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Information about CAPS Services for International Students at UGA


International students face unique challenges adjusting to new culture and managing academic and other demands. We recognize that this adjustment can be stressful and offer a variety of services for international students at UGA.

Some students may be unfamiliar with counseling because it is not a common practice in their culture. They may also believe that counseling is only for people who have serious psychological problems. In fact, UGA students seek our services for a variety of everyday concerns that impact their academic performance, how they feel about themselves, and their relationships.

CAPS is committed to the academic, personal, social and psychological growth of students at the University of Georgia. We strive to be highly accessible while promoting a healthy learning community for students and the University campus. We offer our services with respect for others and appreciation of diversity.

Reasons International Students Use CAPS Services

  • Academics, coursework, and grades
  • Choices about educational and career directions and life after college
  • Adjusting to social life and the educational system in the United States
  • Feeling disconnected from support systems at home
  • Difficulties communicating with professors, making friends and developing a support system here in the United States
  • Difficulties in relationships with a spouse, partner, or friends
  • Balancing multiple demands (academic, relationships, and finances
  • Concerns about disappointing family or others

Concerns International Students Discuss in Counseling

  • Feeling "stressed" or overwhelmed
  • Difficulties concentrating, confusion
  • Feeling less self-confident or sure of your abilities
  • Loneliness, homesickness, feeling like you "don't belong"
  • Problems communicating with others
  • Uncertainty about the future
  • Feeling sad, angry, anxious or depressed
  • Conflict between your values and those of U.S. culture
  • Relationship difficulties

Who Is Eligible for Services?

UGA students and their eligible partners.

Cost for Services

Services are available at a reduced rate for students who pay their student health fee. There is no charge for the initial telephone screening. There is also no additional charge for the initial consultation appointment for students who have paid the student health fee, There are costs associated with additional counseling and psychiatric services and for other services, such as group participation and testing. Financial assistance is also available to those who qualify.

Are Sessions Confidential?

Yes! Conversations with CAPS staff (either by phone or in person) and your mental health records are confidential and privileged. CAPS staff may not speak with or release your records to anyone outside the University Health Center without your written consent to do so. This includes releasing information to parents, professors, University departments, housing staff, friends, or government agencies. Exceptions to confidentiality may occur under certain circumstances. These exceptions include serious and immediate threat to your life or welfare or the life or welfare of another person or the University community. For more information see CAPS Statement of Confidentiality.

What is Counseling Like?

Initially, some students feel a little uncomfortable discussing personal issues with a stranger, but typically feel at ease rather quickly. Our staff is knowledgeable and professional and strives to create a comfortable environment for you. Counseling provides an opportunity for you to discuss your concerns with an objective professional, who will assist you in clarifying and finding solutions to problems. Most students who use CAPS' services find them to be helpful.

What are the limits on CAPS services?

CAPS offers brief, short-term individual and limited psychiatric services. Individual counseling at CAPS is designed to focus on specific goals within a short-term model. If you are in need of longer-term counseling or psychiatric services or services that CAPS does not offer, we will assist you in locating resources that may be of help to you.

What to Expect When You Call CAPS

When you call (706-542-2273) or come to CAPS, you will speak with a counselor (either by phone or in person), for approximately 10 minutes. The counselor will assess your concerns, needs, and reasons for seeking counseling. If appropriate for CAPS' services, you will be scheduled for an initial consultation appointment. Prior to this appointment you will be asked to complete paperwork. During the initial consultation appointment, you and a therapist will discuss your reasons for seeking services in greater detail, if appropriate for CAPS services you will be scheduled to meet with a therapist for counseling. For more information see Scheduling an Appointment.

Services Offered at CAPS

  • Short-Term Individual Counseling
    One-on-one meetings with an individual counselor. Assignment to an individual counselor occurs after completing the phone screening and an initial consultation appointment.


  • Group Counseling
    Meeting with a facilitator/counselor or co-facilitators and other students. Prior to participation in a group, you will meet with a counselor for a group screening. CAPS offers a variety of groups each semester, covering a range of topics (anxiety, depression, yoga, graduate student, and relationship groups). Groups typically consist of six to eight participants and meet weekly for 1.5 to 2 hours. Some groups meet for a semester or less while others may meet longer.


  • Psychiatric Services
    Meeting one-on-one with a psychiatrist/physician after an initial consultation appointment with a counselor. During an initial, one hour, evaluation the psychiatrist will talk to you about treatment recommendations and discuss a preliminary treatment plan. If you agree with the treatment plan, then a decision about ongoing treatment, probably involving the use of medication, will be discussed.


  • Walk-in Services and After Hours Crisis Intervention
    During regular working hours students who are in need of immediate crisis services may speak with a walk-in counselor who will determine the level of care needed and direct you to appropriate services. After hours, you may reach the on-call counselor by contacting the UGA Police (706-542-2200) and asking for the on-call counselor. The UGA Police will respect your confidentiality and not disclose information you discuss to others (e.g., instructors, departments, or other outside agencies).


  • Outreach Programs
    Presentations about mental health issues provided to classes, student groups, departments, and campus organizations. CAPS offers a variety of outreach programs, including presentations on: CAPS' services, anxiety and stress management, depression, mindfulness/meditation, cultural diversity, and relationship issues. We ask that outreach presentations be requested two weeks in advance of the presentation date.


  • Consultation
    Students may speak with a therapist by phone if they have questions about mental health services or are concerned about another student.


  • Online Screening and Mindfulness/Relaxation Exercises
    On-line mental health screening instruments (e.g., that assess anxiety and depression) may be accessed via the CAPS website (see Test Your Moods-Online Self Assessment). You may also listen to or download online mindfulness or relaxation exercises (see Online Mindfulness and Relaxation Exercises).

For more information see Services Provided at CAPS on the CAPS website.

Our staff can assist you in finding solutions to personal concerns, clarifying options and deciding on a course of action, learning new ways of coping, addressing barriers to academic achievement, and in improving your self-esteem and relationships. Please feel free to contact us at 706-542-2273 if you have questions about our services.