CAPS to offer virtual treatment for the foreseeable future

Frostburg’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) office will operate virtually for the foreseeable future, according to Director Susan Mandell. Per the CAPS page on the university’s website, the office has moved to utilize a “telepsychology model” in order to deliver services to students.

Following major concerns that the office had remained understaffed for the entire 2018-2019 academic year, a partnership with UPMC Western Maryland to ensure better mental health treatment for students was sought out and secured by FSU at the beginning of 2020. Since then, the office has experienced major updates on operations, as well as new professionals added to the staff. CAPS is currently staffed by its director, Dr. Susan Mandell, PsyD, and three full time clinicians: Michele Brinsfield, LMSW; Tawona Pearson, LCSW-C; and Norma Sosa, LCPC. In addition, CAPS also has part-time psychiatric support, and is looking to hire a new administrative assistant a fifth full-time clinician.

For the fall and beyond, CAPS will deliver services via Vidyo Desktop as well as Microsoft Teams, should the office experience any difficulties with Vidyo. Both programs are Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant.

Despite the office’s move to virtual services, its hours of operation will remain the same. The office will open from 8 AM to 4:30 PM Monday through Friday. If a student is interested in receiving treatment from CAPS, they should call the front desk at 301-687-4234. Students are asked not to enter the office to schedule an appointment or in the event of an emergency. CAPS will still provide emergency crisis services as well both during and outside of normal hours of operation. After 4:30 PM, if a student is in need of crisis services, they should call the University Police and inform them that they want to be put in touch with the crisis counselor on duty.

Paperwork prior to treatment will be completed virtually as well. Paperwork for intake appointments should be filled out directly before the scheduled appointment. Intake appointments are the preliminary appointment between a student and clinician, and gives the clinician the opportunity to evaluate further treatment plans.

“It is our goal to see students who are not in crisis as soon as possible, and no later than 10 business days of calling,” says Mandell, and adds, “individual sessions are available and being scheduled at this time. We are hopeful that we will be able to offer some group services as well.”