CIA New York Counseling and Psycho­logical Services (CAPS)

How to Make an Appointment
Ready to get started? Call us at 845-905-4241 or email us at ciacaps@culinary.edu.

Consultation
Not sure if counseling (also called therapy) is for you? Just need some quick advice, or need to tell us about a friend you’re worried about? If so, you are welcome to make a consultation appointment with one of our therapists without becoming a client. During this brief meeting, you will be informed about confidentiality and may be given suggestions or feedback, told who to reach out to, and/or encouraged to make an appointment for on-going counseling.

Personal Counseling
We provide short-term, solution-focused therapy to all enrolled CIA students. Students talk to us about many concerns, from adjusting to life at CIA, managing friendships/relationships, working more effectively with chefs or classmates to depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide. Many students think that since their concerns aren’t as “important” as those of other students, they shouldn’t come in. We are here to help all students with their concerns, so please don’t hesitate.

What to Expect During Your First Visit
When you meet with a CAPS therapist for the first time, you will be asked to complete initial paperwork prior to your first session. During an initial consultation with a therapist you will have a chance to talk about the concerns you wish to address and be asked questions related to many areas of your life. Based on the information presented, the therapist will make recommendations that may include individual therapy, further evaluation, or referral to other services on- or off-campus. Some students find that the initial consultation meets their needs and require no further services.

Crisis Intervention
We are available daily, Monday through Friday, to intervene in crisis and urgent situations. If a student thinks they need an urgent appointment during business hours (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.), they are asked to leave a message on our voicemail at 845-905-4241 and indicate this need. If they are in crisis, students should reach out to their RA, RD, or Security.

A CAPS therapist is on-call for emergency after-hours support seven days a week, when classes are in session.

Outside of our regular office hours or in the event of a mental health emergency, you may request assistance through Campus Safety at 845-451-1111. They will be able to contact CAPS, as needed.

Presentations, Workshops, and Training
Through outreach programming and training, CAPS offers the expertise of our therapists to help enhance the CIA community. Students may see us present during orientation, in the Professional and Life Skills (PLS) class and at various other events on campus.

CAPS offers a variety of outreach and training programs designed to enhance the lives and learning experiences of students, faculty, administrators, and staff. Workshops and presentations on a wide range of topics related to mental health, wellness, and student life are available throughout the year based on staff availability. CAPS welcomes requests from students, administrators, faculty, and staff. If you are interested in having one of our clinicians facilitate a presentation, please contact us at 845-905-4241. Please note: In order to give our staff enough time to schedule and prepare the presentation, three weeks notice is requested. If less time is given, the request may be difficult to fulfill.

If you require services beyond the scope of what we can provide or would prefer to receive treatment off-campus, we will refer you to community providers. Not sure how to find the right provider for you? Check out our Referral Process handout.

Local Mental Health Resources

*Please note that this should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular mental health provider/service.*

General Off-Campus Providers

Using Your Insurance
We recommend that you contact your insurance company for information about your benefits and coverage. Once you log on to your online insurance portal, you will see a Find a Provider option. You can choose that to find mental health professionals in the area who take your insurance.

Psychology Today
This website has a robust listing of local therapists, psychiatrists, groups, and treatment facilities. Go to www.psychologytoday.com and use the drop-down options on the menu bar to access their directory.

*Please note that this should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular mental health provider/service on Psychology Today.*

Therapy for Black Girls
This is an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls. There are great resources including a directory of local therapists: www.therapyforblackgirls.com.

Eating Disorder Treatment

• LiveWell Poughkeepsie
• Renfrew Center – Nearby locations in Ridgewood NJ, New York City, and Old Greenwich, CT.

Substance Abuse Treatment

• Lexington Center for Recovery; 412 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601; 845-486-8880
• Dutchess County Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• Narcotics Anonymous
• New Life Recovery Houses
• Step One

International Students

• College Life in America versus Korea

LGBTQ Students

• College Choice Ultimate Resource Guide
• Essential Resources for LGBTQ Students
• Lesbian, Gay, and Transgender Health

Students of Color

• Ourselves Black
• The Steve Fund

Veteran Students

• VA Higher Education Benefits

Supporting Your Student and Yourself

Below are some great articles to help you navigate being the parent of a college student, including how to help them and yourself.

• The Transition to College
• The Best Advice for New College Parents
• Helping Your Child Transition to College
• Supporting Your Student’s Mental Health From a Distance
• Separation and Change for Parents and Students
• New College Parents: Lost in the Transition
• Nine Tips (video)
• What Not to Do (video)
• Advice from College Students to Parents (video)

Forms

• CAPS Minor Informed Consent (PDF)
• Consentimiento paterno para servicio de consejería.pdf (PDF)