.CAPS Ambassadors Foster a Community of Care
Holistic well-being is an emphasis across Student Life. Between academics, physical health and extracurriculars it can be easy to lose focus on mental health, but it is a necessary piece of the puzzle in promoting overall well-being. CAPS Ambassadors emphasize the importance of mental health and strive to share this message and cultivate a culture of holistic well-being to all Boilermakers.
CAPS Ambassadors is a program started by Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) where students educate the student population about CAPS services. Ambassadors are the liaisons between CAPS, peers and the university. Using the eyes and ears of empowered student leaders, CAPS ambassadors implement initiatives that reflect student need on campus. They offer a wide variety of resources tailored to mental health support and are continuously growing the program.
“We want to be a helpful resource for students and to meet them where they are,” says Challini Dua, a junior studying psychology and the vice president of CAPS Ambassadors.
Many students may be struggling with mental health challenges while not knowing where to turn or what resources Purdue has to offer. By extending support and clarification, CAPS Ambassadors empower students to take charge and find the resources they may need.
“I want students to know that what they are going through is completely valid,” emphasizes Sunishka Deshpande, a junior studying biomedical engineering and president of CAPS Ambassadors. “We have a lot of students who are ambassadors and have also utilized resources. We are not just here for CAPS; we are here for you.”
There are a wide variety of CAPS services that the ambassadors promote. One of the CAPS services promoted by the ambassadors is same-day/next-day appointment scheduling. With same-day/next-day appointment scheduling, students can schedule a 30-minute talk with a counselor the same day scheduled or day after to figure out a plan for sessions. These appointments are completely free and can be scheduled online to fit conveniently into a student’s schedule. Outside of this resource, there are 23 mental health workshops and groups focused on a plethora of topics a student could be dealing with, from depression or anxiety to eating disorders.
“We are trying to make CAPS as accessible as possible,” says Dua.
Students do not have to be a client to participate in the workshops and if students aren’t sure about booking an appointment, there are 15-minute confidential consultation options in which they can ask any therapy-related questions and get a feel for what an appointment would look like by using the Let’s Talk program available three days a week on campus.
CAPS Ambassadors regularly meet with professional staff at CAPS to discuss strategies for helping students connect with the many resources available. By championing mental health and fostering a culture of holistic well-being on campus, CAPS Ambassadors work to destigmatize mental health challenges and promote inclusivity, understanding and self-discovery.
“I worked with student leaders last year on campus in creating the CAPS Ambassadors program,” says Christopher Hanes, senior director of CAPS. “We met regularly and decided on the mission and structure of the program with a goal of helping students connect to the many resources available at CAPS and engage students as key partners in our collective work. We have an executive board of members and they are recruiting around 20-25 additional members. The goal is to have a CAPS Ambassador for each college and major area of campus to maximize the reach of programming and impact.”
Outside of promoting CAPS, ambassadors also organize their own events. They recently hosted a pumpkin painting event, providing 100 pumpkins for students to paint at no cost as a brain break and a fun way to de-stress. The program also partnered with CARE (Center for Advocacy, Response & Education) to take the second annual domestic violence awareness honor walk on Krach Lawn. This walk honored survivors and those who have lost their lives to domestic violence. Another opportunity that CAPS Ambassadors provided was TAO or Treat on Halloween. At this fun event, students had the chance to experience CAPS’ online therapy assistant and indulge in sweet treats.
“We were really excited about TAO or Treat,” says Deshpande. “It was a great way to see the therapy modules without having to download an app first.”
As mental health continues to be a vital component of student well-being, the CAPS Ambassadors program stands as a beacon of support and resources on campus. With a variety of services designed to meet diverse needs and engaging events that foster community, the program is committed to ensuring that every student feels empowered to seek help. Whether you’re looking for a workshop, a confidential consultation, or simply a fun way to de-stress, CAPS Ambassadors are here for you. Don’t hesitate to connect with them and take the first step toward prioritizing your mental well-being. Check out their website for more information, and follow the CAPS Instagram for updates regarding both CAPS and the CAPS Ambassadors program. Together, we can build a more inclusive and supportive campus environment.
About CAPS
Purdue Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is a team of mental health professionals who deliver accessible, culturally competent and high-quality psychological services to Purdue students. CAPS helps Purdue students maximize the value of their life experiences by developing collaborative relationships in a safe and respectful environment. CAPS’ portfolio of professional services includes individual, group and couples' psychotherapy; psychopharmacology; crisis intervention; drug and alcohol programs; outreach and consultation; and the training of helping professionals.