FAQ

What can I expect during my first visit?

When you arrive for your first visit, you will be welcomed by a CAPS staff member. Then you will meet with a counselor for up to 30 minutes to discuss the reason(s) for your visit. You will have the opportunity to talk about your concerns, in your own words. Your counselor will have some questions to help clarify your situation; and by the end of the initial consultation, the two of you will decide on next steps in your Personalized Well-Being Plan.

Who can use CAPS, and how much does it cost?

Services are available at no additional charge to any student enrolled at Longwood University.

How do I get started?

Counseling is available by appointment. You can schedule an Initial Consultation and Single Session Therapy appointments through the Online Portal.

You can make an appointment either in person (in the upper level of Pierson Hall) by phone (434-395-2409) or by email (longwoodCAPS@longwood.edu).  Typically you will be able to meet with a counselor within a week or two, and if for any reason you are unable to keep an appointment, please call CAPS to let us know. We appreciate your giving us as much advance notice as possible for any cancellation or rescheduling of appointments.

If you are a student experiencing significant distress or a crisis, contact our Mental Health Crisis Support Line via the WellTrack Boost app or by calling (434) 395-2409 and selecting option 2. For an emergency, call 911.

Is what I say in counseling confidential?

Counseling is confidential, and CAPS staff places the highest level of importance on protecting your private information. We do not share information about a student without the student's written permission, except when required by law, such as in the case of suspected child or dependent abuse, imminent danger to self or others, or a court order. 

All counseling records are confidential and are not part of your Longwood academic record.

How does counseling work?

Counseling is a collaborative process that includes you every step of the way, from determining what your goals are to deciding when it is time for your counseling experience to come to an end. You and your counselor will work together to explore your thoughts and feelings, to examine relationships, and to create solutions to your problems. Counseling can be hard work, but the rewards you will gain from making positive changes in your life are priceless.