<p>CPS (Counseling & Psychological Services @ Cal) is not a money-grubbing, pill-pushing institution. When you walk in, they ask you to fill out a form, and they will have a consultation, and then assign you to a counselor. At any time you are free to request another counselor, and all meetings (up to a certain number per semester) are covered by SHIP (eg, free to you).</p>
<p>Counseling at Cal is not a long-term thing. It is meant to temporarily address short-term concerns, or assess an issue and refer to more long-term care. Additionally, the counselors at CPS can refer you to groups with students who have similar concerns (ie, undergrads with depression). </p>
<p>I have a disorder that CPS saw me for. I had to -ask- to be referred to a psychiatrist, a med-prescribing doctor. Once it was determined that my problem was not short-term, I was referred out into the community – and SHIP paid all but ~$15 of my visits to a therapist (non-med) in town. </p>
<p>Don’t be afraid to go to CPS.</p>