PRINT DISCLAIMER: Official version of this document is accessible in the online policy library at https://policyoffice.ku.edu/. Printed copies may not reflect the most recent updates.
DOCUMENT TYPE:
Policy
PURPOSE:
To describe Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) service authorization, eligibility, confidentiality, and billing requirements.
APPLIES TO:
All eligible students who receive services at Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).
CAMPUS:
Edwards, Lawrence
POLICY STATEMENT:
Authorization
To offer mental health services, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) requires authorization and informed consent to receive services. An eligible student may authorize and consent to services if the student is at least 18 years of age. If an eligible student is under 18 years of age, a parent or legal guardian’s authorization is required for students beyond the initial visit.
Eligibility
All KU Lawrence and Edwards students who are currently enrolled and have paid the required wellness fee for the semester are eligible for CAPS services. If a student is enrolled in less than 3 hours, they can pay the required wellness fee to be eligible for services at CAPS for each semester.
For teletherapy, the student must be in the state of Kansas for each appointment as CAPS therapists and psychiatrists are only licensed to practice in the state of Kansas.
If the student has graduated (considered a non-student) and was a CAPS client at the time of graduation, they may be seen at the Non-Health Fee Rates. This option is available to allow CAPS clients who have graduated time to relocate and applies only to graduates who were CAPS clients during the previous semester. New services cannot be initiated during this transition period.
If a student is in crisis, CAPS will see the student, regardless of their eligibility for services, and will work with them to find a practitioner.
For additional information regarding eligibility, see Eligibility for Services.
Confidentiality & Privacy
CAPS is required by law to create and maintain medical records. All contacts with CAPS are confidential. Mental health professionals are required by law to report cases of suspected child abuse. They may disclose information when it is necessary to protect a client or others from imminent danger. Information may be disclosed when required by court order. CAPS staff members also reserve the right to share information with each other for treatment and training purposes. For additional information regarding privacy, see Confidentiality & Privacy Notice.
Fees & Billing
Fees apply to currently enrolled students who have paid the required Wellness fee.
Clients will be billed for appointments missed or not canceled 24 hours in advance. If a student is more than 10 minutes late for an appointment, CAPS reserves the right to cancel that appointment and charge for a missed appointment.
If a student wants to submit their bill to their insurance company, please contact Watkins Health Services. A completed Insurance Information form and signed release of information form must be submitted. For additional information regarding fees and billing procedures for CAPS services, see How much does this service cost?
CONSEQUENCES:
Referral to another treatment provider.
RESPONSIBLE UNIT:
Counseling and Psychological Services
CONTACT:
Director, Counseling and Psychological Services
University of Kansas
1200 Schwegler Drive, Room 2150
Lawrence, KS 66045
785-864-2277
APPROVED BY:
Director of Counseling and Psychological Services
APPROVED ON:
2008-04-07
EFFECTIVE ON:
2008-04-07
REVIEW CYCLE:
3 years
RELATED RESOURCES:
Confidentiality & Privacy Notice
Eligibility for Services
How much does this service cost?
CHANGE HISTORY:
06/24/2026: Substantively reviewed and updated to align with current process. Consolidated CAPS policies into one policy.
10/03/2025: Updated formatting.
03/27/2025: Migration to TeamDynamix from Drupal.
07/27/2018: Added link to Related Policies section.
06/25/2018: Updated Contact section.
07/13/2016: Updated to remove gendered pronouns.
04/07/2008: Approved by Michael Lynch Maestas, Ph.D.; reviewed policy.
TITLE:
Counseling and Psychological Services