Information for Parents

Parents of Southern Methodist University Students:

Welcome to the website for Southern Methodist University’s Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS). CAPS is one of many SMU departments that are committed to enhance your sons' and daughters' educational experience and to enable them to develop as well-rounded and healthy individuals. This page is intended to provide you with information about our services and the ways in which we can be helpful to you and to your SMU student.

How can CAPS help parents?

We are available for consultation with parents by phone or by appointment. We invite parents to call if they have concerns about their son or daughter. Parents frequently have questions about the specific services we provide that may be beneficial to their student at SMU. We can also help parents secure referrals to services outside of the college for their sons and daughters.

What about Confidentiality?

Confidentiality is an important part of establishing trust and effective counseling relationships. Confidentiality laws also prohibit us from sharing any information about a student's counseling contacts without the expressed written permission of the student. However, confidentiality considerations do not prohibit us from discussing ways in which parents can be helpful in dealing with the issues that their sons and daughters are confronting.

Why do students go to counseling?

Counseling & Psychiatric Services sees over 1000 students each year for a wide range of reasons. Typically, students seek counseling for difficulties with adjustment, problems with relationships, self-esteem, sexual orientation, as well as serious emotional and behavioral issues such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and substance abuse. We encourage students to consult with us about any matters that concern them.

What services are offered?

Counseling and Psychiatric Services offers short-term individual counseling, group treatment, outreach, consultation and referral services free of charge. We also offer LD and ADHD testing for a nominal fee. Please visit the Services page for more information.

Holiday Tips for Parents:

  1. The holiday season can be associated with anxiety for a number of reasons. For college students, the holidays are crammed just before exams or between semesters. For those who have lost a loved one in the past year, this may be the first round of major holidays to cope with since the loss. Therefore, maintaining some semblance of celebration requires incredible resiliency to maintain the holiday spirit. Realize that your student may be experiencing a myriad of feelings.
  2. Encourage your student to share in family rituals and possibly help start a new ritual that is especially meaningful to him/her.
  3. Communicate with your student about how much time you would like to spend with him/her ahead of the holiday to help reduce the chances of disappointment and conflict. Hopefully, you can have some special times already earmarked for family.
  4. Be flexible—gathering many people for special celebrations can be difficult with busy schedules.
  5. Remember and cherish special memories of fun times, good friends, and wonderful things you’ve accomplished.
  6. Take heart—remember that the real reason for the holidays is spiritual renewal through sharing your love and faith with others.