The transition from high school to university life can be difficult. For those transferring from a community college, the change  to a four-year institution can be stressful. To deal with more paperwork, classes, a bigger workload and making new friends can be challenging and UTEP understands that, that’s why students have access to the university’s free Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

CAPS is dedicated to supporting students through their mental health services, offering a variety of counseling services for free to students. After filling in a form with basic information, students are assigned to a counselor.

The counselors at CAPS are bilingual and can conduct their sessions in English and/or Spanish. Students can rest assured that all the information discussed with the counselors is completely confidential. They also have the option to choose from individual or group counseling meetings.

In addition, CAPS offers free apps to download in students’ smartphones as an extra tool to cope with their needs.

If a student is experiencing academic stress, alcohol or drugs abuse, family or relationship problems, depression, anxiety or any other concern, they can visit the CAPS offices.

Miners can walk in at any time during CAPS’ office hours, which are Monday and Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Wednesday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Their offices are located at the second floor of the Union West Building.

According to its website, CAPS staff believe that “good mental health is the cornerstone of personal, academic and career success.”

Maria Ramos may be reached at [email protected]