Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) at Cornell Health provides individual and group counseling, drop-in consultation, and workshops to help you “live well to learn well” here at Cornell.
Our staff members come from diverse clinical and cultural backgrounds with expertise in responding to the wide range of mental health concerns faced by university students.
About our services:
- CAPS services are available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students studying in Ithaca or on the nearby Geneva campus, with select services available to Cornell Tech and some other NYC-based students (see Who we serve).
- Services are available in person and through telehealth (Zoom); note that students must be on or near campus to receive telehealth services. Phone appointments may be available, when needed.
CAPS SERVICES
“Let’s Talk” drop-in consultation
Informal drop-in consultations with a CAPS counselor for students who are uncertain if counseling is a good fit for them, want to know more about available support, or are just in need of a one-time brief conversation with a provider. Offered Monday-Friday during the academic year.
- How to access: Drop-in; offered at various campus locations & by Zoom
- Cost: No charge
- Learn more: Visit our Let’s Talk page
Individual counseling
Short-term individual therapy focused on treating common mental health conditions and concerns.
- How to access: Schedule an access appointment (see below) to determine if this level of care is a good fit for you
- Cost: $10 / visit
- Learn more: Visit our Individual Counseling page
Group counseling
Therapy groups focused on a variety of clinical issues and/or identity-specific experiences. Groups meet weekly (some in person and some by Zoom), and run from 5 weeks to semester-long.
- How to access: Schedule a brief group orientation if you know what group you would like to join (visit the Group Counseling page for details), or schedule an access appointment (see below) to explore what options might best fit your needs
- Cost: No charge
- Learn more: Visit our Group Counseling page
Workshops
One-hour skills-based workshops held throughout the semester, designed to help with anxiety, procrastination, and other topics.
- How to access: Drop-in, with options offered in person and by Zoom
- Cost: No charge
- Learn more: Visit our Workshops page
Referrals
Individualized referrals for long-term counseling or specialty care off-campus, in Ithaca or in New York State.
- How to access: Contact a CAPS Referral Manager, or schedule a referral appointment
- Cost: No charge
- Learn more: Visit our Finding Off-Campus Mental Health Providers page
Access appointments: how to initiate care
Scheduling an access appointment is the first step to connecting with many CAPS services.
During this free 25-minute appointment, a trained mental health professional will assist you by matching your mental health concerns with the right level of care. They will ask questions to get to know you, your background, your reasons for seeking help, and your history with mental health care. At the end of the conversation, they will provide you with care recommendations to meet your needs including those that are available at Cornell Health and in the broader community.
To schedule an access appointment:
- Log in to myCornellHealth using your Cornell NetID and password, and select Appointments.
- You may also call 607-255-5155 during business hours to schedule.
Most access appointments are conducted by Zoom. If you prefer an in-person appointment, please call us to schedule your appointment.
For follow-up CAPS appointments: Appointments may be made directly with your CAPS provider. Or call us to schedule at 607-255-5155.
*OTHER SERVICES & SUPPORT*
Mental health medication management
Cornell Health provides mental health medication evaluation and prescriptions through our Medical Department. Learn more on our Mental Health Medication Management page.
Self-care resources & programming
- Visit our Health Topics section and our Fact Sheet Library for tips and information about sleep, managing stress and anxiety, and more.
- Enroll in a self-guided online program on building resilience or helping a friend in distress.
- Try Let’s Meditate for free guided meditation sessions, offered weekly throughout the semester.
- Register for Refresh, Cornell's sleep program.
- Visit our Mental Health Resources page for recommended articles, videos, and online resources to support your well-being.
Campus-wide options for support
Visit Support for Students: Ithaca Campus on the university’s Mental Health at Cornell for a comprehensive list of resources to support your well-being and help you flourish at Cornell.