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Health and Wellness Programs Student Health Services

Get The Help You Need

Welcome to Gallaudet University’s Office of Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)! We’re more than just a campus service; we’re here to support your mental health and empower you to navigate your college experience to the fullest.

It’s common for college students to face various challenges. Confidentiality and your well-being are at the forefront of everything we do. Our in-person counseling and assessment services provide a comfortable and confidential space where students can openly discuss their concerns without barriers or judgment. Our services provide clarity and support for diagnoses and accommodations you may need.

Gallaudet CAPS celebrates the diversity of our unique campus community. We are committed to offering culturally sensitive services to students and are dedicated to training culturally competent mental health professionals. We continue to advocate for improved mental health services for Deaf communities worldwide. Our services include therapy/counseling, psychological assessments, and training.

If you need support, reach out. You can call email or visit us. We are here to listen, provide support, and offer guidance for any challenges you may face at Gallaudet.

Make an Appointment

Ready to connect? Click the button below and take the first step toward a brighter, healthier you. 

Make An Appointment

Training Site

Explore hands-on training opportunities in counseling, psychology, social work, and psychiatry at Gallaudet’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). Click the button below to learn how our programs prepare future professionals to support deaf and hard of hearing communities.

CAPS Training Program

Emotional Support Animals

Need an ESA support letter? CAPS will not provide letters to students to support their need for emotional support animals (ESA). Please click to read more information.

How to Connect

  • CAPS Phone: 202-250-2300 (VP), 202-651-6080 (voice)
  • CAPS Email: Email us
  • DPS Emergency Phone:  202-651-5555 (voice/text)
  • DPS Emergency Email: Email DPS
  • Crisis Text Line: Text “DHOH” to 741741, or call/text 988 anytime
  • Other Emergencies: Call 911

Let’s connect to support a healthier you and a stronger community together.

Meet the Team

Tara Holcomb

Director, Counseling and Psychological Services

Joshua Miller

 Counseling

Mental Health Counselor

Lynn Olden King

Mental Health Counselor

Catherine Martin

 Hearing, Speech, and Language Sciences

Assistant Director

Patricia Shaffner

Administrative Support Specialist

Marissa McBride

Mental Health Counselor

Judie Lomax

Training Coordinator

Joel Lucas

 Social Work

Mental Health Counselor

Information

Obtaining Services for Gallaudet Students

Discover essential counseling and psychological services for Gallaudet students. Access support tailored to enhance your well-being and academic success today!

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Confidentiality

Explore Gallaudet University's Counseling and Psychological Services confidentiality policies, ensuring your privacy and trust while receiving essential mental health support.

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CAPS Assessment Services Process

Discover Gallaudet University's CAPS assessment services process. Learn how we support mental health through comprehensive evaluations tailored to your needs.

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CAPS Therapeutic Services Process

Explore Gallaudet University's CAPS therapeutic services process. Discover how we support mental health and well-being through tailored counseling approaches.

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Emotional Support Animals

Discover how emotional support animals can enhance well-being at Gallaudet University. Learn about services, eligibility, and the benefits of having an ESA.

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CAPS Confidential Contact Form

Counseling and Psychological Services Confidential Contact Form

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FAQs

Services and Support

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who has received additional training in psychiatry. Psychiatrists at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) are all licensed in the District of Colombia. CAPS has a part-time psychiatrist and psychiatry resident on staff. A CAPS therapist must refer students for psychiatric services.
Psychiatric appointments begin with an initial appointment with follow-up medication management. At this appointment, the psychiatrist will gather information about your general history and background. This can include information about past or current medications, substance abuse, family medical history, and more. The psychiatrist will work with you to determine if medication is appropriate for you. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to discuss your medications if administered, including its effectiveness, modifications needed, and any other questions you may have.
Most mental health conditions have a biological and emotional component. Research strongly supports psychiatric service paired with counseling as the most effective treatment for most mental health conditions. In the best interest of our clients, it is our policy that students receiving psychiatric services must also be actively involved in counseling with a Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) therapist.
Many people feel reluctant to take medications for a variety of reasons. Discovering the right medication that will work for you, coping with any side-effects, and negative attitudes about psychiatric medications and social stigma may discourage a person from considering medication. Whatever your reason, we encourage you to discuss these concerns with your counselor or psychiatrist. Psychiatric services are voluntary and will only be given with your consent. After beginning medication, many people find that it’s helpful, allows them to feel like themselves again, and provides support in reaching their counseling and academic goals.
All students receive six free sessions per academic year, not including the intake appointment. After the sixth session, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) does not bill insurance for appointments. Instead, we have set the fee to $20 per session. We accept all major credit cards, check, cash, and students may add the payments to their student account.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) will assign a counselor to you, based on the best available match with your needs and availability. If you have a preference for a specific counselor, you may make a request during the intake appointment. Students are not guaranteed assignment to the counselor requested, but we will work with you to find a counselor that best matches your needs.
Generally, students will get an appointment within one to two weeks after the initial intake visit. If there is a waitlist, the student will be informed and assigned an appointment as soon as possible. Students may request a referral to an off-campus counselor if waitlisted.
Counseling appointments are scheduled to last 50 minutes. If you require a longer appointment, you can request an exception with your counselor after the initial appointment.
If you are experiencing any kind of distress and need to speak with a counselor, you may come to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) any time during business hours (9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.). Should an emergency occur during off hours and you live on campus, contact your coordinator of education (CRE) or the Department of Public Safety (DPS) immediately. If you live off campus, you should call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. Crisis appointments are free to all students.
Trainees are graduate level therapists-in-training who provide services under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional. Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) trains graduate students to provide culturally appropriate therapy and psychological services to deaf and hard of hearing clients. Our mission is to help increase the number of counselors qualified to work within the deaf community. Supervisors review each case to ensure that trainees are providing quality care. The CAPS assignment team may assign a trainee as your therapist. This means you will have two professionals (trainee and supervisor) monitoring your care to ensure you receive the best treatment.
There are several options when considering Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) for a student:
  • CAPS encourages you to discuss your concerns with the student directly in a supportive manner (e.g. “I am worried about you. I think you may find it helpful to meet with someone who can help you. Would you be willing to contact CAPS and make an appointment?”) It may be helpful to accompany the student to CAPS to schedule an appointment.
  • As a concerned parent, teacher, or friend you can contact CAPS to express concern about the student. Since treatment and services at CAPS are voluntary, students will not be forced to attend counseling. However, any information given will be helpful should the student decide to seek services at CAPS.
  • Concerned parents, teachers, and friends can also contact Gallaudet University’s Behavioral Intervention Team (BIT) to share concerns. BIT is a part of the University’s Crisis Leadership Team (CLT) and collaborates across campus units, departments, and divisions to support students in need. Please refer to the link for additional information: Behavioral Intervention Team
A psychiatric resident is a licensed medical doctor who is undergoing additional training in psychiatry, called a residency. They are supervised by a licensed psychiatrist.

Policies and Information

All information about you is kept confidential among the Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) professional staff in accordance with legal and professional ethical requirements. There are exceptions to your privilege of confidentiality. We are required by law to act, report, or protect in situations when
  • a client threatens or is at risk of harm to him/herself (e.g., suicidal),
  • a client makes threatening statements or takes action to harm others,
  • there is reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect,
  • there is reasonable suspicion of abuse or neglect of a dependent adult, or
  • records are court ordered by a judge.
If any of these situations occur, your counselor may discuss the situation with you in detail so that you are aware of their actions.

Contact

  • Counseling and Psychological Services
  • Kellogg Conference Hotel | 3203
  • click to show email
  • (202) 651-6080
  • 202-250-2300
    • Monday
    9:00 am-4:00 pm
    Tuesday
    9:00 am-4:00 pm
    Wednesday
    9:00 am-4:00 pm
    Thursday
    9:00 am-4:00 pm
    Friday
    9:00 am-4:00 pm
Tara Holcomb

Director, Counseling and Psychological Services

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