Frequently Asked Questions
You can schedule an appointment by contacting CAPS at 631-632-6720 or use our online self-scheduler to make an appointment for an initial consultation.
To make an initial consultation appointment, please use our online self-scheduler. If all appointments are taken for the day you want to be seen, you may also contact us at (631) 632-6720 and schedule an appointment.
If a student is experiencing a mental health crisis they can call CAPS at 631-632-6720 and speak with a counselor immediately, or if in imminent danger a student should call campus police at 631-632-3333. Students can also call the CAPS Crisis Line directly at (855) 509-5742 and speak to a licensed mental health counselor anytime, day or night.
Students may borrow a laptop from the campus library for free, anywhere from a few hours to a full semester.
If you do not have a private space for your tele-counseling session or to speak with a counselor, please call us at 631-632-6720 and we can let you know about our Zoom Pod offerings on campus.
Please know that you can speak with a mental health professional 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. CAPS is open 8 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday. When CAPS is closed, simply call CAPS Crisis Line at 631-632-6720 or 24/7 at 855-509-5742.
New This Fall: TimelyCare, 24/7 Free Virtual Healthcare for Seawolves
TimelyCare is a new telehealth platform that provides 24/7 free virtual access to mental health services, right from your mobile device or computer. This service is open to all Stony Brook undergraduate or graduate students, taking online or in-person classes.
- TalkNow: 24/7 on-demand access to speak with a mental health professional about anything on your mind.
- Scheduled Counseling: scheduled mental health counseling appointments to speak to a licensed counselor of your choice, at a time convenient for you (up to 12 visits per year).
For more information and frequently asked questions, visit
CAPS will continue to offer group counseling via our telehealth platform. Please contact us at 631-632-6720 or check out the group section to learn more about group offerings.
No, there is no fee for our services, including psychiatric services. Students must be registered for classes, enrolled in 6 or more credits and have paid the health & counseling fee. Students who are not currently enrolled for 6 credits may ask for a consultation for a referral to an outside therapist or psychiatrist.
- Yes. You may pay for your medication or use your insurance. Please read your insurance policy to learn about your medication coverage. Many of the prescription medications our psychiatrists prescribe are carried in the Student Health Services pharmacy, with the exception of controlled substances. Prescriptions may also be filled at pharmacies near campus.
- No. Therapy records, academic records and transcripts are completely separate. Your legally protected confidentiality prevents disclosure of counseling information to academic offices or personnel.
It is important that all students know that their sessions are confidential—strictly between you and your counselor, with other CAPS or Student Health Services staff involved only as needed for consultation. The only exceptions to confidentiality occur:
- 1. If you request, by means of a written, signed release that you want your counselor to reveal information to others who you name, such as to an outside therapist.
- 2. When we have a concern about your immediate safety or the safety of another.
- 3. In cases involving physical and/or sexual abuse of a child.
- 4. Where requested by subpoena or mandated by court order of state/federal law.
No. By law, we cannot tell anyone, including a parent, if a student is in counseling except when we have a concern about a student’s safety or the safety of another. When a student is legally a minor (under age 18, unmarried, without children of his/her own, and has not been legally emancipated), informing parents is not automatic and will be discussed with you first.
At CAPS we offer different treatment options based on your unique needs. To learn more about what we can assist you with click here.
Other Questions? Call Us at 631-632-6720.