Texas Woman’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) team has worked across all three campuses to provide much-needed student support during the coronavirus pandemic.

The team worked to implement HIPPA-compliant video/audio teletherapy as soon as it became apparent that classes would be moving online, said director Denise Lucero-Miller.

“We felt it was critically important that our established clients be able to continue treatment, and we also wanted to invite new students to use our services to gain support, enhance coping, and navigate multiple stressors associated with COVID,” she said.

CAPS also has enhanced its Facebook and Instagram pages with a variety of mental health resources, including videos and tips for emotional wellbeing.

“A great many of our students are dealing with increased depression and anxiety,” Lucero-Miller said. “We have had more new client intakes in the last few weeks as students were preparing for finals and trying to figure out next steps once the semester is over.”

The CAPS team consists of 13 clinicians in Denton, three in Dallas, and two in Houston. Due to supervision and licensure requirements, Lucero-Miller said they do not currently have TWU practicum students providing services, though they anticipate the program will start up again in the fall.

“Students have consistently expressed appreciation for our resources during this critical time, and we feel privileged to be able to help them in this way,” Lucero-Miller said.

She added that telehealth services will be offered over the summer, and in-person sessions will resume in accordance with university guidelines for reopening.