Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) supports the holistic development and psychological well-being of Bates students. CAPS is committed to providing equitable access and services to all Bates students, supporting their personal and educational needs.

Counseling and Psychological Services offers a variety of confidential services to Bates students, including individual short-term counseling, multiple weekly therapy groups, and same-day appointments.  Often, initial appointments are available on the same or next day depending on a student’s schedule. CAPS assists students with varying concerns, ranging from coping with the developmentally expected challenges of young adult life to more severe emotional and interpersonal problems. If a student is seeking weekly longer-term therapy, CAPS staff can assist with referrals to appropriate providers. Limited psychiatric evaluation and follow-up is available through CAPS if the student is concurrently seeing a CAPS therapist. Students already on medication are strongly advised to continue with their psychiatric provider from home if at all possible, or to consider a telehealth service such as Talkiatry.

Students who need to access other resources for counseling may contact the CAPS staff in getting connected with a therapist or for referrals.

Thriving Campus – Thriving Campus is a widely used service for College students to find available therapists in the local community using the student’s health insurance.

24/7 Mental Health Hotline – During the academic year (August 15 to June 15), an urgent call line is available to students and staffed by mental health professionals. If you have an urgent concern and need to speak to a counselor, call (207) 786-6200 and press “0” or Call the Crisis Lifeline at “988” at any time.

Talkiatry Psychiatrists - Talkiatry is a virtual team of over 300 licensed psychiatrists who provide telehealth psychiatric services.  They accept most major health insurances, evaluate and diagnose, and prescribe medication. Bates students will need to be seen by a provider licensed in Maine.