targeted towards certain populations understandably creates emotional distress, depression, and anxiety.

CAPS’ support comes in many forms, including trauma response, outreach and prevention consultations, and counseling services. We have a number of trained professionals who offer these services. While our offices remain closed to in-person contact due to the ongoing pandemic, we are available from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 812-855-5711.  Our Crisis Line is available 24/7, please call 812-855-5711 and select option 1.

Additional resources include:

Our services

In this one-on-one counseling service, the focus is on you. We’ll help clarify your goals and will work hard to see the world as you do. We want to share your experiences, because feeling understood is a powerful part of counseling. We may suggest new behaviors for you to practice, or more helpful ways of thinking.

There’s no set number of counseling sessions, but the focus is on short-term treatment. If it turns out that you need weekly sessions or longer-term care, we can help you find what you need.

Couples counseling can help you work through problems in your relationship—if you have relationship or sexual problems, it can help to include your partner in therapy. We can teach you about behaviors and patterns that might be causing problems, and we may suggest exercises for you and your partner to practice.

Both partners must call to schedule a couples counseling session.

We offer many group counseling options each semester, including some especially for graduate students. Working on problems with a group of six to eight of your peers (and group facilitators) can be valuable. Knowing firsthand that the people around you have similar problems is powerful. You’ll be able to give and receive meaningful feedback as you work through your issues together. All group members commit to complete confidentiality about attendee names and discussions during group sessions.

Most groups require an initial individual meeting. For more information, call us at 812-855-5711.

See a list of our group sessions

Did you know that we offer free in-person and online workshops throughout the semester? By attending these workshops, you can learn some of the same strategies to improve your life as you would in a counseling visit. Even if you’ve never been to CAPS or SACS, you’re welcome to join us!

See what workshops we offer

See a counselor without leaving the comfort of your home with our video counseling service.

Learn about video counseling

We offer psychiatric assessment and follow-up treatment. Psychiatrists are medical doctors with specialized training in treating emotional and behavioral problems through medical intervention. They prescribe medication when needed to treat conditions such as depression and anxiety.

To see a psychiatrist, you will need a referral from a CAPS or SACS counselor. Our psychiatrists work exclusively with students who are seeing a CAPS or SACS counselor. Psychiatric visits are not included in the two free counseling visits that are available for students who have paid the student health fee, but rates are reduced.

If you’ve experienced sexual violence, come to us for help. We’re here to support you.

Learn about the Sexual Assault Crisis Service

If you need help maintaining a healthy body image, the Coalition for Overcoming Problem Eating/Exercise (C.O.P.E.) is here for you.

Get more information about C.O.P.E.

We know that sometimes you just need to talk with someone. We’re here to listen.

Learn about the Let’s Talk program

Concerned about an IU student? During CAPS business hours, anyone may call and speak with the CAPS director or on-call staff member. After-hours phone consultations are available by calling 812-855-5711 and selecting option 1.

You can also submit a care report if you’re concerned about the safety or well-being of an IU student (including yourself).

Learn more about submitting a care report

Make an appointment

Call 812-855-5711 to make a CAPS appointment.

Cancel an appointment

Learn about canceling

We speak your language

We offer counseling services in English, Mandarin, Spanish, and Hindi/Urdu.

About your first visit

All IU students who have paid the student health fee receive two free CAPS counseling visits each semester. If you’re a first-time client, you’ll also receive one free, 30-minute CAPS Now appointment to connect you to appropriate services. Make an appointment by calling 812-855-5711.

If you’re experiencing a financial hardship, please speak with your counselor about financial assistance. Don’t let low funds stop you from seeking help.

All Sexual Assault Crisis Service appointments are free of charge.

Do you identify as LGBTQ+? We’re here for you.

We know this can add additional stressors. Our Gender Affirming Care Team is here to help you.

Learn about LGBTQ+ care at the Health Center

Psychological health and stress reduction

Can’t sleep? Having trouble coping with graduate school?

We all need a little help sometimes, and there’s no shame in it. We've put together some resources for mental health support and stress reduction techniques. We're continually building our library, so if you don't see what you're looking for right now, be sure to check back.

Explore our library of mental health topics

Interested in self-care? Also check out WellTrack, a free app available to all IU Bloomington students. It is designed to help you understand your mental health and provide you with the help you need right now.

Learn about WellTrack

Get involved with CAPS

Are you a psychology or social work graduate student looking for professional training? Or are you an undergraduate who wants to help create a culture of compassion at IU Bloomington? Either way, we have something for you.

Get more information about mental health topics