CIA New York Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
The Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) office provides confidential personal counseling, consultation, and problem-solving to enrolled New York-based CIA students. Our aim is to help you achieve your educational goals and to address problems that may get in the way of your success.
There are many reasons for students to come and see us. Common areas of concern for our students include stress management, relationship concerns, adjustment to or from the CIA, work/school/life balance, self-esteem or self-doubt, grief and loss, gender or sexual identity, anxiety, depression, substance and drug use/misuse/abuse, self-care, or a desire to speak with an objective and supportive person.
Our Services
How to Make an Appointment
Ready to get started? Call us at 845-905-4241 or email us at [email protected].
We are located in the Student Recreation Center, Room 218 at the end of the Student Life hallway.
Consultation
Not sure if counseling (also called therapy) is for you? Just need some quick advice, or need to tell us about a friend you’re worried about? If so, you are welcome to make a consultation appointment with one of our therapists without becoming a client. During this brief meeting, you will be informed about confidentiality and may be given suggestions or feedback, given information about other relevant resources on- and off-campus, and/or encouraged to make an appointment for ongoing counseling.
Personal Counseling
We provide short-term, solution-focused therapy to all enrolled New York-based CIA students. Students talk to us about many concerns, from adjusting to life at CIA, managing friendships/relationships, working more effectively with chefs or classmates to depression, anxiety, and thoughts of suicide.
What to Expect During Your First Visit
When you meet with a CAPS therapist for the first time, you will be asked to complete initial paperwork prior to your first session. During an initial consultation with a therapist, you will have a chance to talk about the concerns you wish to address and be asked questions related to many areas of your life. Based on the information presented, the therapist will make recommendations that may include individual therapy, further evaluation, or referral to other services on- or off-campus. Some students find that the initial consultation meets their needs and requires no further services.
Crisis Intervention
We are available daily, Monday through Friday, to intervene in crisis and urgent situations. Outside of our regular office hours or in the event of a mental health emergency, you may request assistance through Campus Safety at 845-451-1111. Alternatively, you can access an after-hours crisis counselor by dialing 845-905-4241 and pressing 2. You can call or text 988 or chat at chat.988lifeline.org 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are abroad, please visit the IASP Crisis Centres website.
Presentations, Workshops, and Training
Through outreach programming and training, CAPS offers the expertise of our therapists to help enhance the CIA community. CAPS offers a variety of outreach and training programs designed to enhance the lives and learning experiences of students, faculty, administrators, and staff. Workshops and presentations on a wide range of topics related to mental health, wellness, and student life are available throughout the year based on staff availability. CAPS welcomes requests from students, administrators, faculty, and staff. If you are interested in having one of our clinicians facilitate a presentation, please contact us at 845-905-4241 or email [email protected]. Please note: In order to give our staff enough time to schedule and prepare the presentation, three weeks’ notice is requested. If less time is given, the request may be difficult to fulfill.
Referral Information
If you require services beyond the scope of what we can provide or would prefer to receive treatment off-campus, we will refer you to community providers. Not sure how to find the right provider for you?
Local Mental Health Resources
*Please note that this should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular mental health provider/service.*
General Off-Campus Providers
Using Your Insurance
We recommend that you contact your insurance company for information about your benefits and coverage. Once you log on to your online insurance portal, you will see a Find a Provider option. You can choose this option to find mental health professionals in the area who take your insurance.
The Culinary Institute of America offers health insurance through United Healthcare Student Resources to enrolled students. CIA’s health insurance is intended for students that do not have health insurance or have out-of-state insurance that does not cover healthcare services in New York State. This plan covers services rendered by many providers in the area. If you have questions about coverage, providers, account, etc. you can call 1-866-535-0456 or email [email protected].
Please note: CAPS does not provide medication management services, however we can assist students with finding off-campus providers who do.
Welltrack Connect: Custom online referral service to help our students locate and connect with a therapist who best fits their mental health needs.
Psychology Today
This website has a robust listing of local therapists, psychiatrists, groups, and treatment facilities. Go to psychologytoday.com and use the drop-down options on the menu bar to access their directory.
*Please note that this should not be construed as an endorsement of any particular mental health provider/service on Psychology Today.*
Therapy for Black Girls
This is an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls. There are great resources including a directory of local therapists: therapyforblackgirls.com.
Substance Abuse Treatment
- Lexington Center for Recovery; 412 Main Street, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601; 845-486-8880
- Dutchess County Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
- Narcotics Anonymous
- New Life Recovery Houses
- Step One
International Students
LGBTQ Students
Students of Color
Veteran Students
Resources for Parents
Supporting Your Student and Yourself
Below are some great articles to help you navigate being the parent of a college student, including how to help them and yourself.
- The Transition to College
- The Best Advice for New College Parents
- Helping Your Child Transition to College
- Supporting Your Student’s Mental Health from a Distance
- Separation and Change for Parents and Students
- New College Parents: Lost in the Transition
- Nine Tips (video)
- What Not to Do (video)
- Advice from College Students to Parents (video)
Forms
What Our Students Are Saying About Us:
CIA Counseling: Supporting Students from the Inside Out
Read CIA student Annie Milostan’s interview with Christiane Mueller, director of Counseling and Psychological Services.
How to Find Us
Student Commons, Room 218
845-905-4241
Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
24/7 Resources
- Dutchess County Helpline: Call or text 845-485-9700
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 or call or text 988
- MidHudson Regional Hospital Emergency Psychiatric Care: 845-433-5000
- Crisis Stabilization Center: 845-485-9700
- Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860
- Veteran’s Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or Text 838255
- National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
- Crisis Textline: Text HOME to 741741
Crisis Textline for Students of Color: Text STEVE to 741741
Crisis Textline by Black Women Crisis Counselors: Text TRIBE to 741741
Crisis Textline for Eating Concerns: Text NEDA to 741741
Crisis Textline for Addiction: Text 4HOPE to 741741
Also in this section
Center for Career and Academic Advising
Serving all campuses, CIA’s Center for Career and Academic Advising is your one-stop destination to answer all of your food career or academic questions.
Student Health Services
CIA New York’s Student Health Services staff are available to ensure your physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as promote healthy lifestyles among all members of our community.
Russell H. Ferber Learning Commons
The Russell H. Ferber Learning Commons is located on the fourth floor of the Conrad N. Hilton Library.
On-Campus Student Work Programs
Looking to gain work experience while reducing your educational expenses? CIA offers two student work programs, Earn & Learn Tuition Offset Scholarship and Federal Work Study.
Safety and Security
At CIA, your personal safety is our top priority. The entire CIA community is committed to fostering an environment where all students, faculty, and staff feel secure.