UCLA Counseling and Psychological Services: Supporting Student Well-being

UCLA Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is a multidisciplinary student mental health center dedicated to supporting the academic and student development missions of the University and the Division of Student Affairs. CAPS is committed to promoting inclusion and the affirmation of individual and cultural diversity. Their services and training foster the development of healthy behaviors necessary for success in a complex global environment. CAPS supports students' mental health needs as they pursue their academic goals. Their services are designed to foster the development of healthy well-being needs.

Comprehensive Mental Health Services Offered by UCLA CAPS

CAPS offers a variety of services to meet the diverse needs of the UCLA community, including crisis intervention, individual and group therapy, psychiatric services, and educational programs.

Crisis Counseling and Emergency Intervention

CAPS provides crisis counseling available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This ensures that students have access to immediate support during times of distress. In addition to phone support, CAPS offers emergency intervention services for students experiencing acute mental health crises.

Individual Counseling and Psychotherapy

Individual counseling and psychotherapy offer students a safe and confidential space to explore their personal challenges and develop coping strategies. These sessions are tailored to the individual's specific needs and concerns, providing personalized support and guidance.

Group Therapy

Group therapy provides an opportunity for students to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges. Facilitated by a licensed provider, these sessions offer a supportive environment for sharing experiences, learning coping skills, and building interpersonal relationships.

Psychiatric Evaluation and Treatment

CAPS offers psychiatric evaluation and treatment services, including medication management, for students with mental health conditions that may benefit from pharmacological intervention. Psychiatrists at CAPS work in collaboration with primary care physicians to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care.

Psychoeducational Programs and Workshops

CAPS provides psychoeducational programs and workshops for students, staff, and faculty on a variety of mental health and wellness topics. These programs are designed to promote mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to support their own well-being and the well-being of others.

Campus Mental Health and Wellness Promotion

CAPS is actively involved in campus mental health and wellness promotion initiatives, working to create a supportive and inclusive campus environment that prioritizes mental health. CAPS collaborates with other campus departments and organizations to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and promote access to mental health services.

Accessing CAPS Services

Location and Contact Information

UCLA Counseling Center (CAPS) is located in the John Wooden Center West, 221 Westwood Plaza (Bruin Plaza), Los Angeles, CA 90095. Parking Structure 4 (P4) is the closest parking facility to CAPS. To reach CAPS from the parking structure, follow the signs towards the soccer and intramural fields or Bruin Walk.

Eligibility and Fees

Patients eligible to be seen are current students, past students of the most previous academic term, and other UC campus students. Learn about the costs of treatment through CAPS for students with and without UC-Ship, as well as the costs for late cancellations and missed appointments.

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Making an Appointment

Find out how to get started with CAPS and schedule an appointment. CAPS strives to make its services accessible and responsive to the needs of the student population.

Additional Mental Health Resources at UCLA

Satellite Clinics

Discover a variety of different mental health resources available around campus available to eligible students, such as in the department of engineering, as well as athletics.

Drop-In Hours

Learn about free, confidential, brief consultations for UCLA undergraduate and graduate students offered during drop-in hours.

Community Provider Database

CAPS offers a database of community providers as a resource for students seeking off-campus mental health services. While CAPS provides this database as a resource, it does not constitute endorsement of any of the listed treatment providers or facilities. Users assume responsibility for evaluating and selecting among the providers included in these listings. It is therefore important to verify information with the providers that interest you, including fees and other arrangements.

UCLA Behavioral Health Associates (BHA) and Network (BHN)

UCLA Health offers additional behavioral health services through its Behavioral Health Associates (BHA) clinics and Behavioral Health Network (BHN).

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UCLA Behavioral Health Associates (BHA)

The UCLA Behavioral Health Associates (BHA) clinics are designed to support patients’ emotional well-being by working in partnership with UCLA Health primary care physicians. This model emphasizes Brief Treatment, with psychotherapy limited to 12 sessions for adults and 20 sessions for peds.

Highlights of the BHA program include:

Recognized excellence: Access to a team of established experts.
Access to care: Advanced behavioral health services in multiple locations and telemedicine appointments.
Range of treatment options: Psychiatric stabilization with medication; individual, couples or family therapy; and group therapy. Referrals to more intensive treatment through the Stewart and Lynda Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital, if needed.

UCLA Behavioral Health Network (BHN)

The UCLA Behavioral Health Network (BHN) is a trusted group of vetted community-based therapists and psychiatrists who partner with your UCLA primary care team and the short-term Behavioral Health Associates (BHA) program.

What UCLA BHN Offers:

Personalized, Longer-Term Support: Longer-term therapy or psychiatric care to support your goals.
Flexible Appointment Options: Telehealth visits.
Coordinated Care: Works closely with your UCLA primary care doctor and UCLA BHA team.

Services Offered Through Behavioral Health Associates

Psychiatry

Psychiatrists provide treatment in close collaboration with primary care physicians, prescribing medications to help patients function in their daily activities. They can also refer you to longer-term treatments if necessary.

Individual, Couples, or Family Psychotherapy

Behavioral Health Associates emphasizes Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), focusing on finding solutions to help you manage current life challenges. During psychotherapy, you meet with a licensed provider (clinical social worker or marriage and family therapist) who offers a neutral, objective perspective. Treatment plans are typically limited to 12 sessions (Adults) or 20 sessions (Peds) within a six-month period.

Group Psychotherapy

Group psychotherapy provides an opportunity to meet other individuals who have similar symptoms or challenges. A licensed provider facilitates a group discussion where you share your experiences and learn how to improve your coping skills.

Behavioral and Mental Health Conditions Treated

UCLA Behavioral Health Associates specialists treat a full range of conditions, including:

Anxiety disorders: Conditions such as panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder that lead to intense worry or stress about everyday situations
Bipolar disorder: A condition causing dramatic swings in a person’s moods, concentration and energy levels
Depression: Persistent feelings of sadness or a loss of pleasure that interferes with daily life
Obsessive-compulsive disorder: A mental health disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that lead to uncontrollable, repetitive behaviors (compulsions)
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A condition that can develop when someone has difficulty recovering from a dangerous, shocking or traumatic event

Treatments Offered Through Behavioral Health Associates

Behavioral Health Associates providers use Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) to help you find solutions to current life challenges. The primary objective of SFBT is setting goals. Your therapist helps you identify goals and the steps you can take to meet those goals and resolve problems.

Workshops and Trainings

Schedule a workshop surrounding a variety of topics including suicide, an introduction to CAPS, and more.

Additional Resources

Emergency Resources

Turn to these resources if you are experiencing a crisis.

Concerned About a Bruin

Find information on how to support a Bruin who might be struggling with their mental health.

Mental Health Resources

Explore a variety of community-based and online resources surrounding topics such as anxiety, body image, ADHA, sleep, and much more.

Bruin Mental Health Advisory Committee

Learn about how BMHAC works with CAPS to advocate for students' mental health needs and apply to join the team.

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