Off-Campus Referrals

• There are a variety of reasons students obtain a referral from CAPS. Students’ psychological needs and particular circumstances are primary factors which help determine if a referral outside of CAPS will be given to a student. CAPS staff match students to an agency or clinician based on students’ individual concerns, request for a specific counseling approach, counselor gender and cultural background, students’ financial situation, and insurance benefits. Students of course make the final decision about whether or not they can work with a particular outside provider.
• OR Students whose needs cannot be accommodated within short-term counseling are referred to community resources. Similarly, students whose needs require a particular type of expertise that is not found in the Center are also referred into the community. Some of the reasons students may be deemed “out of scope” are as follows: desire for therapy 1-2/week, need for specialized treatment (complex trauma, eating disorders, moderate to severe alcohol or drug use, etc). In addition, a history of multiple hospitalizations, chronic suicidality, progressive deterioration of symptoms, etc). Counseling and Psychological Services provides referral services either after the initial session or as these factors become more apparent during the course of services. The Center's Case Manager can provide referral options that we believe will best meet a student’s needs.

Yes. Therapy services are covered under your student fees. As a result, students are not responsible for payment of services unless you see a provider outside of CAPS. If it is determined that your needs may be better suited outside of our Center, a case manager is available to walk you through how to utilize your insurance to schedule an appointment and establish care with a Therapist in the community.

Payment is not accepted for counseling at CAPS, as these services are covered under your student fees.

We know at CAPS that obtaining and interpreting health insurance policies can be daunting at times. CAPS staff is always here to help you. Many UNC Charlotte students have the Student Blue health insurance plan. CAPS clinicians are familiar with this plan’s mental health benefits and will recommend providers on this plan (as well as other plans) that match student needs. In addition, CAPS utilizes a resource called “ShrinkSpace” that allows students to connect with off-campus providers by identifying their own specific needs and preferences. You are not alone. We can walk you through this process.

Our policy states that students are able to return to CAPS for an assessment after one full academic year. In that assessment, you and a CAPS clinician will determine the most appropriate next step.

In open-ended therapy, you will delve deeper into the issues that brought you to therapy.  You and the provider will have the time to build a strong therapeutic relationship that will enable you to build trust with them around your concerns. Long term therapy gives you the opportunity to work out issues that might be deeply ingrained or long-standing. You will be able to gain a clearer understanding of your patterns and determine your future goals and desires.

Yes, there are some opportunities for funding off-campus mental health resources. To discuss these options, please speak with your CAPS clinician about a referral to the Center for Integrated Care, CIC. You are also welcome to reach out to the CIC directly at (704) 687-1045 or by email at integratedcare@uncc.edu.