Urgent and Same Day Services

Many of our services are available within a few days, but if you need to talk to someone more urgently, reach out! Call or visit the Student Health Center (707-654-1170), including during the daily drop-in hour from 2-3pm. 

• You may be thinking about suicide, or injuring yourself or someone else. 
• You may be experiencing a panic attack and unsure what to do. 
• You may be the target of stalking, abuse, or assault. 
• You are unable to take care of your basic needs – eating, sleeping, bathing. 
• You may have experienced a traumatic event like a hate crime or a car accident. 
• You are worried about a friend and don't know how to support them, or they have disclosed information to you that you don't know how to handle. 
• You are experiencing distress and need to talk to a professional to sort out what your options are. 

• Call us at 707-654-1170 and tell the front desk that you need to speak to a counselor urgently. After hours, follow the prompts to select option 1 to speak with a health care professional.
• Come to the health center and let the front desk know you need to speak to a counselor urgently or use the daily drop in hour from 2-3pm. 

• Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) (Services are available in many languages). Para hablar con alguien en espanol: (877) SUICIDA (877-784-2432)
• Text START to 741741 for Crisis Text Line. Available 24/7 in the U.S. (No charge for most plans; may not be accessible on pre-paid phones. Or visit the crisis line for more information.) 
• Call the Trevor Lifeline: 866-488-7386 (for LGBTQ+ young adults)  
• Call the Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
• Call 911: any Emergency Services or Police Department that responds can help you, including Cal Maritime Police Department (707-654-1176 for non-emergencies)

LOCAL HOSPITAL EMERGENCY DEPARTMENTS - OPEN 24/7 

Sutter Solano Medical Center
300 Hospital Drive | (707) 554-4444

Kaiser Permanente Vallejo Medical Center
975 Sereno Drive | (707) 651-1000

NEARBY INPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES 

Solano County Crisis Stabilization Unit
2101 Courage Drive
Fairfield, CA 94533
(707) 428-1131

Adventist Health Vallejo - Center for Behavioral Health
525 Oregon Street
Vallejo, CA 94590
(707) 649-4040

Individual Therapy

WHAT IS INDIVIDUAL THERAPY?

This is an experience in which a student meets with a person trained in providing psychotherapy (talk therapy) to address mental health symptoms, explore personal or relational challenges, understand and support one's social identities, discover solutions to conflicts or issues, or to work though traumatic experiences. The goal is often to heal, to promote new patterns of behavior, to gain insight, or be more effective as a human and a student. There is no charge for individual therapy at Cal Maritime – your student health fees cover this service.

WHAT ARE YOUR THEORETICAL ORIENTATIONS?

Our therapists work from a variety of theoretical perspectives, drawing from evidence-based, values-oriented, and relational theories to help students take the next step in their journeys. We seek to be culturally-responsive in our care and welcome students across identity to seek out our services.

HOW DOES INDIVIDUAL THERAPY WORK AT CAL MARITIME? 

Most individual sessions are 50 minutes long. Students may attend one session, or several sessions. We don't have session limits, but in general, we focus on providing brief individual therapy. We prioritize serving students who may not have access to care elsewhere due to barriers related to financial, family, insurance, or other concerns. For students interested in or in need of longer-term care, we'll help get them connected to the care they need, considering the resources they have available to them, whether here or in the community.  

IS INDIVIDUAL THERAPY THE BEST OPTION FOR ME?

Individual therapy isn't the only way to address mental health or behavioral concerns. We offer groups and workshops that focus on concerns common to Cal Maritime students – these can be a great way to connect with other students, learn about a topic, and build skills to better support your academic and personal goals. Check out our other services including Let's Talk, too! 

Call us today at 707-654-1170 to get started.

Group Therapy

Group Therapy is when a group of no more than 8-10 students meet with 1-2 therapists for 60-90 minutes. We offer different groups, including Therapy groups (i.e., support groups, psycho-educational groups, interpersonal process groups) and Drop-In groups. Some groups are time-limited with a specific focus, while others are broader and open-ended.   

When available, please see the group descriptions below for more information about groups currently offered at Counseling Services. If you are interested in a group that is not currently being offered, please email Dr. Ian Wallace (iwallace@csum.edu), Director of Counseling.

DROP-IN GROUPS

Drop-in groups are open to interested students, and do not require a referral or Initial Consultation. You may attend as many of the drop-in group sessions as you find helpful.   

How do I join a Drop-In Group? 

No pre-scheduling needed. If the Zoom ID or date/time/location is listed in the drop-in group's description, you may join at the time of the group. 

Let's Talk

What is Let's Talk?

Free, confidential, drop-in, informal discussion spaces with a CAPS Counselor, offered to Cal Maritime Students. Let’s Talk is not therapy, but you can talk about the scheduled topic, discuss the heaviness of the current moment, and/or ask questions or for guidance or support (e.g., how to help a friend, how to seek services, wanting to learn more about a coping skill).

THERAPY GROUPS

How do I join a Therapy Group?

If you are a current client, please speak to your current therapist about joining a group. 

If you are not a current client, please call to schedule a brief "Screening" appointment and mention your interest in joining a group to the therapist. Call us at 707-654-1170 today to get started.

If the group you are interested in is still accepting new members and follows your recommended treatment plan, the therapist will advise you to schedule a “Group Screening" appointment, a 20-30 minute meeting with the relevant group facilitator to further answer any specific questions you may have about the group and to ensure that the group is the right fit. 

Alcohol and Other Drugs Support

Description: This group acknowledges different goals work for different people. With help from each other you can find the right balance for yourself. 

Next Steps: To get started, visit the SHC or call CAPS at 707-654-1170 and connect with the group facilitator, Dr. Wallace.

Women's Work & Wellbeing Workshop

Description: A space for women to Prioritize mental health and wellbeing, Explore challenges in education and work. Develop life skills, Create connections, and Build self-confidence. 

Facilitated by: CAPS Counselor Marie Ekmekjian and joined by staff and faculty guests each week to share their lived experiences, professional expertise, and personal insights. 

Next Steps: No Appointment Needed, For questions or accommodations contact MEkmekjian@csum.edu.

Couples/Partner Therapy

Couples/Partner Therapy is when you and your partner(s) meet with one therapist with a focus on the relationship between or among the partners. Each session is typically 50 minutes long. All members of the couple/partnership are expected to attend each session, though the therapist may ask to meet individually with any member of the couple/partnership as clinically needed. Note that individual treatment may be indicated if one (or more) members of the couple have other concerns that only pertain to them, or would best be explored individually. 

Couples of all genders, sexual orientations, and relationship constructions are welcome! All members of the couple must be eligible students at the time of service. There is no charge for couple/partner therapy at Cal Maritime – your student health fees cover this service. 

BASICS (Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention of College Students)

This is a preventive intervention designed to help college students make better decisions about alcohol use.

Description

Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention of College Students (BASICS) is a harm-reduction intervention for college students. Students often conform to patterns of heavy drinking they see as acceptable, while holding false beliefs about alcohol’s effects or actual alcohol-use norms. BASICS is designed to help students make better decisions about using alcohol. The program’s style is emphatic, rather than confrontational or judgmental.

1) Reduce alcohol consumption and its adverse consequences.

2) Promote healthier choices among young adults.

3) Provide important information and coping skills for reducing risk.

Components

The program is conducted over the course of two interviews (pre and post). As a harm-reduction approach, BASICS aims to motivate students to reduce risky behaviors instead of targeting a specific drinking goal such as abstinence or reduced drinking. Students can be identified through routine screening or through referral from medical, housing, or disciplinary services.

Before or after the first interview (pre), the student receives a self-report questionnaire to complete as well as other surveys and questionnaires. From these measures and the first interview, information is gathered about the student’s alcohol consumption pattern, personal beliefs about alcohol, understanding of social alcohol norms, and family history.

Group counseling or other support interventions may be recommended or required between pre and post interviews. 

The second interview (post), which occurs about 2-4 weeks after the initial interview, provides the student with personalized feedback on his or her patterns of drinking, typical and peak blood alcohol concentration, comparison of drinking patterns with other college students of the same age and gender, and level of family history of alcohol problems.

Moreover, the program challenges inaccurate alcohol norms and myths about alcohol’s effects, highlights alcohol-related negative consequences, suggests ways to reduce future risks associated with alcohol use, and provides a menu of options to assist in making changes. Screening and referral for stepped-care treatment is also offered as needed.

Scheduling

To get started with the BASICS program, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ian Wallace in the Student Health Center (707-654-1170) or use the daily drop in hour from 2-3pm. 

Call us today at 707-654-1170 to get started. 

Emotional Wellbeing Workshops

What are the Emotional Wellbeing Workshops?

Emotional Wellbeing Workshops will help you grow and Learn by Doing! These workshops offer quick, effective solutions and useful tools for common concerns like anxiety, relationships, and depression. We know your schedules are full – these workshops are designed to be high value, helping you learn new skills and gain insight while connecting with other students. 

What can I expect?

Each Emotional Wellbeing Workshop is a three session series that meets once per week for three weeks. Each meeting is 50 minutes. All workshops help you practice new skills and apply ideas in between sessions.There is no charge for workshops at Cal Maritime – your student health fees cover this service. We ask that you commit to the full series when you sign up and attend each session, as they build on one another.  

Can I attend more than one?

You are free to do more than one workshop and to repeat them as often as you like! If you are interested in attending any (or all!) of the workshops, schedule a Brief Screening and tell the counselor you meet with. If you are already seeing a therapist at Counseling Services, tell them you are interested in a workshop, and they'll get you connected.  

End of the Semester Workshops

End-of-the-Semester Workshops are here to help you through the stress and overwhelm of the final weeks of the quarter! We designed two 1-session workshops to give you the tools to survive and thrive during these rigorous times. These single session workshops are typically weeks 11-14 of each semester. 

You can attend more than one workshop and can repeat them as often as you like!  No screening appointment is required to participate. 

Let's Talk

Location: Inclusion Center

Focus: Topic-based discussions

Free, confidential, drop-in, informal discussion spaces with a CAPS Counselor, offered to Cal Maritime Students. Let’s Talk is not therapy, but you can talk about the scheduled topic, discuss the heaviness of the current moment, and/or ask questions or for guidance or support (e.g., how to help a friend, how to seek services, wanting to learn more about a coping skill).

Call us today at 707-654-1170 to get started.

Orientation Session

This session is offered to individuals or groups, who are members of the Cal Maritime community. In this 15-30 minutes session a CAPS Counselor will present information about the services offered through CAPS and how to access them. During this session, time can also be dedicated to identifying specific service needs of the group that the Counselor can provide programming.

Class Presentation

A CAPS Counselor can attend a class meeting to inform students about services or to present on a psychoeducational topic selected by the instructor.

Group Facilitations

This service is for students, staff, and faculty who may need a professional who is trained in group dynamics to facilitate a group activity or process. A CAPS Counselor may also be able to present on a topic of interest to the group, for which they had knowledge or expertise.

Consultation

CAPS provides consultation on a variety of topics to individuals and groups who are members of the Cal Maritime community. A CAPS Counselor can hold one or more sessions with you to address a wide range of concerns, such as, how and when to refer a student in distress, how to deal with conflict in the workplace/student organization, how to deal with a student or colleague who displays bizarre and/or disruptive behaviors, and other concerns.

Workshops and Groups

A CAPS Counselor will design and facilitate one or a series of workshops that cover topics of interest. CAPS also provides regular groups and workshops each semester. Current groups and workshops open to Cal Maritime students are listed on our Counseling and Psychological Services web page. Members of the Cal Maritime community may contact CAPS (707-654-1170) to find out if CAPS can conduct groups or workshops on topics of interest to them.

Training

CAPS offers training to members of the Cal Maritime community on topics such suicide prevention, mental health and wellness, communication skills, conflict management, and more. The following nationally-recognized training(s) are specifically offered:

• The JED Foundation's You Can Help (60-90 minutes)
• MHFA – Mental Health First Aid  (8 hours) – Identify, Understand, and Respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders

To request a CAPS training, reach out to us at 707-654-1170 or iwallace@csum.edu.

Other Programs

The programs listed above represent a sample of the services offered through CAPS. For information on other programs and services offered please contact Director of Counseling, Dr. Ian Wallace, at 707-654-1174.

Outreach Presentation Topics

• Adjusting to Campus Life
• Anxiety / Test Anxiety
• Career Counseling
• Date Rape and Sexual Assault
• Depression and Suicide
• Diversity and Multiculturalism
• Emotional Intelligence
• Gender Dynamics
• Grief and Loss
• Healthy Eating and Body Image
• Holidays: Stress and Coping
• Leadership: Team Building, Team Conflict, and Communication
• Men and Masculinity
• Relationships
• Self-Esteem
• Sexual Decision Making
• Sleep
• Stress Management and Relaxation
• Time Management
• Trauma Reactions and Coping

Brief Screenings

Cal Maritime students are eligible to take online mental health and substance use self-assessments. They will help you learn to create your path, be empowered to achieve your goals, and build skills beyond the classroom.

No personal identifying information is shared with CAPS or anyone else.

Takes less than 5 minutes to complete. They are also:

• Anonymous – Your results are visible only to you
• Relevant – Comparisons are based on answers from your peers
• Empowering – Places wellness choices in your hands
• Proactive – We’re here to assist you with your personal goals

General Mental Health Screening for depression, anxiety, academic distress, eating concerns, frustration, family distress, and alcohol use.

Brief Screenings for:

eCHECKUP TO GO: Want feedback on your substance use?

What is eCHECKUP TO GO?

eCHECKUP TO GO is an interactive web program that allows college and university students to enter information about their substance use patterns and receive immediate, personalized feedback about their use of alcohol, cannabis, or nicotine. It takes about 20-30 minutes to complete, is self-guided, and requires no face-to-face contact time with a counselor.

• Complete the Alcohol eCHECKUP TO GO and see where you stand!
• Complete the Cannabis eCHECKUP TO GO and see where you stand!
• Complete the Nicotine eCHECKUP TO GO and see where you stand!

What does it do?

When you access eCHECKUP TO GO, you are prompted to enter information about yourself, such as substance use habits, etc.

After all information has been entered, the eCHECKUP TO GO calculates a number of variables and compares your responses to national and local college norms. Then, your personalized feedback is displayed in an easy-to-read format.

What do I need to use the eCHECKUP TO GO?

You need:

1. A computer
2. Internet access
3. A Internet Browser (JavaScript Enabled)
4. About 20-30 minutes
5. A printer (if you would like to print the feedback)