CAPS Expands Embedded Mental Health Care for Students

The Division of Student Affairs is expanding student access to mental health care by embedding clinicians at academic locations, bringing support directly to the places where students learn and spend their time.

Building on the success of a pilot program launched last summer at the College of Engineering, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is embedding two more clinicians on campus: at the Sam M. Walton College of Business and the Cordia Harrington Center for Excellence (The CORD).

Rather than expecting them to seek support at the CAPS counseling center, the embedded clinician model makes it easier for students to receive care earlier and more often.

"Many students wait until a crisis to seek care," said Kristy Davis, CAPS senior associate director of clinical and embedded services. "The goal of embedding clinicians is to prevent burnout and support students sooner."

In addition, embedded clinicians work closely with faculty, advisors and student success teams to understand the unique pressures students navigate in their fields of study.  

The embedded clinician program builds on CAPS' Counselor-in-Residence model, which began in the 1990s and placed clinicians in residence halls. Today, those embedded roles are extending into academic spaces.

Engineering One Stop

The pilot program launched last summer at the College of Engineering, placing the university's first embedded mental health clinician within an academic college.

CAPS Clinician Sidney Bowman is embedded at Engineering One-Stop - a centralized hub designed to support both the academic success and overall well-being of engineering students. Bowman works alongside student success partners to provide care tailored to the demands of a high-rigor academic environment.

Engineering Associate Dean for Student Success Bryan Hill helped shape the initiative in partnership with CAPS and the Division of Student Affairs.

"By situating care within Engineering One-Stop, we're meeting students where they are - both academically and personally," Hill said.

Initial outcomes from the pilot program have underscored its impact, Davis said. Engineering students who used the service reported they were more likely to seek help because a clinician was embedded within their college. They rated the experience highly for accessibility, confidentiality and understanding of their needs.

CAPS plans to also add a group counseling component to the services at Engineering One-Stop, further expanding opportunities for students to receive care.

Expanding to Walton College and The CORD

Two more CAPS clinicians are being embedded this semester. Clinician Nathan Harriman will be located at the Walton College of Business, where he looks forward to improving access to care.

"While pressure can motivate us, it can also weigh heavily. My hope is to foster a culture that makes room for us to be fully human.” — CAPS Clinician Nathan Harriman.

"Having a presence at Walton College will help us better meet students where they're already doing life," Harriman said. "They won't have to trek across campus to the CAPS offices when their schedule is already packed."

With a business minor and a background in the corporate world, Harriman understands the unique pressures business students can face: intense competition, the need to adapt constantly, networking expectations and imposter syndrome.

"While pressure can motivate us, it can also weigh heavily," Harriman said. "My hope is to foster a culture that makes room for us to be fully human."

Embedded clinician Hannah Doty will be in office on the third floor of The CORD. Like her colleagues, Doty sees proximity as a way to build trust before challenges escalate into a crisis.  

"Being present in The CORD creates opportunities for everyday connection," Doty said. "A familiar smile and approachable presence can help students feel more comfortable seeking support early, before challenges become overwhelming."

For Doty, the role is about more than convenience — it's about changing how students think about asking for help.

"I hope every student knows that asking for support is a sign of strength and that they don't have to navigate college alone," she said.