Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS)

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) recognizes the sadness, grief, fear, and anger that many in our community may be experiencing right now – especially those who are Israeli, Palestinian, and/or have ties to loved ones in those regions. We want to extend support to all our students. We encourage all of you to take care of, and be compassionate with, yourselves and each other at this time.

We are excited to announce that in addition to our main offices at 31 Campus Avenue, we have two accessible satellite offices in Chase in the OIE and Campus Life.


Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) works to support the holistic development and psychological health of Bates students. CAPS is committed to provide equitable access and services to all Bates students supporting their personal and educational needs.

Meet the CAPS staff here.

Pathways to Care

CAPS services are free and confidential for enrolled students during the academic year. We provide timely appointments, many of these being same-day appointments, to maximize accessibility and an immediacy in addressing each student’s primary concerns. CAPS offers short-term individual, group and psychiatric services, and referrals when needed.

Same Day AccessDaily same-day appointments available, accessed via phone or email.
Brief TreatmentShort term therapy and psychiatric support, including free teletherapy available to all Bates students
Groups Therapy groups for students to connect and learn from each other.
Crisis Services24 hours a day counselor-on-call availability (see below).
Support Spaces Regular conversation spaces in the community to engage and support.
Tailored ReferralsCounselors will help you connect to community providers.
Online ResourcesCheck out our online resources.
Well-being WorkshopsLearn skills to enhance your well-being.

If you have an urgent concern and need to speak to a counselor after normal business hours, call 207-786-6200 and press “0” to reach ProtoCall.

We have a 24/7 mental health hotline called ProtoCall available to Bates students during the academic year. This service is staffed by mental health professionals who have been trained to work with Bates students. Bates CAPS clinicians provide back-up support to ProtoCall Services.

Scheduling

Contact us Monday through Friday 8:45 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.by phone at 207-786-6200 or email us at CAPS@bates.edu to schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment. If you are in crisis or have an emergent concern, let us know. It’s helpful if you include your availability if sending an email.

We see the vast majority of students on the same day you contact us or within a few days depending on your availability.

You and the counselor you meet with will discuss a treatment plan that best meets your needs within the available resources at Bates, including:

  • one-time consultation
  • short-term counseling
  • confidential group therapy
  • help with referrals for medication or long-term therapy

Frequency and scheduling of sessions will be a collaborative and flexible agreement between you and your counselor.

For frequently asked questions about our services, click here.

Groups and Support Spaces for Winter 2024

+Body Neutrality: Breaking Free from Negative Body Image

A confidential counseling group that will be held on a weekly basis for eight (8) weeks. The group is designed to help participants perceive their bodies more accurately, build more self compassion, acquire strategies that can be used to prevent negative thoughts / feelings about food and appearance from affecting their happiness and ultimately, accrue positive feelings and appreciation for their bodies. Run by Wendy Kjeldgaard, PsyD. If interested, please email caps@bates.edu.

+Belonging at Bates

Finding belonging as a person of color at a PWI can present unique challenges. This group will provide a safe space for discussing cultural shocks, finding ways to thrive in community and navigating belonging at Bates; allowing support/connection with others who may share similar experiences. Run by Nadia Aman, LMSW-cc. If interested, please email caps@bates.edu.

+Chronic Health Conditions Group:

Ongoing weekly confidential support group for students with chronic health conditions. Classes, work, a social life, and simply managing everyday demands can feel overwhelming. It can be even more challenging when you have a chronic health condition. Join us in a space where you can meet other students who may validate, encourage, and understand your experiences.   This group offers space to share personal experiences, to offer and receive support, and to discuss any and all issues related to living with a chronic health condition. Run by Susanna Preziosi, PsyD. If interested, please email caps@bates.edu.

+Graduating Seniors Group

This group will bring together other seniors to provide support around leaving college and preparing to enter “the real world”. We will focus on fears about the future, feelings related to saying goodbye to Bates, and how to make the most of the rest of your time on campus. Run by Brandon Ouelette, LCPC. If interested, please email caps@bates.edu.

+Family Rules

A confidential support group for students affected by substance use to validate common emotions such as guilt, shame, anxiety, grief and anger; to help manage these emotions, set healthy boundaries, and care for our own well being. Run by Henry Johnstone and Brandon Ouelette, LCPC. If interested, please email caps@bates.edu.

+Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) Skills

This group will focus on cognitive and coping behaviors supporting personal self-care. DBT is an evidence-based treatment teaching specific skills in mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Run by Wayne Assing, LCSW. If interested, please email caps@bates.edu.

+FemFam: Women’s Empowerment Group

“It is literally impossible to be a woman…Like, we have to always be extraordinary, but somehow we’re always doing it wrong.” – Gloria, Barbie 2023. Gain support. Learn communication strategies. Practice relationship skills. Identify and set boundaries. Connect with yourself and others. Run by Allison Brown, LCPC. If interested, please email caps@bates.edu.

Contact Us

CAPS is located on the second floor of Health Services Building at 31 Campus Ave, up two flights of stairs. Our entrance is on the left hand side of the building on Nichols Street, across from the Bonney Science Center. Please call or email us if you have any accessibility / mobility issues.

  • Phone: 207-786-6200
  • Fax: 207-786-8219
  • Emailcaps@bates.edu
  • Office Hours: 9 AM – 5 PM Monday – Friday

Have comments, questions, concerns or suggestions about CAPS? Let us know. Feel free to reach out to Wayne Assing, MSW, LCSW, Director of CAPS.

Social Justice Statement

The staff of Bates College Counseling & Psychological Services is committed to social justice and examining the impact of systemic and historical issues of power, privilege, and access to resources at the individual, interpersonal, institutional, and structural levels. We are dedicated to the active process of critical thinking and rigorous self-reflection to ensure that all students are treated fairly and competently as well as to compensate for obstacles and unequal treatment that can be set in place by individuals, institutions, and society.  For more information, please click here.

Information for Incoming and Returning Bates Students 2023-2024

INFORMATION FOR INCOMING AND RETURNING BATES STUDENTS, 2023-2024:

THERAPY

CAPS works within a short-term model of care. Students who are desiring or needing longer-term, regularly scheduled care are encouraged to either maintain relationships with home providers as state licensing allows, or seek out community resources. Maine-licensed providers can be found through your insurance or various directories such as Bates Thriving Campus that can be found here. Please read our FAQ / Services Provided carefully.

PSYCHIATRY / MEDICATION MANAGEMENT

Psychiatry resources in Maine are limited, including at Bates. We highly recommend that students on psychiatric medication maintain relationships with their current providers, being seen on school breaks if possible. As we are a short-term service, including for psychiatry, we will at some point be referring you to community resources. We do not see students just for stimulant prescriptions and do not do ADHD assessments. Maine-licensed providers can be found through your insurance or online telehealth platforms such as Talkiatry. We encourage you to speak with your current providers about your treatment needs as soon as possible to provide ample time to transition care.

If you are concerned about a student’s safety or well-being when CAPS is closed, please call Campus Safety at extension 6111 or (207) 786-6254.  If you or the student are off campus, please call 911.

Call 988 for the national Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Faculty and Staff can go here to access a guide for working with students in distress.