Redefining Campus Mental Health: How CAPS is Transforming Care at CU Boulder – University of Colorado Boulder

At the University of Colorado Boulder, Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) is pioneering new approaches to campus mental health, reshaping how students access and experience support. With a focus on accessibility, innovation, and inclusivity, CAPS is setting a standard for mental health care in higher education. 
In its mission to create an equitable mental health care environment, CAPS has launched initiatives designed to meet the needs of underserved populations. Among these is the Multicultural Care Track, tailored to students who hold historically marginalized identities or those navigating challenges like being under-insured. The program provides personalized, long-term care, ensuring students receive affordable and culturally responsive support that might otherwise be inaccessible off campus. 
The impact is clear: between 2022 and 2023, utilization of these services surged by 110%, underscoring the program’s success in addressing systemic inequities. By prioritizing inclusivity, CAPS is fostering a more welcoming and supportive environment for all students. 
In 2023, CAPS introduced a series of innovative programs targeting specific student needs: 
Addressing the rise of legalized sports betting, CAPS launched a groundbreaking initiative to support students grappling with gambling addiction. With only 5% of U.S. college campuses equipped to handle this issue, CAPS leads the charge by integrating screening tools, hosting outreach events, and partnering with CU’s Collegiate Recovery Community. This comprehensive approach provides critical resources for a growing yet under-addressed concern. 
Combining evidence-based practices and holistic care, CAPS debuted Acudetox, a program aimed at reducing anxiety, improving sleep, and helping students manage trauma. Available in multiple locations across Health & Wellness, Acudetox has quickly gained popularity and reflects a growing demand for alternative mental health strategies. 
Recognizing the unique pressures faced by graduate students, CAPS launched a workshop series called “Rebound: Cultivating a Practice of Emotional Resilience.” Thise three-day program has proven transformative—one in four participants pursued additional CAPS services, highlighting its lasting impact. 
CAPS extends its reach through strategic partnerships across campus, creating a seamless network of support for CU Boulder students: 
Working with CU Athletics, Wardenburg Health Center, and Sexual and Reproductive Health units, CAPS has streamlined psychiatric consultations. This collaborative approach allows students to access high quality psychiatric care without extra appointments, breaking down barriers to essential resources. 
In partnership with the CU Police Department, CAPS introduced a mental health clinician into crisis response calls. The co-responder’s presence on mental health police calls has reduced hospitalizations by 50%, ensuring timely and compassionate care during critical moments. 
As a nationally recognized training site, CAPS is shaping the future of mental health care by training emerging professionals. Every year, 14 clinicians-in-training join CAPS across five distinct programs, providing additional capacity to serve students and offer more expanded services.  
At its heart, CAPS is about people. Whether helping a student overcome cultural stigma to access therapy, supporting athletes through collaborative psychiatric care, or guiding graduate students in resilience workshops, CAPS makes a profound difference every day. 
This impact is measurable: more than 80% of students who considered leaving CU Boulder reported that attending a session with CAPS influenced their decision to stay. By providing timely, compassionate, and effective support, CAPS is not just redefining mental health care at CU Boulder—it’s setting an example for universities nationwide. 
For more information about CAPS and its services, visit their website. If you’re a student in need of support, CAPS is here to help. 
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