Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
Counseling and Psychological Services, located on Hawk Hill in Merion Gardens and on the University City campus in Whitecar Hall, promotes the psychological wellbeing of Saint Joseph’s University students through the provision of a variety of therapeutic interventions and outreach programs. The delivery of these services is framed by “transformative learning goals” and occurs within a campus climate that supports the whole person; academically, socially, physically and spiritually.
Announcements
Hawks in ACTion Workshop!
We are pleased to announce Hawks in ACTion, a new, innovative, workshop series designed to accelerate the change process in counseling and provide useful tools to SJU students. Scheduled for one hour per week over a three-week period, you will have the opportunity to learn the practice of being mindful of what is going on within you in the moment; practice being open to your experiences in order to learn to step back from unhelpful thoughts, worries, or memories, instead of getting caught or struggling to get rid of them; and explore the concepts of values (what you want your life to be about, deep in your heart) and committed action.
These workshops are open to current CAPS clients, or may be attended by all SJU students who are ready to engage in self-exploration and challenging one's self to change. If you are interested, please email caps@sju.edu or call 610-660-1090 (Hawk Hill) or 215-596-8536 (University City) and indicate which section below you would like to attend. Spaces are limited so sign up now!
Section A: Campion Sun Room 2 (Hawk Hill) Session 1: Thursday, March 30 (3 - 4pm) Session 2: Thursday, April 6 (3 - 4pm) Session 3: Thursday, April 13 (3 - 4pm) |
Section B: Campion Sun Room 2 (Hawk Hill) Session 1: Tuesday, April 4 (11am - 12pm) Session 2: Tuesday, April 11 (11am - 12pm) Session 3: Tuesday, April 18 (11am - 12pm) |
Section C: Campion Sun Room 2 (Hawk Hill) Session 1: Wednesday, April 12 (11am - 12pm) Session 2: Wednesday, April 19 (11am - 12pm) Session 3: Wednesday, April 26 (11am - 12pm) |
Section D: Campion Sun Room 2 (Hawk Hill) Session 1: Monday, April 17 (2 - 3pm) Session 2: Monday, April 24 (2 - 3pm) Session 3: Monday, May 1 (2 - 3pm) |
Section E: ARCR 205 (University City) Session 1: Friday, April 21 (12:30 - 1:30pm) Session 2: Friday, April 28 (12:30 - 1:30pm) Session 3: Friday, May 5 (12:30 - 1:30pm) |
Mental Health Emergencies
In the event of a personal emergency during normal working hours, Hawk Hill students can call 610-660-1090 or come in person to A504 Merion Gardens. University City students can call 215-596-8536 or come in person to Suite 1200 in Whitecar Hall.
After office hours, on weekends and holidays, students may access support for emergencies by calling 911, Hawk Hill SJU Public Safety (610-660-1111), University City Public Safety (215-597-7000) or accessing after hours counselors (610-660-1090, option 2).
When helping someone in crisis, it is important to remember to:
- clarify the problem
- communicate your commitment to help
- contact appropriate professional staff
- talk in a calm, direct and reassuring manner
- stay until assistance arrives
The following resources are additional sources of help:
| Fire or Medical Emergencies | 911 |
| Philadelphia Mental Health Crisis Line | 215-685-6440 |
| Suicide Prevention Lifeline | 1-800-273-TALK (8255) |
| Crisis Text Line | Text START to 741-741 |
| SJU Rape Education Prevention Program (REPP) | 610-733-9650 (24hr helpline) |
| Addiction Hotline | 844-222-0553 |
| AIDS Hotline | 800-342-2437 |
| Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence | 215-985-3333 |
| Domestic Violence Hotline | 866-723-3014 |
Appointments and Eligibility
Mental Health Resources
The SJU-iCare Gatekeeper training program teaches participants to effectively recognize and respond to emotionally distressed individuals who may be at risk for suicide.
MindWise Mental Health Screenings
Brief, online, anonymous screenings for a wide range of mental health and substance use issues.
Saint Joseph's University is an active member of the JED Campus Program. It is designed to help colleges and universities enhance emotional well-being and mental health promotion efforts, reduce substance abuse and prevent suicide among their students.
Confidentiality Statement: So that students can talk freely and openly with a CAPS counselor about their concerns, we maintain strict professional standards of confidentiality and privacy under the laws of the Commonwealth of the Pennsylvania and ethical guidelines set for forth by the American Psychological Association. Confidentiality may not apply if a person is deemed to be in imminent danger to self or others, in cases where the counselor has reason to suspect a child under 18 is being or has been abused or by order in a court proceeding. To ensure the highest quality of care, CAPS psychologists may consult with one another on cases. Every effort is made to safeguard the privacy of the client during these consultations.