Ask the Staff

This is a biweekly column featuring real questions from KU students, answered by CAPS staff members. The questions were anonymously collected from students in various PRE 101 sections (Psychology in Research and Education Orientation Seminar) when they were asked, What is the one question you would most like to ask a counselor?

Can I be helped in only a few visits?

Well, many variables will affect the duration of your treatment, but in short, the answer is yes. In fact, most students seeking help at CAPS only come for 4 or 5 sessions. The treatment approaches used by our staff are generally brief and focused. Our goal is to help students get through difficult situations, while maintaining the ability to function academically and socially. After students feel better about their initial concern, they often opt to come back on a regular, but less frequent basis (i.e. 1 time/month). However, one advantage of CAPS is the low price, only eleven dollars per session, so continuing treatment on a more frequent basis can also be an option.

Foss McKay, B.A.
Social Work Intern

Previous columns:

• Who has more problems, men or women?
• Do you actually listen to your clients or do you just pretend?
• Why do people just snap? Do I have a chance to just snap one day and do something I might regret?
• If someone confesses to a crime are you supposed to tell authorities?
• What can I do if my roommate is depressed all the time?
• What is the best way to help a friend who has been sexually assaulted?
• Can I be helped in only a few visits?
• What are some things you can do to become unemotionally attached to someone?