Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

Appointments

Do I need to be a Radford student or employee to access CAPS services?

No, CAPS services are available to RU students and employees, as well as members of the surrounding New River Valley communities.

How can I schedule an appointment?

Individuals interested in CAPS services can complete requests for services here.  We strongly encourage clients to contact CAPS for information regarding our current services, fees, and waitlist timelines prior to completing the online request for services.  Once the online referral form is completed and submitted, a clinician will review your form and contact you via email with available appointment dates and times.

Do I need a referral from my mental health provider or physician to request an appointment?

No, CAPS accepts self-referrals and does not require a referral from a mental health or medical provider prior to offering services.

Do you have a waiting list?

Yes, we keep a waiting list for evaluation and counseling services.  You will be added to the waiting list after we receive your online referral form.  We will contact you to schedule your first session as soon as we are able to offer you an appointment.

How long is your waitlist?

Our waitlist times varies throughout the course of the year, and we encourage potential clients to email caps (caps@radford.edu) for current estimates.

How long does it take to complete an evaluation?

Comprehensive evaluations typically take 3-5 sessions to complete.  Each session is scheduled for 2-3 hours, depending upon the client’s age and referral concerns.  Following the last session, another 2-3 weeks is typically needed to complete the report. 

Are there any types of referrals or concerns that are not appropriate for CAPS?

Given graduate student involvement in service delivery, we do not provide services to clients that are currently suicidal or violent or those seeking evaluations for legal purposes (e.g., custody issues).  Clients who have been recently hospitalized for mental health concerns or are experiencing significant mental health symptoms (e.g. hallucinations, paranoia) are also likely not appropriate clients for CAPS.  Additionally, since CAPS is a training center, certain referral concerns may be prioritized over others, in order to meet graduate student training needs.

Hours and Services

What are CAPS hours of operation?

CAPS is open Monday through Friday (8:00am-5:00pm) across RU Fall, Spring and Summer sessions. Appointments in the evening (5:00-7:30pm) or when RU is on break are available by request.

What is the best way to get in contact with a clinician or supervisor at CAPS?

The best way to contact our office is via email (caps@radford.edu).  You are welcome to also call and leave a message; however, our front office is not fully staffed and there may be delays in returning phone calls.

Does CAPS accept walk-in clients?

Clients are provided services by appointment only—we do not provide walk-in, crisis or emergency services.

Does CAPS provide emergency mental health services?

No, CAPS does not provide emergency mental health services.  Our staff does not maintain 24-hour access to email and may only check email and phone messages infrequently, and not at all on weekends or holidays. If you consider your situation to be an emergency, contact ACCESS at (540) 961-8400 or CONNECT at (540) 731-7385 or 9-1-1 for your local emergency response system. You may also contact the National Suicide Hotline at (800) 273-8255 or utilize the Crisis Text Hotline.

Fees and Billing

Does CAPS accept medical insurance?

No, CAPS does not bill or submit claims to insurance companies.

What types of payment does CAPS accept?

CAPS is able to accept payments in the form of cash, check, and money order.

How do CAPS evaluation and counseling services cost?

CAPS has a sliding scale and payment plans for evaluation and counseling services. We provide services at a reduced fee, often 2-3 times lower than private practice evaluation services. Please contact us directly by email (caps@radford.edu) for more information about current fees and polices.

Does CAPS offer any discounts on fees?

Yes, Radford University (main campus) and Radford University Carillion students and faculty receive a 20% discount on their evaluation fees. Students and faculty from other Virginia universities and community colleges in the area receive a 10% discount. Payment plans are also available upon request.

If you have any additional questions, please email us at caps@radford.edu.