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Gifts to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) contribute to...
Support Student Wellness at Saint Mary's College: Donate to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)!
SMC is committed to the mental and emotional well-being of our students. Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) plays a crucial role in helping students navigate life’s challenges, from academic stress to personal struggles, all within a confidential, culturally sensitive, and supportive environment. Our mission is not just to provide counseling, but to ensure that every student has the resources and support needed to thrive at SMC—personally, academically, and socially.
Why Your Gift Matters:
During the 2024-2025 academic year CAPS provided professional mental health counseling to 13% of SMC’s student body. According to a survey of students seen at CAPS, 88% reported that the support they received helped them stay enrolled at SMC. As mental health challenges continue to rise at SMC and across college campuses nationwide, your donation directly supports the well-being and success of our students. With mental health issues affecting students’ ability to focus, learn, and perform academically, CAPS is more critical than ever.
The Growing Need for Support:
Over the past decade, the number of college students facing depression has nearly doubled, with more than 40% of students now reporting symptoms1. Fifty percent of students rate their mental health as below average or poor2. This increase is mirrored by a rise in the demand for counseling services, with many centers, including CAPS, facing overwhelming demand, increasing students’ wait times for services. Students’ mental health concerns have real implications for their success and retention, 77 percent of students nationwide indicate that mental or emotional difficulties negatively impact their academic performance3. Further, depression is a significant predictor of lower GPA and higher probability of dropping out. At a time when 1 in 4 students experiencing mental health challenges leave school4 , the work of CAPS is critical to student retention and success.
How Your Contribution Helps:
Your donations will directly support the ongoing efforts of CAPS to meet the increasing mental health needs of our students. Funds will be used to:
- Develop Staff Expertise: As student mental health challenges evolve, we need to develop new skills and competencies so that we can offer the most effective, current, culturally sensitive care.
- Support Counseling Trainee Development: In 2024-2025 CAPS’ clinical trainees (who are primarily SMC students seeking counseling degrees) provided 47% of CAPS counseling services to SMC students. Your donation will help CAPS attract the most qualified trainees and ensure that they have an excellent training experience.
- Support Operational Improvements: Donations will allow us to invest in new tools and technologies to better serve students, streamline operations, and improve access to care.
The Impact of Your Gift:
When you donate to CAPS you’re investing in our students’ well-being so they can thrive and continue their studies at SMC. In addition to supporting students directly, CAPS offers consultation services to parents, faculty, and staff, equipping them to better support students and strengthening students’ overall support network. This collaborative effort ensures that students have the resources they need to succeed.
Through CAPS, students develop better coping strategies, improve their academic performance, and foster meaningful connections with their peers and the broader SMC community. Your generosity helps CAPS remain an effective and critical resource for all students by providing individual, group, couples, and friend therapy. CAPS also leads outreach and educational initiatives that promote mental health awareness, ensuring that every SMC student benefits from CAPS' work—even if they don’t seek counseling.
Thank you for helping us create a supportive and empowering environment for every SMC student!
As we continue to adapt to the changing needs of our community, your donation is a powerful way to help us support students’ mental health, prevent burnout, and foster a stronger, more resilient SMC.
Join Us in Supporting Student Wellness:
Your contribution can make a lasting difference in the lives of SMC students. Please consider making a donation to CAPS today, and help us provide the care and support that every student deserves. Together, we can ensure that every student has the opportunity to succeed, grow, and thrive.
Donate Now and make a direct impact on student wellness at SMC. Thank you for your support!
To learn more about CAPS visit our website and follow us on Instagram
1 Healthy Minds Network of the American Counsel on Education
2 TSF New Research: Student Mental Health on Campus - The Steve Fund
3 Healthy Minds Network, Healthy Minds Study 2023–2024 Data Report
