Counseling (CAPS)

We’re here to listen

Stressing out over your studies? Just need someone to talk to? Our trained, professional staff will give you the confidential support you need.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re having a serious mental health crisis or you just want to discuss a problem with someone—we’re here for you. And we know that mental health treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all. We’ll customize your care to your situation.

Counseling and Psychological Services and Sexual Assault Crisis Services are provided at no charge to all IU students who have paid the student health fee.

You can schedule a 60-minute initial consultation by calling 812-855-5711. CAPS appointments are not able to be made online.

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 call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

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

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.

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 virtual visits.

Learn about virtual visits

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.

Adapting and thriving in graduate school is a complex process, but you are not alone! CAPS can help. 25% of the students we see are graduate students.

Learn more about Graduate Student Resources

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

Learn about the Sexual Assault Crisis Service

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 referral if you’re concerned about the safety or well-being of an IU student (including yourself).

Learn more about submitting a care referral

CAPS no longer offers ADHD screening testing. For academic assistance please refer to these academic resources:

If you wouold rather connect with someone off-campus for your mental health needs, IU has partnered with Thriving Campus. Thriving Campus is a directory of off-campus mental health providers serving college students, with searchable filters for location and specialization.

Visit Thriving Campus

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, Spanish, Mandarin, Dari, Farsi, Hindi, and Urdu.