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Mental Health and Well-Being

The department has been working with CAPS (Counseling and Psychological Services) to put in place dedicated resources for our Chemistry and Biochemistry graduate students. We are pleased to announce beginning Wednesday, May 29th, 2024, our students will be able to access some additional services.

Meetings with a CAPS counselor will be available via both appointments (single sessions, individual sessions) and group forum drop-ins. All sessions are confidential and covered by FERPA. As such, the information from these meetings will not be shared with other members of the department.

APPOINTMENTS WITH A COUNSELOR (In-person or virtual)

Weekly on Wednesdays, we will have a CAPS counselor available nearby, in Galbraith Hall (see LOCATION below).

Single Session

A one-time consultation with a counselor to discuss a specific topic. Examples of this are: problem solving for a specific issue or tools/techniques to manage a situation.  

Format: 1:1
Time: 60 - 90 minutes

Individual Therapy 

A short-term, brief therapy model of 8-12 sessions with a counselor to work through presenting concerns such as anxiety, depression, grief, relationship issues, stress, and lifestyle changes. Many concerns could be resolve in less than 12 sessions, however sometimes further care is needed.  

Format: 1:1
Time: 60min

Group Forum

A group forum (drop-in group of 5 or more students, not professional counseling) are spaces where students can be in community, support one another to collectively solve problems and discussion. CAPS provider will facilitate and empower discussion among students based on topic raised by graduate students.

TO GET STARTED:

  1. Call CAPS - (858) 534-3755
  2. IMPORTANT: Identify yourself as a Chem/Biochem graduate student
  3. Complete a brief telephone assessment
  4. Schedule meeting

LOCATION:  Galbraith Hall, First Floor, Room 190

  • Room 190 is located on the bottom floor of Galbraith Hall (the floor below the large Orange Galbraith Hall sign).
  • If this is your first time making an appointment, please go to the front desk and speak to the receptionist.
  • If this is a follow up visit, please check in at the CheckIn Kiosk(s) in the hallway next to the offices and take a seat on the bench near the elevator. Your CAPS therapist will greet you at your scheduled appointment time or shortly thereafter.

DROP IN (No Appointment Needed - Virtual only)

"Let's Talk" - 1:1 informal consultations with a UC San DIego mental health professional
Typically run 20 - 25 minutes
See here for drop-in hours

Importantly, these new CAP services build upon the layers of resources and individuals, including faculty and staff advisors, that are already available to support your success and wellbeing as graduate students in our department. We encourage you to reach out early when you are facing challenges and to ask for help when it is needed. Whether you are struggling with research, coursework or teaching, health issues, feelings of isolation, imposter syndrome, food, housing and financial insecurity, strained relationships, mentorship issues, conflicting priorities, losses, traumas, or other issues, you are not alone. We care and will do whatever is possible to assist you.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to any of our department faculty/staff.