Frequently Asked Questions

In order to improve equity and timeliness of access to mental health services at MCAPS, we will now offer a Rapid Access service model. Every student at The Claremont Colleges requesting MCAPS services will be seen for a brief 20-25 minute initial assessment appointment, generally within a few days of contacting MCAPS. During that initial appointment, students will describe their presenting concerns, and be assessed as appropriate for brief, goal-directed therapy at MCAPS or referred out for long-term, more intensive, or more specialized treatment. These changes are based on recommendations from the review panel that spoke with students, staff and faculty at the 7Cs in the Fall of 2019, and we see these changes as the best way to ensure equitable, timely access to mental health care for all students.

We will no longer use a session-limit model where all students are entitled to 8 sessions specifically. Rather, we will offer this brief initial assessment universally, with the goal of connecting each student as quickly as possible to appropriate mental health care.

Yes, every student seeking mental health support should first schedule an initial assessment. During that appointment, if the therapist determines the student’s presenting issues are appropriate for brief, goal-directed therapy, they can schedule a therapy intake appointment. In most cases, we can accommodate student requests for a particular therapist, although sometimes this may result in a longer wait for a therapy intake appointment.

Yes, you can certainly request a specific therapist. Please note that requests for a specific person may result in a longer wait for the appointment.

No. If you are sure that medication management is the only mental health support you are looking for, it’s OK to schedule a one-hour initial medication evaluation directly with one of the MCAPS psychiatrists. If you are seeking continued medication services with a psychiatrist you have previously worked with, you can schedule a 30-minute ongoing medication check appointment. However, if you are not sure whether you need medication or not, or if you think you may also want other mental health services or referrals, a brief initial assessment is appropriate.

Please note that, due to the complexity of licensing laws and the challenges of providing telehealth care, psychiatrists may not be able to provide medication management for all students in all locations. Please feel free to schedule an initial visit with one of our psychiatrists, and they will consult with you to determine whether telehealth visits are appropriate in your case; if not, we will be glad to assist you in finding the right care in your home area.

Students may also use the following link to request referrals directly: https://services.claremont.edu/mcaps/off-campus-therapy-referral-request/

Yes, it is fine to schedule a brief assessment if you currently reside outside the state of California, including outside the U.S. The MCAPS therapist will consult with you about what type of mental health support you are seeking and will help you find appropriate care in your local area.