Scope of Clinical Practice Statement

At the initial intake, and sometimes during the course of treatment, it may be determined that the needs of a student fall outside the CAPS scope of practice.  In these cases, your counselor may recommend referrals to community providers with more specialized or longer-term service options. Care management services are available to students who would like guidance and support connecting with referral resources.

Concerns/circumstances likely to fall outside of the CAPS scope of practice:

  • Concerns that require frequent counseling sessions (i.e. more than one-time weekly appointments) or long-term care
  • Specialized or intensive treatment (e.g. Outpatient/Inpatient care for Eating Disorders)
  • Formal psychological assessments (e.g. ADHD, learning disability evaluations)
  • Mandated counseling or mental health evaluations
  • Services initiated for class credit or as a course requirement
  • Concerns being addressed concurrently by another mental health provider
  • Lack of consistent attendance/adherence to recommended treatment
  • Documentation for emotional support animals
  • Services initiated for the sole purpose of obtaining documentation for another office

At times, CAPS clinicians may provide services that extend beyond the stated scope of practice. In general, these services are time-limited, individualized, and based upon considerations for client welfare and clinical judgment.

CAPS remains available to all MSU students for crisis intervention, emergency services, and/or assistance accessing off-campus mental health resources, regardless of eligibility status.