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CAPS Services During COVID19

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and related public health guidelines, CAPS would like to offer an update to members of the Northwestern community on our services. 

Safety

To play our part in ensuring the safety of the Northwestern community, CAPS staff offers clinical services both virtually and in-person.  Our normal business hours remain the same: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For questions and scheduling during these hours, CAPS support staff can be reached at 847-491-2151.

Privacy

If needed, students can reserve a private room for tele-mental health sessions at the Main Library using  this link.   Students that make a reservation will be given access code (ask CAPS 847-491-2151) and use their own electronic device.

Daytime Urgent Concerns/Crises

Students experiencing significant distress and needing immediate support during our normal business hours can call 847-491-2151 and ask to speak with a daytime on-call counselor.

Afterhours Urgent Concerns/Crises

For urgent concerns outside of normal business hours (e.g., evenings, weekends), call 847-491-2151 and press “0” at the prompt to speak with an on-call counselor.

Outreach and Educational Programming

We expanded our outreach programming during Spring 2020 to include virtual workshops and gathering spaces. Please click here to learn more about our past programs and to learn more about upcoming options. Also see our online resources and self-help tools for coping with recent events. All students can participate in virtual outreach and educational programming.

Connecting to Treatment

All students are welcome to consult with CAPS about their mental health treatment needs. For students residing outside of Illinois at this time, we will work with you to identify information, resources, and/or referrals to connect to treatment in your area.***

CAPS Telehealth Treatment

Full-time, degree-seeking students who remain in Illinois may be eligible for brief individual telehealth treatment. International Students: International students can use their NU Aetna insurance plan globally to seek therapeutic services. Please contact Aetna at 1-833-327-2386 to learn more about your benefits. You can view your NU Aetna insurance card online here.

Accessing or Continuing Services at CAPS

Please review the sections below to determine what appointment or service is right for you.

***Due to current legal restrictions, we are unable to provide ongoing treatment to students who are outside of Illinois.

Current CAPS Clients

Please use the guide below to determine which appointment type is right for your needs.

CURRENT CLIENTS RECEIVING TREATMENT AT CAPS WHO ARE RESIDING IN ILLINOIS AT THIS TIME.

Please contact your CAPS treatment provider(s) about our telehealth treatment options.

CURRENT CLIENTS RECEIVING TREATMENT AT CAPS WHO ARE NOT RESIDING IN ILLINOIS AT THIS TIME.

Please contact your CAPS treatment provider(s) to coordinate continued care.

CAPS Initial Appointment Scheduling

Please use the guide below to determine which appointment type is right for you. Prior to your appointment, you will be asked to provide some information about your current location.


 If you would like to connect to longer-term or specialty mental health services outside of CAPS, you can use the CAPS Provider Database to find a provider who accepts your insurance.

Please visit the Referral Support page for more information.

Additional Resources for Connecting to Support & Treatment in Your Area


  • Psychology Today’s Find a Therapist – A resource to help find mental health treatment providers across the U.S. and internationally. Users can filter their searches according to needs and preferences.
  • Therapy for Black Girls – Information on mental health topics and treatment providers for Black women  
  • National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – For 24/7 free and confidential support, dial 988 or use the web chat
  • Crisis Text Line – For 24/7 free and confidential support, text HOME to 741741.
  • Trans Lifeline – For 24/7 peer support from trans people for trans people, call US: 877-565-8860 / Canada: 877-330-6366.
  • LGBT National Help Center – 24/7 free and confidential peer support for member of the LGBTQ community via phone (888-843-4564) or online chat
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline – 24/7 free and confidential support via phone (1-800-799-SAFE (7233)) or online chat for people affected by domestic violence or intimate partner violence