Mission and Goal Statements
Counseling and Psychological Services
Duke University
Vision. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is guided by the missions and goals of Duke University and the Division of Student Affairs. CAPS incorporates these goals into its strategic plan by offering students opportunities to address barriers to learning, to increase understanding of themselves and others, to reflect about their behaviors and life patterns, and to increase skills for positive change and growth. Within the learning community, CAPS contributes strongly to learning outcomes that promote students’ emotional, social, ethical, cognitive development, and safety. CAPS collaborates with others in the university who are concerned with students’ well-being and creating conditions for optimal learning and growth. CAPS’ professionals are committed to identifying and responding to patterns of unhealthy or oppressive behavior in order to advocate for systemic interventions. Maintaining a highly competent, multiculturally diverse and multidisciplinary staff of mental health professionals committed to sustaining a healthy and inclusive learning community is central to CAPS’ vision.
CAPS Mission. The mission of Counseling and Psychological Services is to enhance the education of Duke University students by addressing their mental health concerns and promoting their healthy emotional and social development. CAPS is committed to creating a safe, just and
equitable learning environment in the university community.
Role. As the counseling center for the students of Duke University, CAPS’ role and functions flow from core competencies in mental health services, consultation, outreach, developmental programming, training, and research. Its role is carried out by licensed psychologists, social
workers, psychiatrists and advanced trainees who specialize in the psychological development and treatment needs of a multicultural, emerging adult student population.
CAPS Overarching Goals.
A. Increase and maintain awareness in the Duke University community of the clinical, consultative, and student development functions of CAPS that support the overall mission of Student Affairs and Duke University.
B. Ensure that the diverse needs of the Duke student population are met by CAPS as an agency both institutionally and as mental health providers through its clinical, consultative, training, outreach services, research and programming.
C. Increase access to CAPS services for high-risk students and those who are concerned about them.
D. Offer an expanded continuum of services and collaboration with others for student personal growth, targeting emotional intelligence skills for self and interpersonal knowledge and understanding in a multicultural world.
E. Continuously implement high standards of care and quality assurance for all treatment services, and provide opportunities for professional development of staff core competencies focused on the clinical and developmental needs of emerging adults in a multicultural environment.
F. Infuse research and assessment into all planning, service delivery and consultation/collaboration with others in the university community.
G. Maintain and enhance clinical training programs for advanced graduate students in psychology, social work and psychiatry that focus on the clinical and developmental needs of emerging adults, and incorporate the highest standards of multicultural competency and ethical decision making.