Angela Rivas / Contributing Writer
FIU’s Counseling and Psychological Services department (CAPS) is offering to help students navigate stress and anxiety sparked by the pandemic, in a new virtual setting.
CAPS went remote on March 16, after FIU campuses closed, and has struggled to adapt to working online. Now, they meet with students through a program called TAO-Zoom, Therapy Assistance Online. This platform offers one-on-one sessions and educational materials.
Materials include short surveys and exercises to help students learn coping skills and manage new stressors triggered by COVID-19.
Selena Swindoll, a sophomore majoring in interdisciplinary studies, used CAPS during her freshman year. Due to stressors brought by the pandemic, she returned.
“I get less anxiety when I am talking to someone through the phone.” said Swindoll.
Although telehealth is the new normal for CAPS, some students prefer in-person sessions. Dominique Macon, a junior majoring in psychology, said “telehealth is just awkward.”
Macon is not a fan of phone calls, but with time, she was able to be more comfortable with online counseling. She continued using CAPS during the pandemic to help manage stress from not working.
She said the racial unrest following George Floyd’s death impacted her and led her to attend CAPS’ safe space sessions.
“To have someone who is unbiased and willing to listen, is everything,” said Macon.
Elisa Killen, a sophomore majoring in hospitality with a culinary focus, also had positive experiences with CAPS during the pandemic.
Unlike Macon, Killen prefers telehealth over in person sessions since the pressure of running after class to CAPS is no longer an issue.
CAPS helped Killen navigate her anxiety and she would like to continue using virtual sessions after the pandemic.
Like Killen, Swindoll has been happy with CAPS’ services, saying her therapist helps her by giving her techniques to implement at each session. But, she believes CAPS could improve.
Swindoll’s counseling sessions are once every two weeks, but she feels she would benefit from them being more frequent.
“That week I [want to] address [any problems] because by next week [they’re] gone,” said Swindoll.
Although she understands there is a need for mental health services , she would like weekly appointments.
For more information on CAPS or to schedule an appointment, visit https://studentaffairs.fiu.edu/health-and-fitness/counseling-and-psychological-services/.
Swindoll would also like a way to schedule appointments online, instead of having to call the CAPS office.
Though Macon has not had any issues with her therapist, she says she can see how a high demand from students and a new system of operations can cause delays.
CAPS has served over 1,000 students since going remote, CAPS director Todd Lengnick told PantherNOW in an email.
“We had over 60 appointments via telehealth the first day we went remote and over 160 appointments that first week,” Lengnick said.
CAPS has not had to limit student intake and students are generally able to speak with clinicians in two to three days, according to Lengnick. He added that general student concerns have been finding a private space to talk and connectivity issues.
Lengnick said although CAPS has faced challenges, they are “still striving to give their best to the students and FIU.”
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