Schedule An Initial Appointment

ONLINE SCHEDULING is now available for in person and remote appointments. Please click on the links below to schedule.  Note:  We often add new appointments so if you are not seeing anything that matches your needs, please check back.

Types of Initial Appointments 

We have three types of initial appointments: 

• Solution Session: During this one time, 45 minute individual session, you'll meet with a therapist to come up with strategies for addressing a specific concern. This type of session is for students who want a "one and done" session to address a very specific issue. 
  Schedule a SOLUTION SESSION online.  
• Initial Consultation: During this 45 minute individual session, you'll meet with a therapist to come up with a treatment plan. This might involve brief, ongoing therapy, group therapy, or a referral to the community.
  Schedule an INITIAL CONSULATION online. 
• Urgent Appointment: If this is an urgent matter (see red column, below) and you would like to speak to a therapist today, PLEASE CALL our office at 925-631-4364. DO NOT SCHEDULE URGENT SESSIONS ONLINE.

Don’t Know/Not Sure: If you are unsure of what type of appointment you need, please call CAPS at 925-631-4364.

If none of the online appointments match your availability, please call CAPS at (925) 631-4364.

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After Your Initial Appointment

You might choose to just have one appointment (e.g., a solution session), you might be referred to a provider in the community who can better meet your needs, or you and your therapist might decide to schedule ongoing therapy sessions. Sessions are limited to 12 per academic year, with the exception of group therapy, which is unlimited. These are the types of ongoing sessions:

Individual Therapy 

These 45 minute sessions are typically weekly with the same therapist. Individual therapy is a good option if you'd like to explore something a bit deeper.  

Friendship Therapy

These sessions are for two students (not romantic partners) to talk about their relationship. Both members of the couple need to be currently enrolled SMC students.

Couples Therapy

These sessions are for romantic partners. Both members of the couple need to be currently enrolled SMC students.

Group Therapy

Therapy groups consist of at least four students, and there are typically two therapists. In the past, CAPS has had therapy groups for Survivors of Sexual Trauma, Grief, and Anxiety. We are open to starting a new group if there is enough interest. 

Late cancellation and missed appointment policy:

CAPS has a limited number of counseling appointments available; therefore, we encourage you to keep your scheduled appointments. If you cannot keep an appointment, please cancel by email or calling our office at (925) 631-4364 at least 24 hours before the appointment. If your cancellation is not within the 24 hour notice window, the appointment will count as one of your 12 sessions. 

Two late cancellations and/or missed appointments will result in a loss of eligibility for CAPS services for that semester and a referral to mental health providers in the community.