Short-Term Psychiatry Services

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Medication May Be an Option

Psychotropic medications (medication for psychiatric symptoms) can help treat some short or long-term mental health concerns. If you're on medication or you'd like to know if medication would benefit your mental health, we're here to guide you through the process. From Campus Health primary care physicians to CAPS psychiatry providers, there's a path for you.

How does CAPS psychiatry work?

Getting psychotropic medication managed through CAPS begins with an Urgent Care Counseling & Consultation appointment with a counselor. That counselor will help create your Custom Care Plan that may include a psychiatric evaluation. Once you're scheduled with CAPS psychiatry, one of our psychiatry providers will work with you on a short-term basis (about 6-12 weeks). We also have mental health partnerships for continuing psychiatric care in the community if longer-term or more intensive treatment is needed.

How does Campus Health General Medicine work?

For students stable on a medication who do not need a new evaluation with a psychiatrist, Campus Health General Medicine may be able to manage ongoing medication refills. Call Campus Health at (520) 621-9202 to find out more about Campus Health General Medicine services or speak with a CAPS counselor in a Counseling & Consultation session.

There are many ways to get support for medication management.

For Students Interested in Starting or Restarting Medication

If a CAPS counselor or Campus Health provider agrees that medications may be helpful, you will be referred for an evaluation with a member of the CAPS psychiatry team.

For Students with a Current Prescription

Transferring your medication care to CAPS begins with a Counseling & Consultation Session where a counselor will help you create a Custom Care Plan. Don’t wait until your medications are almost gone. Contact us when you have at least a month’s supply left to prevent a lapse in your medication.

Campus Health General Medicine

A Campus Health medical provider is another good place to start if you're wondering about medication. Your Campus Health provider and CAPS work together to support all aspects of your health. Depending on the complexity of your concerns, a psychiatric evaluation may also be needed. Your primary care physician can help you decide on your next steps.

ADHD Medication

ADHD medication management at CAPS requires a formal diagnosis of ADHD.

If you have been previously diagnosed with ADHD, complete the ADHD Information Packet and talk to a CAPS provider to get started. 

If you have not been previously diagnosed with ADHD, you can complete an evaluation at CAPS or off-campus. 


What is a psychiatrist?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions. The CAPS psychiatry team also includes psychiatric nurse practitioners who have advanced degrees in the field of psychiatric mental health. Both our psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners assess and treat mental health conditions and are able to prescribe medication.

What's the difference between psychiatry and counseling?

Both counselors and psychiatry providers are mental health specialists. Counselors and psychiatrists will discuss your concerns with you and offer guidance on wellness-supporting steps you can take. Counselors focus on talk therapy, behavioral interventions, and other non-medication treatments. Some psychiatry providers offer counseling as part of their consultations with patients in addition to medication management.

When should I consider medication? 

Everyone's needs are a little different, but here are a few general rules of thumb for people considering medication. Medication could be helpful for:

  • long-term or persistent psychiatric symptoms
  • impaired sleep, appetite, or cognitive functioning
  • symptoms that interfere with your daily life, ability to engage in counseling, or other health-supportive activities

Is there anything i should do before my appointment?

The most important thing you can do before your appointment is identify your most pressing concerns. Writing it down helps. Include your concerns, questions, any patterns you've noticed, triggers, and examples that illustrate your common experiences and challenges on your list. Try to focus on the most important pieces of information, and don't worry about getting every last detail right. Taking this step can leave you feeling more prepared and more comfortable discussing topics that we often keep private.

More ways to Make Your Visit at a New Psychiatrist Go Well.


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