Southern Illinois University (SIU) has established a mental health response team named CAPS Plus, formed by the Department of Public Safety and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS). This initiative aims to assist individuals in crisis during emergency calls, specifically targeting students who demonstrate signs of mental health challenges.
The CAPS Plus team is trained to respond effectively to incidents involving students, faculty, or staff who are experiencing mental health crises or seeking help. The primary objective is to de-escalate these situations and support individuals in remaining at school.
Benjamin Newman, SIU’s director of public safety and chief of police, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating that intervention services beyond traditional law enforcement can be beneficial for those in crisis. When police officers identify a mental health issue, they will contact a trained mental health professional to assist, ensuring that help is available in a safe manner.
In the past year, SIU’s Department of Public Safety responded to 49 incidents related to mental health crises. This statistic highlights the need for specialized support for individuals facing such challenges. The CAPS Plus team members are continuously undergoing training to recognize mental illness symptoms and develop skills in de-escalation and intervention.
Funding for the CAPS Plus program comes from a competitive grant provided by the Illinois Board of Higher Education, aimed at improving mental health services on campus. For more details about the services offered by SIU’s Student Health Services, individuals can visit their website or social media pages.
