Reviews of Florida International University: Counseling Psychological Services Center (Psychologist)

Jerry Garcia

Seems to me from what I’ve gathered from different sources is that this place isn’t actually providing a full treatment service, rather it’s more of a drive through service. So, you get a handful of sessions maybe 2-5 & there’s only two outcomes here, either you’re told you have to do group therapy even if it’s inappropriate or they give you a referral. Students who come out of group therapy with no success are also given a referral. The point is, they want you out of their office ASAP. There is no long term one on one service. It defeats the purpose of stepping in there.

Sarah Catherine

CAPS is terrible. I want to find a way to share more about my experiences at CAPS with other students, because there needs to be changes. I keep brushing off my experiences, but they've consistently been negative and I feel it needs to be talked about. I've heard multiple other students have extremely negative experiences with CAPs besides me and I don't understand why these issues are not being discussed and addressed. At one point I was treated rudely and condescendingly when I came in for an emergency appointment because I was struggling with immediate and pressing suicidal thoughts. This was after initially being denied an appointment, period, even though I came in early in the day (11AM) because all appointments were filled for that day. I was only even seen because I began crying and asking what the purpose of CAPs is if there is no system/no one on call for emergency situations when a student is reaching out because they feel they will harm themselves that day and need immediate help. This was at the BBC campus. Because of this they pulled a counselor aside to speak to me before my appointment. She was extremely rude and accusatory to me, repeatedly saying "You said you needed to talk. So talk." While I was crying and having problems articulating why I was there and why I was having suicidal thoughts. I left crying and later harmed myself. At main campus I attempted to make another appointment, which also went badly. After filling out paperwork and sitting and getting assessed, all the counselor could tell me was "go to these referrals." When I told her that I would also like to take advantage of the counseling services we're offered at CAPS in the meantime, she essentially just told me no, because she thought it would be counter-productive as they only offer short-term counseling. While I understand her concerns, these resources are available to everyone and I don’t think it was okay to just flat-out be denied access to the services here because my issues were considered “to great.” At this point I honestly asked her: What is the purpose of CAPS? I could have looked on the internet and found referrals myself. I don't currently have a car or the resources to go to another center, as well as having a great deal of anxiety about counseling, period. CAPS is supposed to be a resource to help students. Yet every time I go there and actually find the courage to speak up for my questions and needs, I feel spoken down to or even flat out ignored. CAPS doesn't put students first. They are cold, but to call them cold and clinical wouldn't even be completely accurate - clinical denotes a level of professionalism that I sadly haven't seen.

Wendy Johnson

The campus is enormous so many young people pursuing their degrees for a chance to a better life. I am a student and so impressed with the campus it's been quite a while since I have attended classes.

Manuel

I finished a semester of group therapy and the experience was very rewarding. Furthermore, the staff were very friendly, accommodating, and professional. Some parts that could be improved a bit are: Having a larger space to walk into (feels cramped); Counselors taking more time to connect and using the computer less during session (which is hard given the fact that documentation is now digital). Overall, I recommend it to anyone.

Jason Greco

These people couldn't care less about you. It's a free service, they get payed no matter what so of course they don't care to follow up with you or even have the decency to call you. They prey on the fact that you're seeking help. After my session, I couldn't help to think that she just wanted to get rid of me quickly. I walked out of there thinking "OMG I just divulged my entire life to this lady who doesn't care & probably thinks I'm a creeper."